We understand that starting something new may feel daunting and takes courage. But, everyone in our club felt the same way once. Our People-Centric Karate Pledge is our promise to make you feel welcome, comfortable, and fully supported every step of the way. Our instructors explain things in a way that's appropriate for your experience, ensuring that your learning is always enjoyable. You'll quickly find that our club is a truly friendly and an encouraging community that puts people first. We believe in focusing on personal growth and community rather than competition. We invite you to experience the difference for yourself.
We promote the warm and welcoming face of martial arts training.
We aim to make your first visit as easy as possible.
We value you, the individual, more than any karate technique.
Progress and increased fitness are entirely at your own pace.
We encourage and support you at all times.
We recognise adults learn best in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.
Experienced coaches share their knowledge not for money but because they love it.
Our community is built on empathy and encouragement. You'll never be pressured to keep up or feel out of place. We'll introduce you to a friendly, experienced member who will guide you through the basics at your own pace. Our classes are designed to build confidence and help you feel a sense of belonging from day one. You can be reassured that we'll do everything we can to help you settle in and find your footing on your new journey.
Zenshin Dojo is run by a dedicated team of experienced volunteer karate instructors. They do what they do purely out of a passion for martial arts and a genuine desire to share their knowledge with others.
The small fee we charge is used entirely for the club's future development and improvement. Every penny goes back into the dojo's development, to benefit our members, whether that's through new equipment, special training seminars, or improving our facilities. This means that you receive excellent value for money with complete transparency and no hidden costs.
Rob Jones, the founder and senior Zenshin dojo instructor, shares his thoughts about the club and what's in it for you.
Rob Jones
Yes, our classes are absolutely perfect for complete beginners. In fact, most of our members started with no experience at all.
We have a dedicated beginners program designed to make that first step feel easy and comfortable, allowing you to learn the fundamentals at your own pace. You'll be paired with a friendly, experienced member who will guide you every step of the way, so you never feel lost.
The first four lessons are 100% free with no obligation to join. After that, if you wish to join our club the following costs are as below:
Monthly subscription £30 allowing you to come as many times a week as you wish. Pay as you go £8 per session. Discounts are given to students, unemployed people and families
Annual club membership (covers insurances, admin, grading processes etc), is effectively £1 per month paid as a lump sum and renewed every January.
There is no “contract” which ties you to the club, even when paying monthly. We want you to stay because you want to stay, not because you will be financially penalised if you want to leave!
We run lots of different classes across 5 venues in Bristol and Bath.
Please click here for times and locations.
On your first visit, you'll be greeted by a friendly instructor and invited to join a gentle, 20-minute warm-up of aerobic exercise and stretching. Everyone works at their own pace, as our members are of all ages and abilities. Following the warm-up, you will be paired with an experienced class member who will help you with some basic techniques and support you throughout the session. The instructor will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
Yes, absolutely. Most of our students aim to regularly practice twice a week. The club is designed to offer different times, days and locations so most people “mix and match” and are able to fit regular attendance with their busy lives.
For our classes and venues, click here.
We understand that "fitness" is a relative thing, and everyone starts somewhere. Whatever your current level, our karate classes are designed to help you improve. We ensure everyone can work at their own pace during warm-ups and stretching, so you can build your fitness comfortably and confidently.
That's a great question, as it gets to the heart of who we are.
Unlike many clubs, our focus is not on competition or combat. While we do study and practice the traditional movements of karate, we do so with a people-centric philosophy.
Our approach is rooted in practical self-defence that teaches you to remain calm under pressure and use an attacker's energy to your advantage. This method is tied to a deeper, more traditional goal: using the practice to help you develop a profound sense of inner peace, harmony, and personal well-being.
Our approach to karate is founded upon the Shotokai style as practised by Mitsusuke Harada sensei, but influenced and inspired by Egami Ryu as practised by the Nippon Karate-Do Yutenkai. Master Egami believed that power and penetration could be achieved without physical tension therefor,e a relaxed body and calm state of mind are very important.
There are many styles of karate, each offering something a little different. The Zenshin dojo syllabus also includes Koryu Uchinadi exercises and techniques as practised by Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi.
Yes, based on a coloured belt system. In the early years of your development, assessment of your progress is continual yet informal and the responsibility of the instructor who you see most. Later assessments are more structured and take place on specific occasions in front of at least two senior persons. There are no costs attached to any grading.
We are an independent karate club, not affiliated with any larger group. However, we have close friendships with similar clubs around the UK, Europe, and the world. We regularly travel to Italy and Japan to train and learn from a wonderfully talented group of Japanese karate masters.
For more information about any of our classes or if you'd like to try our 4 free lessons, please get in touch with us.
We look forward to meeting and practicing with you soon.
