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Northampton Karate

 

Northampton Karate provides karate training that teaches people to become proficient in martial arts, gain self-defense techniques, and improve overall fitness (cardio, core, balance, and power). The founder of our style felt strongly that karate must be practiced with intellectual curiosity and spiritual intention, so we welcome to our space all folks who want to cultivate a mindfully engaged movement practice.

Are you nervous about trying karate?

Many adults are nervous to consider karate for themselves — they worry they've missed their chance to try it. 

Here's the thing: In order to be the ideal karate student, the only thing you need is a willingness to commit to learning something new.

Everything else — age, fitness level, etc. — matters less than you think. So let's address some of the common misconceptions.

  • I'm too old

    No you're not! O-Sensei Shoshin Nagamine, the founder of our style, practiced karate throughout his 70s. We've had students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Some started as kids, some returned to martial arts after decades away, and some didn't set foot in a dojo until well into their 60s. 

  • I'm out of shape

    So start karate, and you'll get IN shape! Seriously: there is no weight or fitness requirement to start (but if you have a medical condition we do suggest you check in with your doctor first). You'll be doing cardio, core, and balance work in class, all excellent for improving your overall fitness.

  • I'm a klutz and people will laugh

    No they won't. All of us have moments of feeling awkward — even black belts. It's a normal part of learning. You'll find that people here are interested in helping you, not making fun. And you will soon get hooked on that feeling of successfully conquering a challenging move!

  • I don't want to fight

    Neither do we. First things first, we don't do competitions in our style. We do have partner work, which starts with very simple choreographed movements for beginners and gradually builds in intensity and difficulty as you move up the ranks. And we certainly won't be getting into any Cobra Kai-style brawls!

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.

About Our Practice

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, a practice that emphasizes physical movement AND mindful engagement.

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. 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

The Card to Culture discount makes memberships more affordable

  • Who's eligible?

    All WIC, EBT, and ConnectorCare cardholders

  • What's the discount?

    50% off monthly membership fees and gi (uniform) purchases. 

  • How do I learn more?

    Contact us at 413-222-1059 or by emailing info@northamptonkarate.com if you're eligible and interested.

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"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