Karate East Lothian

Karate East Lothian is a renowned martial arts school located in Musselburgh, offering top-notch JKA Karate training to individuals of all ages. With a friendly and supportive atmosphere, the school is dedicated to helping its students develop their fitness and flexibility while honing their martial arts skills.

The school offers classes in Musselburgh at Queen Margaret University on Thursdays, with a junior class (under 13) running from 6pm to 7pm, and a senior class (13+) from 7pm to 8pm. In North Berwick, classes take place at the Sports Centre on Mondays, with a junior class from 7pm to 8pm, and a senior class from 8pm to 9pm. Additionally, there are classes on Fridays, with a junior class from 6. 30pm to 7.

30pm, a senior class from 7. 30pm to 8. 30pm, and an exclusive Brown and Black belts class by invitation from 8. 30pm to 9pm.

Those interested in training at Karate East Lothian are encouraged to attend one of the classes to experience the safe and friendly atmosphere firsthand. Prospective students can either participate in the class or observe during their first visit. All that is needed for the first session is bare feet, loose clothing, and enthusiasm. The first two sessions are free trial sessions to help individuals decide if they want to continue.

After that, students are asked to sign up for a membership. The option to purchase a gi (karate uniform) is also available, though there is no rush to do so.

Karate East Lothian practises a refined form of Shotokan, the traditional karate style perfected by Master Funakoshi. As a part of the Japan Karate Association, the focus is not on points, weight classes, or sports demonstrations. Instead, it emphasises the training of students to become peaceful individuals. However, if faced with unavoidable conflict, students are trained to take down their opponents with a single blow.

This requires strength, speed, focus, and self-control. Through kihon (basic techniques), kumite (fighting skills), and kata (pre-set sequences of techniques), students learn to perform techniques without conscious thought. The body remembers how to move, and the mind remembers how to be still.

Participating in karate at Karate East Lothian offers numerous benefits, including healthy weight loss, increased strength and flexibility, and boosted self-esteem and confidence.

The school is led by experienced and highly qualified instructors. Sensei Bert Stewart, 5th Dan JKA, has been teaching for over 40 years and has an impressive record as a competitor and coach at the international level. Another instructor, Stephen Fraser, 2nd Dan JKA, has been teaching since 2006 and has a particular interest in karate for fitness and flexibility. He has competed at the Scottish level in both kumite and kata and currently serves as a referee and corner judge.

To learn more about Karate East Lothian, individuals can get in touch through the provided contact information. The school also has dojo locations in Fife and East Lothian, providing even more opportunities for individuals to join and benefit from high-quality JKA Shotokan Karate training.