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Whether you're looking for a new hobby or you're already an experienced martial artist, Bristol Women's Karate welcomes women of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. No previous experience is needed, you are never too old and you don't need to be fit to get started!

You'll learn traditional Japanese karate in a friendly, supportive environment with expert instruction, progressing at a pace that's right for you. Along the way, you'll develop practical self-defence skills, improve your confidence, strength and fitness, and become part of a welcoming community of women who encourage each other to succeed.

Why join us?

Learn practical self-defence skills.
Build confidence and resilience.
Improve your strength, fitness and wellbeing.
Challenge yourself in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Make new friends and be part of a welcoming community.

Empowering women from beginner to blackbelt

BOOK YOUR FIRST CLASS FREE!

Just drop us an email and we'll get you booked in and answer any questions you have.

Book now

What Our Students Say

★★★★★

"One of the the best things I've done for myself in ages!"

S

Sarah T.
Self-defence session participant

★★★★★

"Highly recommend! I started as a complete beginner and Lindsey has been so supportive!"

F

Ffion
Member

★★★★★

"So much fun! Lindsey is knowledgeable, encouraging and kind! I felt included from the word 'go'"

E

Elizabeth
Member

★★★★★

"I look forward to class every week! It is fun, welcoming and has helped build my confidence!"

T

Teagan
Member

★★★★★

"I can't say enough good things about Lindsey and everyone at Bristol Women's Karate! The environment is relaxed and supportive which is perfect if you're new to martial arts like I was. I love that it's not overly rigid or traditional. While there's still a clear respect for karate's roots, the emphasis is on practicality and enjoyment rather than strict formality. This makes it feel more natural and relaxed whilst remaining fun and empowering. Lindsey is an amazing, passionate instructor who genuinely cares about your goals, whether that's self defence, fitness or working through gradings. If you're looking for a space where you can learn and grow at your own pace this is the class for you. Highly recommend!"

H

Harri
Member

★★★★★

"A fantastic and supportive club with an excellent teacher!"

K

Kat
Member

About Us

Karate training for Women

Traditional karate is often taught in a ‘one size fits all’ format and invariably drops beginners in the deep end, expecting them to spar too soon and keep pace with the higher grades in the class. Classes are often very male dominated and this doesn’t always suit women who may feel more comfortable working in a group with other women. Training in a class specifically for women does not mean compromising on skills, effort or ability. We work just as hard, learn the same techniques and progress just as fast.

Good for the body and mind

Here at Bristol Women’s Karate, I believe in coaching holistically. Training should be beneficial for the body and mind of each individual in the room and I encourage everyone in the class to help and support each other in the learning process.

We are all unique and our training should reflect this. Over the last 30 years I have constantly adapted my training to meet my needs and as I enter my 50’s continue to do so to ensure I stay as fit, healthy and active as possible at this point in my life. As a coach I will work with you to help you do the same. So irrespective of your age, fitness and level of experience I will work with you to ensure each class is a great experience.

Be your own hero!

One of the primary motivators for women wishing to learn karate is often self-defence. Karate is an excellent and effective way of learning to defend yourself, developing not only the physical skills but also the softer skills required, such as confidence and awareness. Here at Bristol Women’s Karate I can help you to develop those skills in a safe and supportive environment, working with likeminded women who understand the challenges that women face.

Wear what’s comfortable

Most karate classes will insist on students wearing a white karate suit. That’s great, if that’s what you want to do. However, I appreciate having the choice and so do my students, so here at Bristol Women’s Karate you can wear a white suit, black suit or rock up in leggings and a t-shirt if that’s what you prefer. The skills are what’s important, not the clothing. All I ask is that you remove jewellery where possible and avoid wearing clothing with buttons or zips to avoid risking injury to others or yourself when we are doing pairs work.

Gradings

Gradings will be held regularly and are available for those students who wish to do them and are meeting the required standard. So if you enjoy the challenge of testing your skills and the positive motivation of progressing to the next belt then look no further. I also appreciate that not everyone wants to grade, and if you don’t, that’s ok too! It’s your choice.

Safety

Safety is a top priority. I take pride in creating a training environment which is kind, safe and supportive which means we all look after each other. Whilst learning a martial art is not without risk, no one wants to pick up injuries. This means good warm-ups at the start of the session, no sparring until you meet the required skills, no contact sparring, approved safety equipment must be worn to spar and for some close contact partner drills (mitts and gumshield), and warm-down and stretching time at the end of each session.

Enjoy training together!

My goal for Bristol Women’s Karate is to create a friendly and community minded group. With a private Whatsapp group for class members who want to stay in touch and share tips and training videos, alongside regular social events to make friends and feel a part of something special.

Classes

Class Times

Monday 6.30 – 7.30 pm

Thursday class coming soon - Email to register interest and save your place

Private lessons available for groups and individuals, please message for availability and pricing

Class Fees

Your first class is FREE, just drop us a message at bristolwomenskarate@gmail.com and we’ll book you in!

Thereafter …

£36 per month for one class per week

Location

Bristol South Aikido Dojo

15 - 49 Fortfield Road

Hengrove

Bristol BS14 9NX

Get in touch

bristolwomenskarate@gmail.com

Frequently asked questions

Please drop us a message at bristolwomenskarate@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question. We're always happy to help!

Is this class right for me?

Do I need to book?

What should I wear?

What should I bring?

Are class fees refundable?

Do I need any equipment?

Meet the Coach

I'm Lindsey, founder and Head Coach at Bristol Women's Karate.

I've been training in karate for over 30 years and hold a 5th Dan black belt. Along the way I've been fortunate to become a world champion, but my greatest achievement is helping other women discover strengths they never knew they had.

People are often surprised to hear that I wasn't naturally confident enough to walk into a karate class.

As a young girl, I loved ballet and had a passion for movement. I was fascinated by martial arts films and desperately wanted to learn karate, but I didn't have the confidence to join a class. At 14, I finally plucked up the courage to go to my local sports centre. I stood outside the dojo for the entire hour, watching through the window, too scared to walk through the door.

Three years later, I spotted a poster advertising a brand-new karate class near me. Knowing that everyone would be a beginner gave me the confidence to give it a try. Even then, I took my younger brother along for moral support!

More than 30 years later, I'm incredibly grateful that I found the courage to take that first step. I often tell my students that walking through the door is the hardest part.

That experience has shaped the way I teach. I know exactly what it feels like to be the new person, to doubt yourself and to wonder whether you'll fit in. That's why I've created a welcoming, supportive environment where women can learn at their own pace, ask questions, make mistakes and grow in confidence.

My classes combine traditional karate with practical self-protection, helping women develop effective skills while improving their confidence, resilience and fitness. Whether you're looking for a new challenge, practical self-defence, or simply want to discover what you're capable of, you'll be welcomed from your very first class.

You don't need to be fit, confident or experienced to start.

You just need the courage to walk through the door.

Qualifications / Awards

I primarily study Shotokan and Shitoryu styles of karate. I am a 5th dan black belt, am fully insured, DBS checked and hold additional qualifications in First Aid and Safeguarding.

I have had a successful competitive career and have won many British, European and World titles including:

2013 World Karate Kata Champion
(IKU, Slovenia)

2013 World Karate Kata Team Champion (IKU, Slovenia)

2014 World Karate Kata Champion
(IKU, Brazil)

2015 European Karate Kata Champion
(IKU, Portugal)

2015 World Cup Kata Champion
(IKU, Slovenia)

2016 World Karate Kata Champion
(WUKF, Dublin)

I also had the honour of being invited to perform during the opening ceremony of the 2016 World Championships in Dublin, the 2017 European Championships in Romania and the 2016 Tafisa World Games in Indonesia.

Other awards I have been presented with during my career include:

2018 Energise Me Awards – Coach of the Year
2016 Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards Senior Ladies Third
2015 Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards Senior Sportswoman Winner
2014 Hampshire County Council – Master Sportsperson
2014 Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards Senior Ladies Winner
2014 Winchester District Sports Awards Masters Sportswoman
2013 Winchester District Senior Master Sportswoman
2013 Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards Senior Sportswoman Winner

I retired from competition in 2016 and continue to get great pleasure from coaching and passing on my passion for Karate to others.

Contact

For all enquiries please email: bristolwomenskarate@gmail.com

Classes held at:

Bristol South Aikido Dojo

15-49 Fortfield Road

Bristol, BS14 9NX

Student Portal

If you are not yet registered as a student, please email: bristolwomenskarate@gmail.com

Student Portal