Business Details
48 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Manchester
Established in 1978, Sale Dojo has been a cornerstone of the Manchester community, dedicated to fostering discipline, self-confidence, and physical fitness through traditional karate training. Our club was founded on the principle of giving back to the community and has since positively impacted thousands of lives, from young children to adults. With a structured ranking system and a focus on military-inspired discipline, we instil values of respect, perseverance, and healthy competitiveness. Our instructors, including internationally renowned Sensei Ian Swain, bring decades of expertise and hold certifications such as DBS checks and safeguarding qualifications.Over the years, our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as a leading karate club in the UK, with notable success in national and international tournaments. We prioritise safety and inclusivity, ensuring a welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including tailored programmes for children with special educational needs. Our facilities, renovated in 2003, offer versatile spaces for training and community events, reflecting our adaptability and long-term dedication to martial arts education.
Services
Karate Classes
Personal Training
Group Sessions
Room Hire
Children's Parties
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of martial arts expertise with award-winning instructors.
- Our students excel in national and international karate competitions.
- All instructors are DBS-checked and safeguarding-certified for child safety.
- Flexible training sessions cater to all age groups and ability levels.
- We provide inclusive programmes for children with special educational needs.
Associations and certifications
- DBS Checked
What people say
Improved confidence
Kept them motivated
Thrilled with grading
Positive impact
Special needs support
Services
Karate Classes
Structured karate training sessions for all ages and abilities, combining traditional discipline with modern teaching methods to improve fitness, self-defence skills, and mental focus. Classes cater to white belts through black belt levels, with dedicated sessions for adults and junior students. Our curriculum emphasizes character development, including respect, perseverance, and teamwork, alongside technical proficiency.
Personal Training
Tailored 1:1 karate instruction for competition preparation or specific skill development, led by internationally experienced instructors. Sessions focus on individual goals, whether improving tournament performance, mastering kata techniques, or enhancing physical conditioning. Personalised feedback and accelerated learning paths ensure rapid progression while maintaining traditional martial arts principles.
Group Training
Evening group classes split by age and skill level to optimise social interaction while maintaining focused technical instruction. Includes dedicated sessions for special educational needs groups and competitive Kumite training. Regular grading opportunities help track progress through the traditional belt system, fostering motivation and structured advancement.
Room Hire
Flexible event space for hire featuring two large matted areas with party amenities like bouncy castles and football pitches. Ideal for children's birthdays, community events, or martial arts workshops, with capacity for 12m x 10m and 12m x 9m configurations. Available during daytime hours with included equipment support.
Children's Parties
Themed karate parties combining martial arts activities with recreational facilities including bouncy castles and football pitches. Parties include customisable packages with instructor-led martial arts games and grading demonstrations, providing active entertainment while introducing basic karate principles to non-members.
People
Sensei Ian Swain
Chief Instructor
7th Dan black belt with over 40 years of martial arts experience, founder of Yanagi Kai Karate Association, and tournament success coach.
Andrew Blake
Senior Instructor
4th Dan black belt specialising in competition kata, with two decades of teaching experience and multiple championship awards.
Anthony Tutty
Senior Instructor
4th Dan black belt focused on Kumite techniques, mentoring students for tournament success at national levels.
Sharmishtha Ghangrekar
Child Safeguarding Officer
General Practitioner and parent with specialist training in child protection, overseeing safety protocols for all club activities.
Karen Swain
Administrative Director
Club operations manager responsible for scheduling, membership coordination, and community engagement initiatives since 2003.
Questions
What age groups can participate in karate classes?
We accept students from age 5 upwards, with dedicated sessions for juniors, teenagers, and adults.
Do you offer beginner-friendly karate programmes?
Yes, our white belt classes cater specifically to complete beginners with no prior martial arts experience.
Are your instructors qualified for child safety?
All instructors hold DBS checks, first aid certifications, and have completed safeguarding training.
What equipment is required for karate classes?
Beginners need a karate gi, with optional protective gear available for advanced sparring sessions.
Can the dojo accommodate special educational needs?
Yes, we provide adapted training sessions for children with autism and other developmental conditions.
Is there parking available at the dojo?
On-site parking is available for 10 vehicles, with additional street parking during evening sessions.
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