Shotokan Karate in Cardiff
for Adults and Children
At Kokoro Shotokan Karate, we don’t just teach people how to punch and kick—we help children and adults become stronger, more confident and more disciplined both inside and outside the dojo.
Whether you’re looking for:
👦 A fun, structured activity that builds confidence and respect in your child…
💪 A challenging way to improve your fitness…
🛡️ Practical self-defence skills…
🧠 Better focus, resilience and mental wellbeing…
🥋 Or you’ve always wanted to learn authentic traditional Shotokan Karate…
There has never been a better time to start.
Our dojo is built on high standards, encouragement and a supportive atmosphere where everyone is challenged to become the best version of themselves. Every student is treated as an individual, and every achievement is earned.
📍 The Old Library, Splott, Cardiff
👧 Kokoro Tigers (Ages 5+) – Tuesdays & Alternate Saturdays
👨🦱 Adult Classes – Tuesdays, Thursdays & Alternate Saturdays
If you’ve been thinking about trying karate, take this as your sign.
Your journey starts with a single lesson… but the lessons you learn can last a lifetime.
Ready to get started? Book your free trial lesson and come along to meet our friendly team.
Build Confidence. Develop Discipline. Train for Life.
OSS 🥋
Changing lives one student at a time
The teaching philosophy at Kokoro is rooted in respect, perseverance and continuous self-improvement both in and out of the dojo. We are a traditional shotokan karate school with a modern approach to practical applications.
Karate fosters confidence by teaching practical self-defense skills, empowering individuals with the ability to protect themselves if needed.
Karate isn’t just a martial art—it’s a lifelong practice that enriches mind, body, and spirit.
Why study Martial Arts?
Physical fitness
Self Defence
Lasting Friendships
Senior classes
Welcome to Our Senior Karate Classes – All Experience Levels Welcome!
At our dojo, we believe karate is for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after years away, our senior classes are crafted to suit all levels. You’ll train in a disciplined yet supportive environment that’s energising, respectful, and empowering.
Rooted in traditional Shotokan karate, our teaching embodies Kokoro a Japanese word that blends heart-mind-spirit into a single concept. Karate offers powerful benefits: improved strength, sharper focus, enhanced flexibility, balance, stress relief, increased endurance and greater confidence in your practise and everyday life.
We teach practical, modern self defence applications with a strong emphasis on consent, control and situational awareness. Our aim is to help you achieve your personal goals in a ego free space where motivation thrives and wellbeing comes first.
Our instructors are fully DBS-checked, trained in safeguarding practices, and committed to upholding a positive and inclusive culture where every student feels safe and supported.
Our dojo is regulated by the Independent Martial Arts Sports Association (IMASA), ensuring that we meet high standards of instruction, safety, and ethical conduct. All training sessions follow established policies for health and safety, risk management, and duty of care.
Kokoro Tigers
In today’s world, it’s easy for our children to fall into the habit of sitting in front of screens for hours, leading to lower energy levels and reduced physical fitness. But keeping them active doesn’t have to feel like a chore—Kokoro Tigers makes movement exciting!
Give them the gift of karate – let’s get kicking, chopping and thriving!
Through this fun and dynamic program, your child will build strength, flexibility, and endurance while developing coordination, quick reflexes, and valuable athletic skills. Best of all, they’ll love the thrill of learning karate kicks, chops, and self-defense techniques in a positive and encouraging environment.
Sempai Tracy leads the Kokoro Tiger’s and has extensive experience in working with children. As well as being a qualified IMASA Karate coach she holds a CACHE Level 3 diploma in Childcare & Development and is a qualified gymnastics teacher.
