Karate Academy

We completely understand. We offer free trial lessons where you can come and experience the training without any obligation to join. Our friendly and welcoming instructors will make sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit.

At the Karate Academy, we prioritise the practise of traditional Karate in a modern and practical way. Our experienced instructors, led by John Burke renshi, have trained in Okinawa and Japan, the birthplaces of Karate, to deepen their knowledge and skills. We are honoured to have had the opportunity to train and teach in these prestigious locations.

We are also privileged to have renowned Martial Arts teachers like Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, 9th Dan, as guest instructors at our club. Furthermore, we believe in bringing in the best in order to provide our students with exceptional training experiences.

Our senior instructors have been involved in the martial arts for many years, developing a keen eye for details and ensuring a high standard of instruction. They are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.

The Karate Academy offers classes for people of all ages and abilities, including adults, children, and mixed groups. We have a proven track record of assisting individuals in self-defence, fitness improvement, and building confidence through martial arts practise. Our timetable is consistently reliable, with classes running throughout the year except for Bank Holidays. We believe that consistent practise is key to progress and success.

Located at King Street Studios, King Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2LG, our full-time martial arts centre provides a professional and supportive environment for training. Whether you have extensive experience in Karate or are completely new to the art, our classes are tailored to suit your individual needs and goals.

Our group is named “Keiko,” which means “Practise” in the spirit of the old martial artists. We practise Shotokan Karate, a style known for its strength and dynamism. When John Burke took over teaching at Newton Abbot Shotokan Karate club, he decided to name it Keiko to avoid it being solely identified with him. The decision was made to change the business name to the Karate Academy to clarify our mission of teaching Karate.

While some may wonder if we teach other martial arts, the answer is that aspects of various martial arts can be found within our Karate practise. Throws and groundwork from Judo, the competitive aspect from sport kick-boxing, and practical self-defence techniques are all integrated into our training. We acknowledge that not all Karate clubs are the same, and it is essential to find the right fit for your preferences. We encourage you to join us for a trial lesson to experience our unique training approach and see if our club is the right fit for you.

At the Karate Academy, we prioritise inclusivity and welcome individuals of all ages, genders, and abilities. Whether you are looking to increase self-confidence, improve fitness, or learn effective self-defence techniques, we invite you to join us for martial arts training in Devon. If you feel hesitant or nervous about trying it out, please know that we completely understand. We offer free trial lessons to ensure you feel comfortable and can make an informed decision about becoming a member of our club.