What You’ll Learn
Kihon, kata, kumite, self-defence, flexibility, and conditioning.
One step. One belt. One journey
Join a welcoming Shukokai dojo building confidence, discipline, and fitness. Beginners welcome — start your journey from beginner to black belt.
Regular classes are run by former UKASKO England and British all styles Karate Champion Kevin Barlow. Kevin is a Black Belt 9th Dan, with over 40 years experience.
All instructors are fully insured, DBS checked and first aid trained, providing a safe and fun training environment. You'll be able to learn from the best.
Since 1984, North West Shukokai has been teaching martial arts across the Cheshire area. We’ve helped countless students discover the art of Shukokai Karate and develop personal strength, confidence, and self-discipline.
Shukokai Karate (pronounced shoe-ko-kai) is a dynamic and practical style of Japanese karate that emphasises speed, power, and efficient movement. The word Shukokai means “the way for all,” reflecting its goal of combining the best techniques from different karate systems into one effective approach.
Karate training is an excellent way to improve physical fitness and mental focus. It develops balance, agility, strength, and flexibility — while also building patience, self-control, and confidence that extend beyond the dojo.
Kihon, kata, kumite, self-defence, flexibility, and conditioning.
Teens and adults of all abilities — start from scratch or return after a break.
It emphasises efficient body mechanics to generate explosive power and control.
The New Year is an ideal time to begin karate, whether you are looking to improve your fitness, build confidence, or take on a new personal challenge. Karate training develops strength, flexibility and coordination while also improving focus, discipline and mental resilience. Classes are structured and progressive, allowing beginners to learn at a comfortable pace while gradually building skill and confidence.
Just as importantly, karate offers far more than physical training alone. Regular practice encourages self-belief, respect and perseverance, and provides a positive, supportive environment where members train together and progress as a group. Many of our students started with no previous experience at all and quickly found karate to be both rewarding and motivating. If you are looking for a practical, structured and enjoyable way to invest in yourself this year, karate is an excellent place to start.
| When | What you’ll do |
|---|---|
| Week 1 |
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| Weeks 2–3 |
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| Week 4+ |
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Subject to availability of instructors (they have full time jobs too!), we train in the evenings on Tuesday in Knutsford and Thursday in Warrington.If you're planning on visiting us then please call ahead so we can ensure a suitable instructor is available and present for the class.
| Day | Time | Where | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Knutsford | Teens & Adults (all grades) |
| Thursday | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Warrington | Teens & Adults (all grades) |
Everybody Health & Leisure
Knutsford Leisure Centre
Westfield Drive, Knutsford WA16 0BL
Free parking • Changing facilities
Fearnhead Cross Community Centre
Insall Road, Fearnhead, Warrington WA2 0HD
Free parking • Changing facilities
Karate is practiced in bare feet and you will need to wear something comfortable you can exercise in. Bring some water too - you might get sweaty!
If you enjoy Karate and want to continue, Karate suits (GIs) are also available to buy via the club (or you can purchase your own).
Progress at your own pace with regular coaching and grading opportunities.
A look at how students can progress from beginner through the coloured belts to black, along with learning about our karate family. For more inspirational videos, why not follow our Instagram page?
Details about club licences, affiliations, or governing bodies.
The first lesson is FREE, to give you the opportunity to see what karate is like and meet the instructors. The current lesson and license costs will be explained during your first visit.
If you want to continue with karate, all martial artists need a licence. This will make you a member of the association (UKASKO) and needs to be renewed annually. The license also provides your insurance requirements. Your license is also a record of your progress for all gradings, qualifications and courses attended.
All members must have a license before being able to grade/compete.
Experienced, friendly instructors focused on helping you build strong fundamentals with confidence.
As a level 4 coach, Kevin holds the highest coaching qualification within the organisation. He also serves as a Technical Kyu and Dan Grading Examiner.
A former member of the SKU England Karate Team/Squad, Kevin has been practising karate since 1973 and has competed in numerous national and international tournaments in both kata and kumite.
In August 2017, Kevin was appointed Chief of the England branch of Japan Karate-Do.
As a level 2 coach, Alex brings extensive knowledge of Martial Arts History, Bunkai, Shotokan, and Shito-ryu Shukokai.
He also serves as the club’s first aider and safeguarding officer, ensuring a safe and supportive training environment.
Alex began practising karate in 1984, inspired by the classic film The Karate Kid, and has been dedicated to the art ever since.
As a level 2 coach, Lewis holds UK and European titles in traditional and sport point karate, competing in both kata and kumite.
He began training at the age of 7 and went on to join the UKASKO England Team/Squad, becoming youth captain before progressing to the senior squad and captaining the England 4 Nations team.
Exploring our links with Japan.
The United Kingdom is home to many dojos that study the Shukokai Karate-Do style. Concerned about the gradual deviation of kata and techniques within the style, and determined to deepen his understanding, Shihan Kevin Barlow decided it was essential to return to his Shito-Ryu Shukokai roots.
In January 2017, under Shihan Barlow’s leadership, official links were established with Japan. In May 2017, he travelled to Kobe, Osaka, Japan, to meet and train under the Chief Instructor and President of the Japan Karate-Do Shito-Ryu Kai Renshikan.
Following this enriching experience, Soke Kuniaki Nobukawa (9th Dan Japan Karate-Do, 8th Dan Japan Karate Federation) expressed his wish for Shihan Barlow to serve as his representative in the United Kingdom, and for North West Shukokai to become affiliated members of the Japan Karate-Do Shito-Ryu Kai.
An enrolment pledge was signed, and the dojo name was formally updated to reflect this connection. Thus, Nobukawa-Ha England (UK) was born and continues to grow.
A quick look at training and dojo atmosphere along with a Kata performed by Kevin.
