Karate Classes for Beginners
For children, parents and adults
No experience needed
Interested in starting karate? Enfield Karate Club's beginners sessions are the perfect place to start. Every Wednesday and Saturday, complete beginners learn real traditional Shotokan karate, broken down step by step with plenty of encouragement. Families join us from Enfield Town, Gordon Hill, Bush Hill Park, Grange Park, Winchmore Hill, Southgate and across the borough.
We especially welcome primary school children aged 7 to 11, and parents who would like to train alongside them. Enfield Karate Club has taught children since 1990, and every class is built so a first-timer can join in from the very first session.
Community of Christ Church Hall, 49 Lancaster Rd, Enfield EN2 0BS
Or call 07504 586072
Kids karate in Enfield for primary school children
aged 7 to 11
Children in primary school Year 3 to Year 6 (aged 7 to 11) are at a brilliant stage to start karate. They learn quickly, love clear goals like the next belt, and gain confidence they carry into school and home. We teach them in a way that suits their age: short, lively activities, lots of praise for effort, and targets they can see themselves reaching.
What children gain
- Confidence: quieter children find their voice, and every child is praised for effort as well as skill.
- Focus and listening: following instructions in class carries over into the classroom and home.
- Fitness and coordination: a full session of movement, balance and flexibility each week.
- Respect and self-control: the etiquette of the dojo teaches good manners and calm behaviour.
- Handling conflict peacefully: we teach that karate is for self-defence only, and how to walk away from trouble and deal with bullying.
- Friendships: training alongside other children from local primary schools.
Parents and teachers regularly tell us they see improvements in behaviour, concentration and school work in children who train regularly.
Parents, train with your child
Parents are welcome to join the beginners session and learn karate at the same time as their child. It's a great way to spend time together, keep fit, and help your child practise at home.
What happens in a class
Each beginners session follows the same pattern, so newcomers of every age know what to expect and settle quickly.
- Bow in and warm up
We start with the traditional bow, then a warm-up that builds balance, speed and coordination. - Kihon (basics)
Punches, kicks, blocks and stances, practised together as a group and broken down step by step. - Kata (forms)
A short sequence of moves learned by heart, which builds memory and concentration. - Partner work (kumite)
Safe, pre-arranged drills with a partner. There is no free fighting at beginner level. - Cool down and bow out
We finish with a quick word about one of karate's values, such as respect or perseverance, and bow out.
Adult beginners karate in Enfield
It's never too late to start. Many of our members began as adults with no martial arts experience at all. Beginners sessions let you learn the basics at your own pace, get fitter, and build confidence and self-defence skills in a friendly, supportive club.
- Fitness: strength, stamina and flexibility without it feeling like a gym session.
- Self-defence: practical skills and the awareness to avoid trouble in the first place.
- Stress relief: time away from screens and work, focused completely on what you're doing.
- A real goal: a clear path through the belts all the way to black belt.
Belts and grading
Beginners work through the coloured belts at their own pace. Gradings are held throughout the year and are optional. Instructors will let you know when you, or your child, are ready.
- Under 5th Kyu: minimum of 12 consecutive training sessions before grading
- 5th to 3rd Kyu: minimum of 24 consecutive training sessions before grading
See our Training page for full grading details.
Safe hands
- All instructors are DBS checked and fully first aid qualified.
- Classes are taught by our team of experienced Dan grade instructors.
- Fully insured club with over 30 years of teaching experience.
- Non-competitive training, with contact kept controlled and age-appropriate.
Your first class
- Get in touch
Use our contact form or call us on 07504 586072 to book a trial class for yourself, your child, or both of you. - Come dressed comfortably
Tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt are fine. We train barefoot, so no shoes or socks on the mat. Please remove jewellery and tie back long hair, and bring a water bottle. - Arrive 10 minutes early
Say hello to the instructor, who will introduce you to the class. Parents are welcome to join in and train alongside their child. - Join the club
If you enjoy it, complete the membership form and order your first karate suit (gi) through the club.
APPLICATION FOR SEISHIN-RYU - ENFIELD KARATE CLUB ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Common questions
My child has never done any sport or martial art. Is that OK?
Yes. Most children start as complete beginners. Classes are built so every child can take part from day one.
Can I train in the same class as my child?
Yes, and we'd love you to. Parents and children often start together, and many families find it's something they look forward to every week.
Will my child get hurt?
Safety comes first. Partner drills are pre-arranged and controlled, there is no free sparring at beginner level, and all instructors are first aid qualified.
Will learning karate make my child aggressive?
The opposite. Karate-do teaches self-control and respect, and we teach children that karate is only ever used to protect themselves, never to start trouble.
Why do you start at age 7?
For insurance reasons we do not train children under 7.
Am I too old or unfit to start?
No. Adults of all ages and fitness levels start with us. You work at your own pace and build up gradually.
Can we train more than once a week?
Yes. You're welcome on both Wednesday (19:30) and Saturday (15:00). Training twice a week helps beginners progress faster.
Or call 07504 586072