Martial arts school & dojo
Build confidence on the mat
Karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self-defence classes for kids, teens and adults. Patient instructors, a welcoming dojo, and your first class is free.
First class free
Beginners welcome
Kids from age 5
Free trial class
Beginner-friendly classes this week
Kids karate (5–8) · Mon
16:30
Teens (13–17) · Tue
17:30
Brazilian jiu-jitsu · Wed
19:30
Self-defence · Sat
10:00
No uniform or experience needed.
Programs
Classes for every age and every level
Start as a complete beginner. Each program is grouped by age and experience, so every student trains with people at their stage.
Kids (ages 5–8)
Playful karate basics that build balance, listening and focus, in short, fun sessions.
Juniors (ages 9–12)
Strikes, blocks, kata and partner drills, with clear goals for every belt.
Teens (ages 13–17)
Technique, fitness and controlled sparring in a group of their own age.
Adult karate
Traditional karate for complete beginners and returning students alike.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Ground technique, escapes and positions, in gi and no-gi classes.
Self-defence
Practical skills, awareness and calm decision-making for everyday situations.
Kickboxing fitness
Pad work and combinations for a full-body workout. No contact needed.
Family classes
Parents and children train side by side on Saturday mornings.
Your first class
New to martial arts? Start here
1
Book a free trial
Choose a class for your age and level online or by phone.
2
Arrive 10 minutes early
Wear comfortable sportswear. We show you around and fill in a short health form.
3
Try the class
An instructor guides you through the warm-up and basics at your own pace.
4
Choose your plan
Enjoyed it? Pick a membership and we help you order a uniform.
Tell your instructor about any injury or health condition before you train. If you are unsure whether martial arts suits you, check with your doctor first.
Respect
We bow in, listen to each other and look after our training partners.
Focus
One technique at a time, practised with care until it feels natural.
Confidence
Small goals and steady progress help every student stand a little taller.
Discipline
Turning up, trying again and helping the newest student on the mat.
About the dojo
A dojo where everyone belongs
We are an independent martial arts school. Our instructors teach every technique step by step, keep classes friendly and focused, and help each student grow at their own pace.
- Classes grouped by age and experience
- A respectful, welcoming place to train
- Clear goals for every belt
- A written safeguarding policy for junior classes
Timetable
This week on the mats
Kids karate (5–8) · Mon, Wed
16:30
Juniors (9–12) · Mon, Wed
17:15
Teens (13–17) · Tue, Thu
17:30
Adult karate · Tue, Thu
19:00
Brazilian jiu-jitsu · Mon, Wed, Fri
19:30
Kickboxing fitness · Fri
18:00
Self-defence · Sat
10:00
Family class · Sat
11:15
Sample timetable: class times change each term, so check with us before your first visit.
Before your first class
Every class is marked with an age group or level, so you can start in the right place.
Ages 5–8 Ages 9–12 Teens Adults Beginners All levels
- Wear comfortable sportswear: no uniform needed yet
- Bring water and remove jewellery before training
- Tell the instructor about any injury or health condition
Memberships
Simple plans for every student
Start with a free trial class, then choose the plan that suits your week.
Ages 5–12
Kids & juniors
$79 per month
- Two classes a week
- A progress card for every belt
- Rolling month to month
Teens & adults
Unlimited
$119 per month
- Every karate, BJJ and kickboxing class
- Saturday self-defence class
- Rolling month to month
Train together
Family
$189 per month
- Up to three family members
- Two classes a week each
- Saturday family class
Example prices. Uniforms, sparring gear and grading fees are extra. Sample membership terms.
Belt grading
Your path from white belt to black belt
Students grade when their instructor feels they are ready, not on a fixed timetable. Every belt has clear goals, so you always know what to practise next.
White belt
First steps
Stances, basic strikes and blocks, how to fall safely and dojo etiquette.
Yellow belt
Foundations
Simple combinations, your first kata and partner drills at a gentle pace.
Orange belt
Building control
Kicks with balance, escapes from grabs and light, supervised partner work.
Red belt
Applying technique
Longer kata, controlled sparring and self-defence scenarios.
Brown belt
Refining
Precision and timing, and helping newer students in class.
Black belt
A new beginning
A deep grasp of the basics, and the start of a lifelong practice.
Example grading path: belt colours, order and timings vary between styles and schools.
Our team
The instructors who will teach you
Andre Whitfield
Head instructor · Karate
Teaches the adult karate and self-defence classes, with calm, clear coaching for every level.
Rina Takeda
Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach
Breaks every position down step by step, so beginners feel at home on the mat.
Ellie Novak
Kids and juniors lead
Runs the kids and family classes with lots of energy, patience and praise.
Student reviews
What students and parents say
★★★★★
“My son was shy at the start of term. Now he bows in with a big grin and practises his kata in the kitchen.”
Sample parent
Kids karate
★★★★★
“I started jiu-jitsu in my forties with no experience at all. Every move was explained slowly and nobody made me feel out of place.”
Sample student
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
★★★★★
“The self-defence class was practical, calm and respectful. I left with a few simple skills I actually remember.”
Sample student
Self-defence
Inside the dojo
Where the training happens
Kids classes
Short, lively sessions where good listening earns the next stripe.
Supervised sparring
Controlled partner work with gloves and head guards, once you are ready.
Every belt, step by step
Clear goals for each grade, from your first white belt onwards.
FAQ
Questions new students ask
Still not sure? Call the dojo or come and watch a class before you try one.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Every class starts with a warm-up and techniques are taught step by step, so you build fitness as you train. Tell your instructor about any injury or health condition, and if you are unsure, check with your doctor first.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable sportswear, such as a T-shirt and track pants. We train barefoot on the mats, so bring flip-flops for walking around, plus a bottle of water. You do not need a uniform for your trial.
What age can children start?
Our kids classes start at age 5, juniors are 9 to 12 and teens 13 to 17. Adults of any age are welcome in the adult classes.
Is martial arts safe?
Like any sport, martial arts carries some risk of injury. Instructors teach controlled technique on padded mats, beginners do not spar, and all sparring is supervised and uses protective gear.
What kit will I need later on?
If you join, you will need a uniform (gi). Before you start sparring you will also need gloves, a mouthguard and shin guards. We tell you exactly what to get, so there is no need to buy anything in advance.
How does belt grading work?
Your instructor invites you to grade when you are ready for the next belt. Grading takes place during set sessions and has a small fee; ask us for the current dates.
How do you keep children safe?
We follow a written safeguarding policy for all junior classes. Ask us for a copy and for the name of our welfare officer.
Visit us
Class hours & directions
Monday – Friday
16:00 – 21:00
Saturday
9:00 – 13:00
Sunday
Closed
14 Cedar Row
Springfield, ST 10004 · Parking behind the building
Your first class is free
Book your free trial class
Tell us the student’s age and experience, and we will suggest the right class. No uniform, no commitment.