Children’s Karate Classes in Canterbury

St Stephens Junior School – Canterbury College – Chartham Village Hall – Barton Manor School

Not Your Average Children’s Karate — This is Kyokushin

Why Kyokushin is different — and why it matters for your child

You may have seen children’s karate classes that feel more like a structured play session — colourful belts handed out freely, soft techniques, and little genuine progression. That’s not what we do.

At Kudos Martial Arts we teach Kyokushin karate — a traditional Japanese full-contact martial art with a global reputation for producing some of the toughest, most technically accomplished martial artists in the world. Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin, built this art on a simple principle: genuine training produces genuine results. We carry that principle into every children’s class.

For children, this means:

• Real skills — techniques that actually work, taught progressively and properly
• Real progression — belts earned through genuine effort and achievement, not attendance
• Real confidence — built on actual accomplishment, not empty praise
• Real discipline — the kind that transfers to school, home, and every area of life

Safer than you might think — smarter than most

Many parents wonder about contact in children’s karate. Here’s what makes Kyokushin genuinely different from other combat sports:

• No repeated blows to the head — Kyokushin rules prohibit face punching, protecting children’s developing brains
• Full body contact when age-appropriate — with proper protective equipment including body armour and head guards
• Progressive introduction — contact work is introduced gradually as children develop technique, control, and readiness
• Full competition option available — children who want to compete can enter full contact knockdown tournaments with comprehensive safety equipment, giving them real competition experience in the safest possible environment

All the toughness, all the development, all the achievement — with a safety-first approach that other combat sports simply don’t match.

Why Parents Choose Our Canterbury Children’s Karate Classes

What Your Child Will Learn in Our Canterbury Karate Classes

Our children’s karate program (ages 5-11) follows a comprehensive Kyokushin syllabus designed specifically for young learners. Classes combine traditional discipline with fun, engaging activities that keep children excited about training while building essential skills.

Everyone is very professional, organised and friendly. Communication is good and prices are reasonable. My son absolutely loves attending his classes and grading.

J T

Canterbury Children’s Karate Class Schedule

Easily accessible from: • Canterbury city centre • Bridge • Littlebourne • Chartham • Chilham • Sturry • Surrounding East Kent villages

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Your Child’s First Karate Class in Canterbury

Starting something new can feel daunting for children (and parents!). Here’s what happens at your child’s first class to help you both feel prepared and comfortable.

Before Class

Arrive 10 minutes early so we can welcome you properly. Your child should wear comfortable athletic clothing (t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms or leggings). We train barefoot, so no special shoes needed. Please ensure long hair is tied back and all jewelry is removed for safety.

Meeting the Instructors

Our friendly instructors will greet you and your child, explain how the class works, and answer any questions. They’ll make your child feel welcome and explain what to expect during the session.

During Class (60 minutes)

Classes follow a structured format:
• Warm-up exercises and stretching (10 mins)
• Basic techniques practice – punches, kicks, blocks (20 mins)
• Fun drills and games that teach karate skills (15 mins)
• Partner work or kata (forms) practice (10 mins)
• Cool-down and closing (5 mins)

Your child will work alongside other children their age in a supportive, encouraging environment. Our instructors ensure everyone participates at their own level—there’s no pressure, just encouragement to try their best.

After Class

We’ll check how your child found their first session and answer any questions you have. If your child enjoyed it (and most do!), we can discuss membership options and next steps. There’s absolutely no pressure—you can take time to decide what’s right for your family.

Parents Are Welcome to Watch

We encourage parents to stay and watch, especially for trial classes. All our classes have viewing areas where you can see your child’s progress. Many parents find watching so inspiring that they join our adult classes themselves!

Expert Instructors Who Understand Children

“At Kudos Martial Arts, you’ll train with some of Kent’s most experienced and dedicated Kyokushin instructors. Our senior teaching team brings decades of combined martial arts experience, advanced black belt qualifications, and a genuine passion for helping students of all ages achieve their goals. Each instructor undergoes continuous professional development, and understands how to make traditional Kyokushin training both challenging and accessible.

Whether you’re a complete beginner taking your first steps in martial arts, a parent looking for quality instruction for your child, or a dedicated student pursuing black belt, our instructors provide expert guidance, individual attention, and the support you need to succeed. They don’t just teach techniques—they mentor, inspire, and create an environment where every student can discover their potential through authentic karate training.”

Google Reviews

Read our Google Reviews from our students and families. 

Martial Arts and Karate Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about martial arts training at Kudos? Here are answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective students and parents. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help.