Bristol Karate Academy Eastfield Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 4AG

"Bristol Karate Academy is a very friendly and welcoming club of all ages and abilities, which I cannot recommend highly enough. I joined Bristol Karate Academy as a way to have a shared interest with my children (11 and 9). Having formed my opinions of Karate purely from watching ‘The Karate Kid’ movie when I was a kid, I had visions of entering an intimidating and hostile environment which would cause me to instantly head for the exit. What I found was a club where many people are just like me, parents wanting to learn a new skill with their kids. The atmosphere is fantastic and Karate teaches the kids the importance of listening, discipline and respect. All the kids get along with each other and the adults remember what it was like to be new and are more than happy to offer you their support. The teaching we receive is first class. There are numerous instructors in every session who always provide you with support and direction during training when you need it. The sessions are often split into smaller groups of abilities, with the Instructors taking a group each. For someone just starting, this is fantastic as it allows you to learn the basics at your own pace without making you feel you are so far behind the rest. Bristol Karate Academy is not just a club suitable for beginners, there are specific sessions just for Brown and Black belts. We have plenty of inspirational Dan grades who compete and succeed at both Regional and National Competitions. If you are thinking of joining but are worried about being the newbie, don’t be. We regularly have new people joining, so you won’t be alone."

"We have been training at Bristol Karate Academy since 2012. In that time I have watched my two sons who are 12 and 9 grow and develop into confident and capable young boys. The benefits of Karate are immeasurable across all ages both physically and mentally. Bristol Karate Academy welcomes people of all abilities and you will find the club has a deep routed ‘family feel’ and ethos. There are many parents like me, who train alongside their children and find it a great way to spend quality time together whilst learning a new skill which is a fun, enjoyable way to exercise and keep fit. I personally returned to training after a 20 year break, six major open heart operations and a heart transplant! Bristol Karate Academy have an excellent track record at regional and National competitions but at no point did I feel intimidated to put my Gi (Karate uniform) on and the black belt I achieved over 20 years prior. They allowed me to return to training at my own pace in a safe and controlled manner, to the point where after three years of my return I started competing again and won a bronze medal in kumite (fighting). The bonds and friendships of the entire BKA squads that attend competitions is a great and exciting place to be, I especially enjoy seeing all the kids who train together strategising how they intend to beat their opponents from other clubs and supporting each other equally in victory or defeat. The instruction, coaching and teaching at BKA really is outstanding. The emphasis is a modern approach to traditional Shotokan Karate with aerobic, strength and fitness, flexibility and balance training. We are also often subjected to vigorous HIIT sessions. Karate is a full body and mind workout, however, we always leave the dojo feeling better for turning up! I thoroughly recommend training or encouraging your kids to join. You will watch as your children learn discipline and respect whilst getting fit and forget about screens, games consoles and all other modern distractions."

"Lovely open space. Great for events"

"Nice space, open and well lit. Great for our dog traiing"

"Functional"