Japan Karate Shoto Federation · Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Authentic Shotokan karate rooted in the values of the JKS — respect, discipline, serious training, and a community that welcomes everyone. Est. 2026.
JKS Abingdon was founded in 2026 with a clear purpose: to bring authentic, traditional Shotokan karate to the Abingdon community under the banner of the Japan Karate Shoto Federation.
We believe that karate is far more than a fighting system. Training in the JKS tradition means committing to the way — karate-do — a path of continuous self-improvement through physical discipline, mental focus, and respect for the art and for each other.
Our dojo is family-friendly and welcoming to complete beginners, yet demands the seriousness and standards that traditional karate deserves. You will train hard. You will be challenged. And you will grow.
Karate-do is a lifelong path. Every class is an opportunity to develop character as much as technique.
For the art, for your instructors, for your training partners. Respect is the foundation of everything we do.
A genuine dojo family. All ages and abilities train together, look after each other, and progress together.
JKS Abingdon is affiliated with JKS England and the Japan Karate Shoto Federation — one of the world's leading Shotokan karate organisations, with direct lineage to the masters who defined modern karate.
Membership of the JKS means your training and gradings are recognised to an internationally accredited standard. Our instructors hold JKS-certified Dan grades and are committed to delivering karate that is technically faithful, structurally progressive, and true to the Shotokan tradition.
Whether your goal is self-improvement, competition, or simply the discipline of showing up — JKS Abingdon connects you to a worldwide community of practitioners who share the same values.
Our instructors bring decades of combined experience in Shotokan karate — combining technical excellence with a genuine commitment to developing every student.
Oliver heads up the JKS Abingdon programme and represents JKS England internationally as a Kata team member. Alongside his instructor and judging qualifications, he trains regularly with top coaches across the UK and with JKS Sensei in Japan — bringing that ongoing learning directly into every session. His passion for Shotokan is contagious, and his lessons deliver the complete martial experience.
Stella holds a Godan (5th Dan) awarded by Masao Kagawa Shihan, World Chief Instructor of the JKS, and has been a black belt for over 30 years. A multiple national and international Kata champion, JKS England National Squad member, and ranked #1 in the SportData World E-Tournament Masters Kata category. She teaches Mondays and Fridays at 7pm.
Sam heads up the Kumite coaching programme — the sports fighting side of Karate. A former JKS England fighter and World and International Medalist, Sam brings elite-level competition experience to the dojo. If you want to understand why Karate is the best stand-up art for breaking range and distance, Sam is the coach to learn from.
David leads our Didcot Karate group and the Abingdon Sunday class. A former JKS England Kata competitor and medalist, he brings a genuine passion for the art and an eagerness to share it. Whether you're looking for personal growth, physical development, or simply something new, David's classes offer a welcoming and purposeful environment to begin your journey.
We run classes three evenings per week across two dojos. All levels are welcome unless otherwise indicated.
New students: your first class will always be an All Levels or Beginners session. Speak to an instructor beforehand — they'll talk you through what to expect.
No joining fees. No long-term lock-in. Just great karate at a fair monthly rate.
First class is always free. Book your trial →
Come and see what JKS Abingdon is about. No kit required, no commitment. Just turn up and train.
Questions about classes, gradings, or whether karate is right for you or your child? Get in touch — we're happy to talk.