The club originally started in October 2001 in the centre of Bournemouth. We are small and our aim is not to have a large expansive club but to concentrate on teaching students on a more personal level. The karate that we practice is traditional Wado Ryu Karate Do as taught by the current head of Wado Ryu Renmei organisation, Hironori Ohtsuka III and Masafumi Shiomitsu Sensei, 9th Dan.

The club is affiliated to the Wado Academy, which is headed by Sensei Shiomitsu, 9th Dan Hanshi. The term Sensei is generally taken to mean instructor and Hanshi is a title often given to people who have attained the level of master in their art. Sensei Shiomitsu has spent over 40 years teaching in Europe.

Beginners, from 16 years of age and above, are always welcome to join. All you need to start is a t-shirt and some jogging/track suit bottoms.

For those interested in competing, the Wado Academy holds regular squad training sessions as well as a National championship once a year. For those who excel, there are even competitions at European level as well as the Wado Ryu championships in Japan every year.

There are many other excellent karate clubs in Dorset (which seems pretty strong in all the styles such as Shotokan, Goju Ryu and Shukokai/Shito Ryu), but if you are looking for a small friendly club teaching traditional Japanese Wado Ryu karate then please do come along and try us. We are not sports orientated although we do attend association events occasionally. Regardless of what style you choose to follow or what club you join, it is important to understand that it is a long-term decision that needs application of your effort to make progress. Results are not instantaneous.

Bournemouth and Christchurch are great places to visit or to have a holiday. Why not bring your karate gi down as well. We have had several visitors in the past that have done likewise.