Our Dōjō - Kyōtō ni Dōjō

Welcome to the Kyoto Dōjō website. The Kyoto Shotokan Karate Club is a traditional Shotokan Karate Dōjō based in Bristol, specifically in Avonmouth, Shirehampton, and Lawrence Weston villages. Our Avonmouth Dōjō offers a breathtaking view overlooking the M5 motorway.

The name Kyoto, although not related to the Japanese city, actually originates from the old name of Bristol, meaning 'bridge' and 'assembly place.' Hence, the literal translation of Kyoto ni Dōjō is 'Dōjō in the vicinity of a bridge.'

Affiliated with the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) of Great Britain, our club is under the guidance of Chief Instructor Hanshi Shiro Asano (9th Dan), a respected figure in the world of Shotokan Karate. Our main objective is to teach traditional Shotokan Karate, and we take pride in staying true to our roots.

Started by Steve Ashby in 1996, our club has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, providing karate lessons to hundreds of enthusiastic students. We offer mixed karate classes for men, women, and children at various locations, such as Avonmouth Rugby Football Club, Shirehampton, and St. Bedes Catholic College in Lawrence Weston.

One of our key priorities is to make karate accessible to as many individuals as possible. Therefore, we have adopted a pricing policy that aims to keep costs as low as possible. Currently, we charge just £4.00 per hour for pay-as-you-go sessions. Moreover, we offer discounts for those attending multiple classes in a single evening, as well as for families and those who prefer to pay on a monthly basis.

As a non-profit club, our primary focus is on providing quality training and opportunities for our members. All training fees collected are reinvested into hall hire, insurance, and inviting esteemed guest instructors to share their expertise with our students.

In addition to regular classes, we also organise special courses in Bristol featuring senior Shotokan Instructors. These events serve as an excellent platform for our students to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of karate.

At the Kyoto Dōjō, we follow the principles laid out in our Dōjō Kun, an oath or set of rules that reflect our commitment to the true essence of Karate. We believe in practising with a good heart, mind, and spirit on all occasions, and emphasise the importance of dedication and respect.

We warmly invite all karate enthusiasts, whether beginners or experienced practitioners, to join us at the upcoming local Mixed Martial Arts event. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, showcase your skills, and indulge in the vibrant world of Shotokan Karate.

We look forward to seeing you there!