The London branch of Daigaku Karate Kai was started by Shihan Gavin Mulholland (7th Dan) in the late 80s and is now one of the strongest karate clubs in the UK. We practise Okinawan Goju Ryu - a practical karate style which places heavy emphasis on close-quarter effectiveness. Training is combat-orientated rather than for sport or competition fighting, which require different skills and mindset.
Classes are open to all adults (no children). We welcome beginners and practitioners from other styles at every level. The club has a good mix of men and women training regularly.
Classes are open to all adults (no children). We welcome beginners and practitioners from other styles at every level. The club has a good mix of men and women training regularly.
Services
Main classes take place on Monday and Wednesday and cover all aspects of the DKK syllabus including Kihon, Kata, Bunkai and sparring, together with fitness and conditioning. We welcome beginners and highly graded students of other styles to join or visit any time. Classes continue during University breaks and you don't need to be a student to train.
While the club's primary focus is on combat, not competition, there is benefit to be had from testing yourself against an aggressive, non-cooperative opponent and the MMA scene offers just such a challenge. There is never any pressure on students to compete in such events, but several have chosen to test themselves in this extreme challenge.
Reviews (5)
Acethemace
Aug 15, 2021
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Incredibly knowledgeable and powerful sensei. Very experienced club and friendly atmosphere. They build you up and make you strong. I learned an incredible range of techniques and progressed quickly. As well as martial arts, you learn a lot of life lessons here. Ive grown in confidence since I joined.
Ed Barbor
Jan 22, 2017
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Daigaku Karate Kai is a great club to train with. Shihan Mulholland combines hard physical training with a deep, thought provoking knowledge of karate and, for the higher grades, some exploration of the spiritual side of martial arts. I would thoroughly recommend anyone who wants to progress their martial arts at any level to come down and visit us.
Goran Powell
Jan 01, 2017
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This is the full monty - traditional karate that trains mind, body and spirit: full contact conditioning, kihon, kata, bunkai, sparring and realistic self-defence. Grades of all level from beginner to instructor, male and female, and all the way up to Shihan Gavin Mulholland, 6th dan. Weapons training is available at annual summer and winter camp including stick, knife and kobudo. Quite simply as good as it gets. Classes in Camden, central London. All styles and abilities welcome.
Marianette Violeta
Sep 22, 2016
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Laila Al-Minyawi
Aug 23, 2016
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