Genuinely couldn't rate Kawauso Karate more highly. Mark is an excellent sensei and ensures that all grades are included and progressing to the best of their abilities. They teach discipline and respect for the instructors and other children very well. Our daughter loves going and has progressed brilliantly since starting there.

Both my daughter and son train at Kawauso Karate in Ryhope, and I honestly can't recommend the club highly enough. Since joining, the change in them has been brilliant to see.Their confidence has grown enormously and their fitness has come on massively too. They both look forward to every session, which says everything. Mark and the rest of the team are excellent teachers. They're patient, encouraging and take the time to make sure each child actually understands what they're doing rather than just going through the motions. The effort that goes into the club behind the scenes is obvious, from how well the sessions are structured to the gradings and club events. 10/10.

I’ve had two children, past and present, attend Kawauso Karate Club, and I can honestly say it’s been nothing short of amazing. Sensei Mark and the other instructors are fantastic. They are incredibly patient and dedicated, not only teaching the true values and discipline of karate but also making it adaptable and inclusive for individual needs. They really take the time to support each member and help them develop at their own pace. The opportunities available to members are brilliant, from seminars and interclub competitions to gradings and even world-level competitions. There is always something to work towards and plenty of encouragement along the way. It’s a welcoming, supportive club that gives its members so much more than just karate. I would definitely recommend Kawauso Karate Club to anyone considering joining!

We were recommended Mark's classes after my little boy had shown an interest at starting Karate 🥋 but had a bad experience elsewhere... I reached out to Mark and he was really quick to reply even though he was actually out of the country competing, he answered all my questions and put my mind at ease. My little boy loved that he was given a proper introduction on his first session and was loaned a Karate suit & belt to wear so he matched everyone else. It was also nice to be informed of club expectations and rules before we attended too. The sessions he has attended so far are brilliant. They cater to complete beginners and for his age group. He has had a taste of trying different things already from breaking boards to using the kick master. Mark takes his time ensuring each child understands what they should be doing and how they should be doing it. My little one is already eager to join one of the competitions! I'm already really grateful to have found Mark's lessons and would recommend them to anyone!

We honestly couldn’t be happier with Kawauso Karate. It’s taken 10 years for my son to finally find a hobby he truly loves, and from the very first session here he was hooked. The difference in his confidence already has been amazing to see. Mark is such a brilliant instructor. He’s fantastic with all the children and really understands how to work with each child individually, helping them grow at their own pace and ability. It’s clear he genuinely cares. My son also really looks up to Jake, who helps out in the classes. He’s always patient, encouraging and happy to help him improve, which means a lot. The competitions the club runs are always so well organised — you can see how much hard work goes on behind the scenes. It’s such a supportive, positive environment and we’re so glad we found it.

if i could give the club 10 stars i would. My son has been going for the last 4 years and with the excellent teaching of Mark he will be going for his black belt this year. It’s not just a club it’s a family where everyone supports and helps each other.

My son started training at kawauso karate over 6 years ago training with sensei mark and sensei john and form his very first lesson he was hooked mark and john are brilliant and mark quickly picked up on his natural ability and continued to steer him to where he is today he currently holds 4 world titles and 3 European titles as well as multiple national titles which speaks for the level of karate being taught at the club But don’t be put off that’s the path my son Rileys taken the club offers every option involved in karate and you can chose the path which most suits you or your child including the recently formed karate tots class ran by sensei Mel for ages 3-4 yrs there’s also a SEND class for kids that require additional support then there’s the competitive path with a national and international opportunity to compete at the highest level or the grading path where you work through the belts and learn the karate criteria involved in shotokan karate I started to train 18 months ago for this reason and to enhance my fitness and flexibility At kawauso there really is a place for everyone

Our 6 year old started karate with Kawauso Karate through his school's after-school club. He was really keen to give it a go and we just hadn’t been able to fit it in around all of the other activities he enjoys. After school club seemed like the ideal time and he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to carry on with regular classes once school finished for the summer. He’s been supported through his grading and has also attended karate camp during the school holidays, which he's absolutely loved. We've noticed a real boost in his confidence, and he's made some new friends along the way. The lessons are really well organised and, most importantly, fun! Mark is brilliant with the children, and there are always plenty of instructors around to help with technique, positioning and getting the movements right, so everyone gets the support they need. There are lots of classes to choose from, which makes it really easy to fit around family life, and we’re excited to see how much he continues to learn and progress over the coming months. We'd definitely recommend Kawauso Karate to anyone thinking about giving it a try. It's such a friendly, welcoming club that helps children build confidence, learn new skills, make friends and have a great time.

Mark is very professional, polite and friendly and makes the kids at ease as soon as they walk in. Kawauso Karate is a great place for kids to experience karate lessons right from tots up to adults. I asked my daughter after her first trial lesson, on a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate today. Mark 10/10 Instructors 10/10 Friendly 10/10 Dojo 10/10 And would you like to continue Karate with kawauso? Yes, absolutely, 100 pct yes. If your thinking you or your kids might want to try karate, I would definitely recommend going along for a trial lesson

I’ve had two children, past and present, attend Kawauso Karate Club, and I can honestly say it’s been nothing short of amazing. Sensei Mark and the other instructors are fantastic. They are incredibly patient and dedicated, not only teaching the true values and discipline of karate but also making it adaptable and inclusive for individual needs. They really take the time to support each member and help them develop at their own pace. The opportunities available to members are brilliant, from seminars and interclub competitions to gradings and even world-level competitions. There is always something to work towards and plenty of encouragement along the way. It’s a welcoming, supportive club that gives its members so much more than just karate. I would definitely recommend Kawauso Karate Club to anyone considering joining!

My twins loved there first karate lesson they are normally so nervous about going to places but mark made them so feel welcome and at ease I highly recommend to anyone

Genuinely couldn't rate Kawauso Karate more highly. Mark is an excellent sensei and ensures that all grades are included and progressing to the best of their abilities. They teach discipline and respect for the instructors and other children very well. Our daughter loves going and has progressed brilliantly since starting there.

My son has attended Kawauso karate since April 2024. From day one we were welcomed into karate life. Mark, Mel and other sensei's have patience,words of encouragement and are very passionate in their teaching skills. Ryan has grown in confidence, developed his skills, karate knowledge and learned the importance of discipline. He looks forward to attending class where he has made friends of all ages. As a parent it is wonderful to see all the hard work,dedication and happiness that the children show week after week. Overall a wonderful, supportive karate club that Mark is always giving his all to continue the club's success. Would highly recommend to all.🥋💪

after my son had tried multiple sports and didnt enjoy any of them he then joined kawauso Karate at the age of 10 hes now 14, he absolutely loves it here.. everyone is so lovely, sensei Mark is absolutely amazing with all the kids and he's instructors are amazing too..as a club they do fundraising to help charities, lessons to fit all children, competitions, gradings the list goes on..I can honestly say it's just like one big family and it's been amazing to watch how far these kids come on. I would 1000% recommend kawauso Karate to anyone who's thinking of doing it. 🥊🥋✨️

I cannot express my thanks more to Mel and Mark for the amazing sessions they do. My little boy who is cautious with his gross motor development has done a complete uturn in the 4 months he has been attending the sessions. He has developed in both listening, confidence and discipline. The club competition they put on today showed the dedication to their students and the turn out speaks for itself. I feel like Campbell has really found a skill he loves and its really thanks to the club from that very first session. Id highly recommend the club to other parents

Over the last few years we, at the Foundation of Light, have been fortunate enough to have Mark and Kawauso Karate on board helping deliver our enrichment. It has been fantastic to see our students engage with the sessions and Mark himself. A lot of our young people need adaptations, structure and patience. Mark had all of these and more. Not only that but our young people have learned more than just basic moves or being a little bit more physically Active, they have learned fundamental skills and attitudes for life. Mark has even recently attended our end of year awards celebration and handed out certificates of achievement to high performing young people. This is going above and beyond the sessions paid for and building those memories for life. We are extremely grateful to Mark and Kawauso Karate for all they have offered and supported our young people and long may it continue.

Great club with fantastic instructors and amazing atmosphere. My son joined the club last September and he absolutely loves it! Can’t recommend it more :)

The best Karate club for anyone wanting to learn karate. The teaching is top class and everyone, sensei's, adults and children alike are all so friendly and welcoming. There is a class for everyone!

My little boy Finley has been going to classes for a couple of months now and he loves them. Mark & Mel are both amazing with him. Thankyou!

We are so happy how our daughter is enjoying her lessons with Kawauso Karate. Sensei Mark and the team have created a fun, friendly and inclusive environment for the children. Highly recommended!!!!

My children have had such positive experiences since starting Karate here. They look forward to every class, and I’ve already noticed a real boost in their confidence as well as the friendships they’ve made. I really want to thank Mark and his team for the fantastic work they do they’re incredibly organised, supportive, and I honestly can’t fault them.

We’ve been part of this karate club since our children were just 3 and 5 years old, and we honestly couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Mark, along with Mel, Andrew, Jake, and all of the other Senseis and helpers who regularly give their time, have created such a welcoming, supportive and family-friendly club. They are incredibly patient, encouraging and inclusive, making every one feel valued regardless of their age or ability. Over the years, our children have progressed through their belts, grown in confidence, developed discipline and resilience, and made some amazing friendships along the way. It’s been wonderful to watch not only their karate skills improve but also their personal growth. The sense of community at the club is fantastic. Everyone is supportive, and it’s clear that the instructors genuinely care about every student and want them to succeed. If you’re looking for a karate club where your children can learn, have fun, make lifelong friends and be part of a caring community, we can’t recommend this club enough.

Both my daughter and son train at Kawauso Karate in Ryhope, and I honestly can't recommend the club highly enough. Since joining, the change in them has been brilliant to see.Their confidence has grown enormously and their fitness has come on massively too. They both look forward to every session, which says everything. Mark and the rest of the team are excellent teachers. They're patient, encouraging and take the time to make sure each child actually understands what they're doing rather than just going through the motions. The effort that goes into the club behind the scenes is obvious, from how well the sessions are structured to the gradings and club events. 10/10.

Both my sons attend here since age of 5 , couldn’t recommend a better club to join . So family oriented and specialise in SEND classes. Really well organised and welcoming . The often have charity events to raise money , some children have qualified in the England squad from here and are extremely talented just starting from local club competitions . Really gives boys and girls discipline and a feeling of Belonging .

My son has been part of the karate tots group for a couple months now and he absolutely loves it. Mel is amazing with the kids and breaks it down in a fun way. The lessons are always busy with lots of kids