Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Club in Oldham
Established in 1983, Pennine Shotokan Karate has been a cornerstone of martial arts training in Oldham for over four decades. Founded by Sensei Fred Jones, our club has evolved through multiple venues, including the Oldham Olympic Gymnastic Club and Greenacres Community Centre, before settling at the modern Oldham Leisure Centre. Our instructors, including Sensei Fred Jones (8th Dan), Sensei Emma Reid (4th Dan), and Sensei Darren Bates (3rd Dan), bring decades of combined experience in Shotokan Karate, certified under prestigious organisations like BSKI and JSKA. We pride ourselves on fostering a family-friendly environment for men, women, and children aged seven and above, with a proven track record of producing world championship competitors.Our commitment to quality instruction is reflected in testimonials from former members, who highlight our expertise and the transformative impact of our training. As one of Oldham's longest-running martial arts clubs, we blend traditional Shotokan principles with contemporary teaching methods to ensure accessible, effective learning for all skill levels. Our affiliation with global karate pioneers, including Sensei Keigo Abe (9th Dan JSKA), reinforces our dedication to authentic martial arts education. The club's 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2023 included free memberships, underscoring our ongoing commitment to community engagement and accessibility in martial arts training.
Services
Karate Classes
Membership Benefits
Black Belt Training
Competition Preparation
Grading Syllabus
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of Shotokan Karate expertise with certified instructors up to 8th Dan level
- Our family-friendly environment welcomes all ages and skill levels from 7 years upwards
- Proven track record producing world championship competitors
- We provide free membership and karate suits for new members during anniversary celebrations
- Our instructors maintain direct connections to Shotokan Karate's founding lineage
Associations and certifications
- BSKI
- JSKA
What people say
Expert tuition
Family-friendly environment
World championship record
40 years experience
Authentic Shotokan tradition
Services
Karate Classes
Our Shotokan Karate classes cater to all ages and skill levels, focusing on traditional techniques and modern applications. Students develop physical fitness, discipline, and self-defence skills through structured training. Classes run twice weekly at Oldham Leisure Centre with expert instructors holding Dan grades from 3rd to 8th level.
Membership Benefits
Membership includes first-year licensing and karate suit at no additional cost during promotional periods. Members gain access to regular training sessions, grading opportunities, and participation in national events. Our family-friendly approach supports long-term martial arts development for all commitment levels.
Black Belt Training
Specialised black belt preparation programmes guide students through advanced techniques and kata forms. With instructors up to 8th Dan level, we offer expert mentorship for achieving higher grades. Training includes both technical mastery and philosophical understanding of Shotokan principles.
Competition Preparation
We prepare students for national and international competitions with focused sparring (kumite) and form (kata) training. Our track record includes producing championship winners through systematic competition strategies and mental preparation techniques aligned with Shotokan traditions.
Grading Syllabus
Structured grading system progresses from white belt to black belt through clearly defined technical requirements. Each level builds fundamental skills while maintaining traditional Shotokan standards. Regular grading examinations assess students' technical proficiency and understanding of karate principles.
People
Fred Jones
Chief Instructor
8th Dan chief instructor with 48 years training and 42 years teaching experience. Founded the club in 1983 and maintains direct connections to Shotokan Karate's founding lineage through JSKA affiliations.
Emma Reid
Club Secretary
4th Dan instructor with 27 years training and 21 years teaching experience. Manages club administration while contributing to training sessions at Oldham Leisure Centre's modern facilities.
Darren Bates
Senior Instructor
3rd Dan instructor with 25 years training and 18 years teaching experience. Assists in delivering classes that combine traditional Shotokan techniques with contemporary teaching methods for all age groups.
Questions
What age can children start karate training?
Children can join from age 7 years upwards in our family-friendly martial arts classes.
What does membership include?
Membership includes first year's licence and karate suit, with promotional offers available periodically.
Are there competition opportunities?
Yes, we prepare students for national and international competitions with proven success.
What are the training times?
Classes run Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Oldham Leisure Centre.
How experienced are the instructors?
Our instructors hold Dan grades from 3rd to 8th level with decades of teaching experience.
Is prior experience required?
No prior experience needed - our classes cater to all skill levels from beginners upwards.
