Sensei David Judah Daniel

I set up Karate Bristol about 10 years ago when the club where I was training closed down. Then a 3rd Dan, I attempted to rebuild the everyday training philosophy I’d been used to.

Since then we now have 3 venues. Manor Hall in Coalpit Heath, St Saviours Church Hall and Yate Academy. Today we’re able to train most days in and around the local Bristol area.

Now as a 5th Dan, I plan to add even more training days to offer regular training and a flexible timetable.

My Story

I grew up in the 1970s and 1980s when unfortunately, my early days of school were not pleasant at all and I was a victim of bullying.

My Dad’s advice to me was, not to come home and tell him I’d been beaten up or he’d do the same.

That was my first lesson in self-preservation; not the sort of advice I’d give, but looking back this was good advice for me.

That’s how it was back then - It wasn’t very PC.

In addition to fighting all my close friends for fun, I explored the combat sports available to me which included schoolboy boxing and wrestling. I began karate and martial arts later in life. Starting with Shotokan and then moving on to Shito ryu. 

Now in my late 50s, I train everyday. Sometimes twice a day. I train to become a better martial artist, teacher and mentor. I’m fighting the aging process at the same time so I know its something you are never too old to do.

In addition to my achievements in martial arts, I have also gained level 2 instructor qualifications in Gym instruction and Circuit training. I’ve always kept up with a tough fighters’s regime and encourage my students to keep on top of their fitness levels too.

Still a student, I recently competed in a kata tournament in Japan. I regularly train with my Sensei in the UK, In Europe and Japan when possible.

Karate Bristol

We are a growing club and have around 100 students training at our Bristol dojos. Our plan is to expand membership and increase the number of training nights. We currently train up to 7hours live training per week.

We encourage families to train together and often split the classes so everyone can take something useful away with them. We practice in the traditional way building on our basic technique,  kumite and kata amongst other disciplines.

Self defence is a major part of each class. Typically, we rehearse 'bunkai' -  (The techniques often hidden within our kata) - and then we adapt these techniques so they work effectively on the street.

At the club everyone looks after one another. We are friendly and make a point of welcoming new members without intimidation. Holding a mutual respect for our training partners. 

The journey to black belt

It is within reach for just about everyone with the right determination. At the dojo, we learn, practice and refine our art. Fitness is a result of this training along with a sense of achievement.

Results come with a little commitment from you and us at the club. So one day you wake up and realise just how much you know. And the journey continues beyond black belt...

A karate club for all abilities and all ages.