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Northampton Karate

 

A Practice for All Ages

Since it was founded in 1988 by Sensei Jeffrey Brooks, thousands of adults, teens, and children from across Western Massachusetts have come to Northampton Karate to learn the traditional Okinawan Matsubayashi style of Shorin-ryu karate.

Our students learn martial arts techniques, self-defense, and physical discipline. Our classes are designed to teach the basic moves of karate, katas (forms, or a series of choreographed moves), and partner work including kumite (fighting). We train students in a logical progression so that they can safely engage with advanced moves and partner work. We do not participate in competitions.

The founder of Shorin-ryu, O-Sensei Shoshin Nagamine, believed that cultivating the mind was as important to being a good karate practitioner as physical training. He emphasized deep focus and meditation, as well as intellectual engagement with martial arts. We begin class with meditation and strive to follow the example he set by training mindfully.

We welcome all genders and fitness levels, as well as people who have prior martial arts experience and those who are completely new to the art. Karate can be enjoyed for a lifetime — we have enrolled students as young as five as well as those in their 70s. In fact, with its emphasis on core work, balance, and flexibility, karate is an excellent discipline for folks of all ages.

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  • Experienced Instructors

    Our instructors have years of martial arts training and are excited to share their expertise.

  • Supportive Environment

    When you join, you'll find a warm community of fellow students who mentor and encourage each other to achieve their goals.

  • More than Fitness

    Our approach to martial arts teaches mindfulness, self-defense, core strength, balance, and more.

"I have been practicing, training and teaching at Northampton Karate for almost 30 years. This is a group of dedicated people who are learning techniques of self defense while not only getting more physically fit, but developing stronger bodies and minds." — Google Review

Classes

Learn about the program you're interested by clicking on the buttons below, or visit our classes page to read our FAQ, meet the instructors, or register.

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Children

Ages 5 and up. A focused, fun way for kids to burn off excess energy after school, by learning discipline, perfection of technique, courtesy, and respect.

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Teens

Ages 12 and up. A class that's rigorous, rewarding, and fun for all genders, fitness levels, and experience  — and an extra-curricular that looks great on a college application!

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Adults

A comprehensive adult karate program that emphasizes mindfulness and focus alongside fitness, physical discipline, and self-defense for all ages and experience levels.

"Great community of dedicated, hard working, and patient teachers and students." — Google Review

Thinking about Moving

Peruse our blog for thoughts about our karate practice from our shi han and other members.

Contact Us

If you've looked around our site and you still have questions or want to observe a class, get in touch by calling us at 413-222-1059 or filling out the form below.
Panoramic view of the dojo