Blairgowrie Karate

Wanting to know more about Karate I joined this club to learn and although I was there briefly before having to temporarily stop my karate journey I could not recommend Ally and Karen enough. Everyone is catered to in the same high standard, whether a beginner or not.I was immediately made to feel welcome and enjoyed the clear and confident teaching and coaching, with a good spread of traditional and newer perspectives on the older forms and reasoning behind them.They have never stopped learning themselves so there is continuous coaching and adaption that is usually reserved for people attending seminars and not a standard club.Finally, and probably most importantly, I would trust them both to teach my children which is not a thing I would lightly say.Great Club, Excellent coaching!

I started training with Ally and Karen about 10 years ago, I was a late starter to Karate (41) - I wish I’d started sooner.Ally and Karen are excellent instructors and use their experience to ensure that each person develops at the correct pace based on their age, confidence and physical condition - they know when to encourage and when a student needs to be pushed to realise their potential.This is a modern Karate club, based on traditional Shotokan but with a focus on applications for self protection - you won’t find any of the old 1 and 3 step drills at this club. The focus is on mastering ‘Kata’ while studying the practical applications to be found within the traditional training forms.

So at Blairgowrie Karate the student isn’t just told what to do - Ally and Karen explain in detail why it is important. 

‘Kihon’ (basic techniques) are practiced in depth and Karate is further strengthened by partner and padwork which also builds stamina and endurance.

All of this is delivered clearly and effectively by Ally and Karen, no matter if the student is 6 or 46

 Regular seminars with world leading coaches and other karate clubs around the country provide opportunities for deeper learning. The club is always looking to evolve and learn and Ally and Karen encourage students to study other styles of karate, martial arts and self defence.

The club syllabus is designed for all ages and classes are friendly and welcoming - a real community club

All 3 of my girls were taken along to Blairgowrie Karate ...the youngest who was 5 or 6 at the time hated it , said she wasn't going back ... the next week she went back fast forward 7 years she is the only one of my girls still attending and during lock down graded and passed her junior black belt !Ally and Karen are amazing at what they do its a proper family feel club ... Brooke has confidence, self control and a mean left hook now so cheers guys !!

Patrick started karate when he was 6 years old , now he is 12 and he stiil enjoyes it. He can't wait when the clases start again .

I came along to Blairgowrie karate a few times over the years with my husband but for whatever reason couldn't get into it. Nothing at all to do with the teaching, support and encouragement from Ally and Karen, probably more to do with my own frame of mind at the time.I decided to give karate another go in January 2020. I was really enjoying the learning, despite the fact that my 54 year old body was creaking and moaning after each session! Then along came Covid and lockdown and I thought that was that. When Karen and Ally set up the zoom classes I wasn't sure how that would work but I thought given the fact they were going to so much effort to keep us involved in karate and provide a focus during lockdown, the least I could do was give it a go.Numerous zoom classes later, our garage was turned into a gym for karate classes and my sons 49 year old vw beetle was relocated into storage ( I think he forgave me eventually!) I've now presented for 2 gradings and achieved my yellow belt! The red belt cost me a broken toe during the pad kicks but hey, no one said it would be easy or painless!I couldn't have achieved these things without the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication from Karen and Ally and 'attending' the zoom karate classes during lockdown gave me a focus and a goal which I'm sure helped my emotional and physical well-being.I'm really looking forward to getting back to face to face sessions and hope I can progress to my next grading. At the age of 56 and apparently the oldest student at the club (I think some people may be fibbing about their age mind you!) I hope my story encourages more mature students to give karate a go, regardless of age.