Club established 2004

South Derbyshire Karate Academy

High quality Karate training in a friendly, supportive academy — for students from 4 years old to retirement age and beyond.

Book a free trial See class times

  • Over 35yrs teaching in Derby
  • 6th Dan Male and Female Instructors
  • Ages 4+ at every venue
A full Karate class of juniors and adults in white gi practising together in a sports hall

Classes

Traditional and Specialist Classes

Our classes are fun and inclusive for all ages and abilities. Come to the class for your grade — beginners start in the white belt group.

Traditional classes — Wednesdays and Sundays

Wednesdays

Moorways Sports Village

Karate classes by grade · Ages 4+

Wednesday classes at Moorways Sports Village
Grade Time
White to Red belt 6pm – 7pm
Yellow to Blue belt 7pm – 8pm
Purple belt and above 8pm – 9pm

Venue details

Sundays

Keldholme Lane Community Centre

Karate classes by grade · Ages 4+

Sunday classes at Keldholme Lane Community Centre
Grade Time
White to Orange belt 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Green to Black belt 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Venue details

Specialist classes

Block sessions throughout the year.

  • Kata Development Classes

    Development and elite students focused on developing kata for competitive Karate or improvement for gradings.

  • Kumite Development Classes

    Development and elite students focused on developing drills, fitness and sparring with a focus on competitive fighting.

  • Self Defence

    Our syllabus focuses on responses to studied habitual acts of physical violence (HAPV). These techniques are practised in these classes, along with awareness and soft skills for the avoidance of conflict.

  • Private Sessions

    1-2-1 or small group sessions (up to 4 people) available at request.

    info@sdka.co.uk

Four SDKA black belt instructors standing in a line in their gi

Welcome to SDKA

Senior Instructor team with over 130 years of Experience

Our 6th Dan Black Belt Instructors all have over 30 years teaching experience, and are highly experienced in both teaching and competing at world-class level, with World and European Champion titles to their names.

A dedicated team of black belt instructors assists in every class, so students get tuition targeted to their age and grade. Each of them was trained within the academy, which keeps the teaching consistent and in line with the ethos of the club.

More about the academy

Our motto

“Karate For All”

We pride ourselves on being a diverse club, with students from 4 years of age to retirement age and beyond, from all walks of life.

Family

Many families train together — it is a great way to bond and grow as a family. Students from two decades ago now bring their children and grandchildren to train with us, which we consider high praise indeed.

Friendship

Karate is a great way to make new friends, and lifelong friendships have been formed within the club.

Competition

Alongside traditional training, our active and successful sport Karate squad has many European and World titles to its name. Our Kata and Kumite development classes are where that work is done.

Fun and hard work combined

What Karate training builds

We teach a traditional Wado Ryu syllabus, blending the core principles of the style with modern training techniques. Built around the true spirit of martial arts, every class works on:

  • Self-discipline
  • Respect
  • Perseverance
  • Self-confidence
  • Physical fitness
  • Mental strength
  • Teamwork
  • Camaraderie

Mind

Training can help with mood, confidence and focus, and a hard session is a good way to leave the day’s stress on the mat.

Body

Karate works the whole body — cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility and endurance, with plenty of core work along the way.

Coordination

Techniques and drills build mental and physical coordination, and self-defence practice sharpens reflexes.

Character

Karate values courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honour and self-control — and can help students work out what they want to improve and make positive changes.

Prices

From £25 a month

Monthly packages for one or two classes a week, plus a £20 annual membership that includes your insurance.

See prices and how to join

Try your first class free

Register for a free trial and come along to the class for your grade. Complete beginners start in the white belt group, from age 4 upwards.