Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Centre in Rochdale & Oldham
The Dojo has been delivering expert martial arts instruction since 1988, combining decades of experience with a structured, safety-focused approach. Our chief instructor, Sensei Irfan Ansari (8th Dan), leads a team of certified professionals dedicated to fostering confidence, discipline, and physical fitness in students of all ages. We offer a unique mixed martial arts system integrating Karate, Ju-jitsu, self-defence, and more, designed to develop essential life skills while prioritising child protection and community values.With multiple locations across Greater Manchester, we provide affordable, high-quality training that has earned recognition from Rochdale Council and numerous accolades for our coaching excellence. Our commitment to transparency ensures clear pricing, no hidden fees, and a proven track record of producing regional and world champions while empowering families through holistic personal development.
Services
Combined Martial Arts
Tiger Tots Classes
Advanced Training
Squad Competitions
Kata Instruction
Self-Defence
Weapons Training
Family Karate
Grading Preparation
Fitness Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in martial arts instruction
- Our chief instructor is a GB National Coach with 8th Dan accreditation
- All staff hold DBS checks and child protection certifications
- Proven track record producing regional and world champions
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or contracts
Associations and certifications
- DBS
What people say
Outstanding confidence growth
Professional, caring instructors
Visible academic improvements
Family-friendly atmosphere
Excellent competition results
Services
Combined Martial Arts
Our signature programme blends Karate, Ju-jitsu, self-defence, weapons training, and kickboxing into a cohesive curriculum. Students develop physical fitness, mental focus, and practical self-defence skills through structured lessons that balance tradition with modern sports science techniques. This comprehensive approach builds discipline and adaptability for all age groups.
Tiger Tots Classes
Specialised sessions for 2.5-4.5 year olds introduce foundational martial arts movements alongside essential life skills. Through playful, structured activities, children improve coordination, listening skills, and confidence while learning basic self-defence principles in a safe, engaging environment tailored to early development.
Competition Squad
Selected members receive advanced instruction in Karate Kata, Kumite, and kickboxing disciplines. This intensive programme focuses on tournament preparation, technical precision, and mental resilience, producing multiple world champions through personalised coaching and rigorous skill development aligned with international competition standards.
Kata Instruction
Traditional form sequences teach precise movement patterns containing practical self-defence applications. Students learn to decode these movements into effective techniques while developing balance, focus, and understanding of martial arts principles through progressive, detailed instruction from experienced instructors.
Self-Defence
Practical self-protection strategies cover conflict avoidance, situational awareness, and physical techniques. Lessons combine verbal de-escalation skills with defensive manoeuvres tailored to real-world scenarios, empowering students to handle potential threats confidently while emphasising restraint and legal awareness.
People
Irfan Ansari
8th Dan & National Coach
With over 40 years' experience, Sensei Ansari (8th Dan) is a multiple world champion and GB National Coach. He has trained thousands of students since establishing The Dojo in 1988, developing a unique blended martial arts system that combines traditional techniques with modern sports science principles.
Huseyn Mikayilov
2nd Dan Instructor
A former world champion competitor, Huseyn brings competitive expertise to his instruction. He specialises in translating high-level martial arts techniques into accessible lessons for students of all ages, focusing on practical application and technical precision.
Natalie Dean
2nd Dan Coach
As both a multiple world champion and assistant squad coach, Natalie combines competitive success with teaching experience. She mentors students in advanced techniques while maintaining focus on foundational skills development for beginners.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach a blended system combining Karate, Ju-jitsu, self-defence, weapons training, kickboxing, and Kata forms developed from 50+ years of instructor experience.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold 2nd Dan black belts or higher, with DBS checks and child protection certifications. Our chief instructor is an 8th Dan GB National Coach with decades of competitive experience.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer classes for children aged 2.5+, teens, and adults up to 70+ years old, with specially designed programmes for different developmental stages and fitness levels.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a £5 taster class with no obligation to join, allowing you to experience our training environment and teaching methods before committing.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain DBS-checked staff, child protection policies, first aiders on site, and insured, purpose-built training facilities to ensure a secure environment for all young participants.
What competition opportunities exist?
Selected squad members receive elite training in Karate Kata, Kumite, and kickboxing, with regular participation in regional, national, and international tournaments where we've achieved multiple world titles.
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