Karate do Shotokai
Teaching the way of Master Mitsusuke Harada
Teaching the way of Master Mitsusuke Harada
Newcastle KDS is one of the oldest clubs in the KDS and was one of the first Karate clubs in the North East of England.
Originally called Chowa Karate Academy, the club was based at North Shields and was founded in 1964 by Ray Knudsen, George Hatt and Bob Wilson. Chowa became famous in the 1970's as the largest Karate club in Europe, at its peak over 40 Black Belts as well as numerous other grades were practising.
Over the decades we have practiced at several venues all over Newcastle and have now came full circle back to North Shields.
Our Chief Instructor is Peter Jackson (5th Dan) who started practising in 1965 when the Newcastle club was just in its infancy. Running the club alongside Peter is, Norman Watson (5th Dan), Suneil 'Sonny' Raj (2nd Dan) and Mark Gash (1st Dan).
Every year we hold a National All Grades Course which has been taken by several members of the Technical Executive and the 4th Dan Group. In recent years we have also been honoured by visits from Harada Sensei MBE.
We're a friendly club with male and female members of all abilities.
We train three times a week throughout the year and organise frequent club trips to attend courses held elsewhere in the country. We also have regular socials throughout the year as well as after most practices.
The first lesson is free and we welcome everyone, regardless of ability, age or experience, to all practices.
If you're interested in learning karate, keeping fit or just want to try something different, then we recommend you come along for an exciting practice!
The Parks Sports Centre
Howdon Road
North Shields
Tuesday: 18:30 - 19:30 [Juniors / Cadets] - Main Hall
19:30 - 21:00 [Adults Only] - Dance Studio
Thursday: 19:30 - 21:00 [Adults Only] - Pine Hall
Saturday: 11:00 - 12:30 [Adults / Cadets] - Dance Studio