Karate at Bushi No Te Kai brings together a welcoming community for children, adults, and families. Our club teaches authentic Okinawan Shorin Ryu and Shotokan Karate, blending discipline, fitness, and real-world self-defence for every age group. Classes run in Gillingham, Kent, with additional sessions in Chatham and Maidstone.
Karate is not just about learning to punch or kick. At Bushi No Te Kai, every lesson builds confidence, improves discipline, and fosters respect, while providing engaging physical training. Our experienced instructors are fully DBS checked and first aid trained, ensuring a safe environment for students to learn at their own pace.
Karate offers lasting benefits to children and adults alike:
We specialise in Okinawan Shorin Ryu karate, known for its fluid movement and practical application, and the Shotokan karate style, which focuses on control, kata, kumite, and personal growth. Shotokan, founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi, is renowned for emphasising strong stances, clean lines, and discipline.
Our classes introduce students to kata (formal sequences), kumite (sparring and partner work), and self-defence. Regardless of previous experience, our instructors guide each student through the graded Shotokan syllabus, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace. We also encourage participation in seminars, grading, and community events. Students who want to study traditional weapons can also join our Traditional Okinawan Kobudo classes.
Karate styles taught include Okinawan Shorin Ryu karate and Shotokan karate, with a focus on kata, kumite, and traditional etiquette. Classes are inclusive and suit everyone, from beginners to black belts. Multiple generations train together at our martial arts club, reflecting karate’s deep roots within Kent and the wider UK.
All lessons are delivered in a positive, supportive environment, led by passionate instructors. Our karate club offers classes several nights a week in Gillingham, Chatham and Maidstone, designed for children, adults, and families.
Children (7+): Lessons focus on fun activities, anti-bullying, simple self-defence and discipline.
Tailored training in fitness, stress relief, practical techniques, and personal achievement. You can also try our Combat Fitness Training and pad work classes for extra conditioning and striking practice.
Open sessions: Family or mixed-age classes where parents can train alongside their children, creating a unique family experience.
Each session includes a structured warm-up, stretching, technical training, combinations, kata, and kumite. Instructors teach at a pace suitable for the group, helping students improve their fitness, movement, and martial arts skills with patience and encouragement.
Classes typically cover:
Bushi No Te Kai is an affiliated member of national karate bodies. All instructors are skilled teachers, fully DBS-checked and first aid trained. Our club maintains a friendly and welcoming environment for new joiners and experienced martial artists alike. Instructors guide students from their first lesson, building confidence through structured karate lessons and personal attention.
Our philosophy centres on discipline, respect, and helping every student fulfil their potential, whether they join for fitness, self-defence, or personal growth. We have supported hundreds of students on their martial arts journey, seeing many achieve black belt status or represent Kent at competitions. To learn more about our history and approach, learn more About Bushi No Te Kai.
We run karate classes at:
Gillingham, Kent
Sessions available, please enquire for current venue and times.
Chatham
Chatham Grammar, Rainham Rd, ME5 7EH
Maidstone
Palace Wood Primary School, Ash Grove, ME16 0AB
Our classes run several evenings each week. For details on specific days, times, or to reserve a place, please use our contact form. Sessions are open to new members, adults, children, and families are all encouraged to join.
When comparing Kent karate schools, look for a club with experienced, DBS-checked teachers, clear lesson structure, and a supportive environment. At Bushi No Te Kai, we provide lessons that prioritise safety, positive progress, and real martial arts skill development for every student, whatever their starting point.
Our karate classes are available in Gillingham, Kent, alongside regular sessions in Chatham and Maidstone. If you live in or near Gillingham and want karate classes, contact us to view current times or register your interest in additional sessions.
Karate lessons in Kent provide great value, with options for single class fees and discounted monthly training. Please enquire for the latest prices or ask about a free introductory session. Our team is happy to discuss requirements, answer any questions, and help you begin your karate journey.
Get in touch to find out about your nearest class
Children as young as 7 can begin karate classes, and there is no upper age limit. Our lessons are tailored so students of all ages can enjoy and benefit from karate in Kent.
Karate provides structure, routine, and focus, which can help children with ADHD improve concentration and discipline while enjoying a fun and supportive class environment.
No. Most new students begin with no previous martial arts experience. Beginners are taught the basic stances, blocks, strikes and movement at a comfortable pace before progressing to more advanced techniques.
Yes. Adults can begin karate at any age and do not need to be particularly fit or flexible before starting. Training can help develop fitness, coordination, confidence and martial arts skills over time.
Comfortable sports clothing such as a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms is suitable for your first lesson. You do not need to buy a karate uniform (gi) before trying a class.