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Build Confidence,Discipline & Fitness with Self-Defense - At Any Age

Whether you're a child, teen or adult,discover traditional Shotokan Karate in a safe, supportive environment. Our Shotokan Karate JKA Academy in Luton & Watford welcome all ages and abilities - No previous fitness or experience required - Join a 52- year legacy of Shotokan JKA excellence.

Aff: Japan Karate Association World Federation (JKA WF ).Coach: Shamim Aktar 7th Dan. 54 years Karate experience
Book your Free Trial Class Now
Children Practicing Karate

Helping Children Build Confidence & Focus Safely

Structured,fun Shotokan Karate that builds discipline,coordination and self-belief in a safe environment parents trust.
 

Confidence, Discipline & Strength for Teens

Karate training that developsresilience, self control and fitness whilst teaching practical self-defence.
 

Challenge Yourself - At Your Own Level.

Beginner-friendly adult classes focussed on fitness, confidence,personal development & mastering the art - no experience required. 
 

Our Karate Programmes for all ages :
 

See Why Parents,Children,& Adults
Love Shotokan JKA Academy...
...Your Child's confidence could be one class away!

Our UK JKA National  championships winners
Kids karate class Watford
Our UK JKA National  championships winners

Here's what others are saying about us :

95% of our members & parents said they / or their child became more confident within the first 6 weeks !! ...

2+
Locations
Across Watford & Luton

10+
JKA Certified
Instructors & Coaches

53+
Years 
Serving Watford & Luton Areas

Our UK JKA National  championships winners

Shotokan JKA Kids do really well in JKA national Karate championships.

HM King Charles visits the Shotokan Karate JKA Academy

A Royal visit by HRH Prince Charles in 2006 to see our positive life - changing  amazing karate !!

Shotokan karate training is more than physical technique, it is a way of life . We train to improve ourselves not dominate others, develop strong charater,respect tradition and continuous learning as karate "begins and ends with respect" ...If you are interested in learning shotokan JKA karate & wish to dedicate yourself to mastering the best karate of the first & second generation JKA karate masters then you have come to the right place.Our head coach and the coaching team will help develop your full potential which you did not realise you had within,but beware joining us could change your life positively forever !!.
Our Shotokan JKA Karate self development course is one of our core
Shotokan karate courses and the number one essential life-skills development tool, and the best thing you can give yourself or your child as a special priceless gift for life ... 

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL LESSON  NOW !! 

kidskarateclasses

Self-Defence

Shotokan JKA Karate Academy requires you/your child to follow multi-step karate directions and build problem solving and critical thinking karate skills,which can be karate techniques, stances, karate blocks,karate kicks, karate punches or karate strikes. This kind of JKA karate preparation is very useful in work, school and everyday life. Through karate training at shotokan karate jka academy, you/your child will learn to overcome all kinds of challenges tangible and intangible faced in your life and also achieve all your goals positively, at the same time build up self-confidence that serves well outside the karate dojo.

kids practising karate using a focus bag.

   Fitness

You/Your child will stay active throughout our entire JKA karate class, improving your fitness, stamina, strength,agility and  co-ordination as well as learning ultimate karate self defence techniques & skills.

Beginners Martial Arts Class

Self-Confidence

Through our special Shotokan karate JKA training & coaching,you/ your child will learn to achieve goals through our special karate tape-testing and karate grading systems, which will ensure your child builds up self-confidence to undertake anything in your life without fear. This will also serve you outside your karate training into all aspects of your life. In our structured & safe environment the karate self-control &  karate self-discipline training can develop your focus, concentration, and listening skills to the next level.

Young Martial Arts Trainer

Intellectual Growth

 .In Navigating the teen years, parents of our young adults and junior karate classes students, praise the Shotokan Karate JKA Academy for helping their teens & young adults manage stress,& tension, develop their resilience, and navigate years of intense personal growth through training.

Our Shotokan JKA Karate classes also require your child to follow multi-step directions and solve complex problems,through karate techniques, karate kumite, and karate kata.These karate skills translate well into their school class room.

Our Award-winning JKA Shotokan Karate Classes for Kids & Adults 

kids karate championships

Kids 6-11 yrs

Our Shotokan JKA Karate Kids Tigers Class is second to none and has been voted the best in Watford & Luton top Karate schools for many decades in Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire. Our Kids Karate classes are broken into two age groups, Lil Samurai's & Tigers from the ages of 6 - 11years .

Our Kids Karate winners

Juniors 12-14 yrs

Our Shotokan JKA Karate Classes for juniors 12 yrs -15 yrs in Watford,and Luton helps your child grow and manage their self-discipline and stresses of school & early teenage life. Our JKA karate classes provide a safe place for your junior to have fun and be themselves whilst developing karate life-skills and good judgement through our mental and physical skill building karate exercises.

adult karate championships

Teens & Adults 15-80 yrs

Our Shotokan Teens & Adult Classes will help you to take charge of your mental, physical, & emotional well-being. You will gain powerful karate self-defence skills in a supportive atmosphere. You will enhance your focus & perseverance for success in school, college,business or work. Develop attributes that positively impact both your life and that of your children, learning the art of Shotokan JKA karate, a fascinating martial art of self-defence, and life development tradition.

.For more details contact us now.

What makes our Shotokan JKA Karate different from other sports ?

While participating in other sports or activities can benefit your child, no other sport can provide the level of discipline, challenge or emotional competency that Shotokan JKA Karate can.

Benefit
Shotokan Karate JKA Academy
Other Sports
Everyone can participate
Training for preventing Bullying
Builds Confidence
Improves Physical fitness
Decreases Likelihood of Bullying
Instills Discipline & Focus
Teaches Karate Self-Defence
Provides Social Opportunities

Find The Best Shotokan Karate Classes Near You Right Now!

Are you ready to fulfill your full potential ? Our Shotokan karate classes are the most excellent way for individuals of all ages to learn & master the art of karate. Our experienced Karate coaches create a welcoming environment where you can learn and improve your karate abilities, whether you're just starting out as a beginner or want to improve as an advanced level grade.

 

Come to our top Shotokan JKA Karate at Watford,or Luton where you'll not only learn how to defend yourself but also how to be strong and confident. Our best karate self defence classes and fitness training focus on getting you in shape and making you mentally tough and strong so that you can perform to your limit in and out of the dojo.

 

Don't wait! Get started with a free trial lesson now. Come to Shotokan Karate JKA Academy, the best karate classes in the watford and Luton area and take the first step towards feeling more confident in mind & powerful in body!

Empower Yourself with Professional Shotokan JKA Karate Training

Looking for Shotokan JKA Karate Academy close to you that provides professional guidance towards balck belt excellence in welcoming surroundings? At Shotokan JKA Academy, we have classes for all ages.

 

Our  adult women Shotokan JKA Karate classes near me are targeted on building self confidence, self-assurance,lots of energy, and effective self-defense skills & talents, at the same time promoting fitness, health, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a beginner in karate classes or a skilled Black Belt, our certified coaches personalize every class to match your aspirations and progress.

 

Join our growing  member community and experience both the physical and mental benefits of Shotokan JKA Karate training with us, under the expert supervision of Mr Shamim Aktar 7th Dan.

 

If you’ve been searching for Shotokan JKA Karate classes near me, Shotokan JKA Academy is the place where karate training passion meets discipline and positive transformation begins.

Whether you are a dojo looking to affiliate with us or an individual wishing to learn or improve their Shotokan JKA Karate Skills call us now to get started.

Call : 07956 553417 

Head Coach Profile :
Mr Shamim Aktar's Ultimate Karate Training Experience of
more than 54 years with the very best masters of JKA Shotokan Karate.

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Mr Shamim Aktar 7th Dan JKAWF  is the head coach/instructor at the Shotokan Karate JKA Academy. Shamim Aktar has over 54 years of experience in Karate and martial arts classes. He is regarded as one of the best Shotokan  JKA coaches/instructors in the UK. The Shotokan JKA Academy has two training locations, one in Watford Herts and one in Luton Beds UK ( see locations/ timetable below).  Mr Shamim Aktar is currently a certified,qualified & recognised, member of Japan Karate Association World Federation (JKAWF) - He was last graded by a grading panel of Mr Oishi 8th Dan,( Chief Instructor at JKA Japan Headquarters) Mr Naito 8th Dan ( Head of JKA Italy ) and Mr Kawasoe 8th Dan ( Head of JKAWF UK ). 

 

Shamim Akhtar started Karate & Martial Arts at a very young age, originally wanting to become strong & fast like his martial arts hero the late Bruce Lee after watching his martial arts films in the early 70's, He became passionate & motivated to take up martial arts in many traditional and modern disciplines, including traditional Shotokan Karate, Karate, 

Kick Boxing, & Taekwon Do , (in which he achieved his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1983,at the University of East Anglia Taekwondo club under Master Heel ill Cho ).  He also trained extensively in Kyokushin Karate, Aikido, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Jeet Kune-Do, and Tai Chi Chuan with their top respective masters in the UK . However he was very much impressed by Shotokan Karate after watching a demonstration given by Master Hirokazu Kanazawa in the ealy 70's, thus he was converted to Shotokan Karate from that time.  Always wanting to experience this  shotokan dynamic Karate from the very heart and source of the art, and from the best masters in the world,he had an opportunity to travel  to the JKA  Japan in 2005 for training and learning from the worlds' leading original 'old school' JKA Karate masters, the very best of Shotokan Karate for 2 months. He also trained at Sensei H. Kanazawa's 9th Dan Dojo as well as sensei  M. Yahara's  8th Dan dojo too.

After returning back from his JKA Japan visit in 2005, he set up the Shotokan JKA Academy based on his learning experiences with the original dynamic and powerful JKA karate masters of Japan . 

Currently,after 54 years of practising Karate & mixed martial arts, together with a reflective synthesis of his own learning experiences, Shamim Aktar has set up a unique Black Belt excellence training programme for his students at the Shotokan JKA Academy.  This Black Belt excellence programme has been endorsed & approved by some of the world's top leading JKA Shotokan karate experts,masters,and leading authorities, at the same time it is positively encouraging all students learn Shotokan karate online.

Despite his very busy teaching schedule of teaching 5/6 days a week,Mr Shamim Aktar is available for courses & seminars for teaching his experiences of the Shotokan JKA Karate of the original masters to any club or dojo by  prior arrangement.

Call now to get involved on this exciting positive life-changing positive karate journey to Black Belt Excellence and self-perfection with Shamim Aktar 7th Dan :

 Call: 07956 553417

Training with sensei Yaguchi 9th Dan JKA
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After a seminar with Kase 10th Dan
Training with H. Shirai 8th Dan
Training with M. Tanaka sensei 8th Dan


Join a community dedicated to authentic dynamic JKA shotokan karate and personal growth for over 54 years.

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Frequently asked questions

Karate Belt

Our Training Locations & Times :

Our Mission :

At the Shotokan Karate JKA Academy, Our mission is to empower people of all ages in the community, especially our young people to learn the art of JKA karate that teaches positive character development & human developing skills and through it reach their fullest potential in the art of Shotokan JKA Karate,it also teaches about the importance of the awareness of the harmony &  mutual understanding between people and the world we live in, and the importance of integrating within society as good human beings. The karate training will help improve one's body,mind and spirit through learning ultimate self-defence techniques & essential life skills, whilst embodying our spirit of respect, indomitable spirit, generosity, experiential learning, teamwork, community and growth within the community based on the principles of karate as laid down by its founders in our Student Creed , Dojo Kun , & the twenty precepts.

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Our UK JKA National  championships winners
Joining Enquiry Form

Shotokan JKA Academy is affiliated to Japan Karate Association, World Federation. No previous experience is required to join. Beginners and experienced karateka are all welcome to join us .

                                                                          REACH OUT TO US ...CALL US NOW OR COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND SUBMIT.​

Image by Thao LEE

Start your Exciting Positive Karate journey of a lifetime of change. You will never look back again...
Contact us to book your FREE trial lesson now !!.

Our Events This Month

Shotokan Karate JKA  Academy

Classes

Questions ?

0800 999 1959  OR  07956 553417

Shamim Aktar - 7th Dan  - Head Coach Demonstrating karate techniques against attacks in 2007

Image by Thao LEE
Group Karate Practice
 Our locations & times
              Luton -  Bedfordshire
Olive Tree Church Hall , Montrose Avenue LU3 1HT
                        Tuesday & Thursday : 
Ages:  6-11         5:30 -6:15pm     
Ages:  11-14        6:15 -7:00pm   
Ages:  14 -85     7:00 -7:45pm


                            Saturday :
Ages:  14-85      9:45 - 10:30am
Ages:   6 -11         11:00 - 11:45am
Ages:   11 - 14       11:45 - 12.30pm
      


 
          Watford - Hertfordshire
    Watford, Leisure centre, Woodside, WD25 7HH
                                Monday : 
Ages:  6-11         6:00 -6:45pm        
Ages:  14 -85     6:45 -7:30pm


                            Saturday :
Ages:  14-85      2:45 - 3:30pm
Ages:   11 - 14       3:45 - 430pm
      
Ages:   6 -11         4:30 - 5:15pm   


 
For more information call : 07956 553417
          Watford -Hertfordshire
Stanborough Centre 609 St Albans Road WD25 9JL
                              Wednesday : 
Ages:  6-11         5:30 -6:15pm     
Ages:  11-14        6:15 -7:00pm   
Ages:  14 -85     7:00 -7:45pm

                                 


 

OUR LOCATIONS : 

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