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Classes

 

Classes for All Ages

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Children's classes

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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Teen classes

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 classes

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

Meet Our Instructors

Use the arrows at the side of the slides or the bullets at the bottom to scroll through the gallery of instructors who teach our classes.
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1/7 Liz Bertone-Johnson: Children's class assistant
Ms Bertone-Johnson assists with kids class. She has been practicing Shorin-ryu karate at Northampton Karate since 2017 and earned her black belt in 2023. She previously trained in Shotokan karate with Japan Karate Association, where she also earned a black belt. Outside the dojo, she is a professor in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at UMass Amherst and is completing training in adolescent mental health counseling at UMass Boston. In her free time, Liz enjoys reading, quilting and spending time with her human family and 6 pets. She is a 1st degree black belt.
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2/7 Sensei Caitlin Carvalho: Adult all-ranks class

Sensei Carvalho (pictured front row, second from left) has been practicing at Northampton Karate since 2009. She has instructed kids, teens, and adult classes and is currently the head teacher of one of the adult all ranks classes. Caitlin has a degree in Fine Arts from UMass and runs two small businesses in the area: interior painting and a craft business selling handmade clothing. She has lived in the area for almost 25 years and has three adult sons who also all trained at the dojo for over a decade. She is also an avid lover of dogs. She holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt

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3/7 Sensei Jason Foster: Children's class

Sensei Foster has over 15 years of combined martial arts training starting as a child and picking up again as an adult. He serves as one of the primary children's instructors. Jason lived in Asia for 7 years where his appreciation for martial arts and the culture was enhanced. He graduated with a business degree from Emory University, and as an entrepreneur, is involved with several different ventures. Jason enjoys traveling and riding his motorcycle. He has attained the rank of 4th degree black belt.

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4/7 Sensei Anna-Maria Goossens: Children, teens, and black belt instructor

Sensei Goossens is the owner and Shi Han of Northampton Karate. She has been practicing Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate and been a member of Northampton Karate since 1996, including studying under dojo founder Sensei Jeffrey Brooks. She has been instructing for over 20 years in various classes, both empty hand and weapons. In her professional life she is the public relations director and front of house/box office manager for the UMass Amherst Department of Theater. In her free time Anna-Maria likes to crochet and is learning to spin. She holds the rank of 4th degree black belt.

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5/7 Sensei Steve Parsons: Adult all-ranks class

Sensei Parsons (back row center) has many years of martial arts training and has been a member of Northampton Karate since 2012. He is one of the dojo's all-rank adult class instructors. In his professional life, Steve owns a lawn care and plowing business. Steve is also an avid traveler. He holds the rank of 4th degree black belt.

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6/7 Sensei Jonathan Schwab: Adult all-ranks instructor

Sensei Schwab has been practicing and teaching Shorin-ryu Karate for over 20 years, and studied under dojo founder Sensei Brooks for many years. His experience has included teaching a number of classes, and he is the former Shi Han of the dojo. Jon currently teaches one of our all-ranks adult classes. As a pediatrician at Northampton Area Pediatrics, he has always had an interest in exercise, strength, fitness, and how these activities improve both the mind and body. His other interests and activities include reading, community service, numerous sports and spending time with his children. He as attained the rank of 5th degree black belt.

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7/7 Sensei Betsy Sullivan: Teen class assistant

Sensei Sullivan has been a member of Northampton Karate for over 20 years, studying under dojo founder Sensei Jeffrey Brooks. She has taught classes at all levels and currently assists in the teens class. She recently retired as a school teacher. Betsy is a cyclist and avid traveler. She holds the rank of 4th degree black belt.

Starting Karate: Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm interested in signing up but unsure if it's a good fit for me or my child?

There are a couple of ways to gather information. If you've looked over this website and there's a question we haven't answered, call (413-222-1059) or email (info@northamptonkarate.com) to ask our Shi Han and owner, Anna-Maria Goossens.

You can also contact her to arrange to observe a class; seeing what a class is like is often the best way to decide if it's right for you!

You use a lot of Japanese terms. Am I expected to have them memorized when I start?

Not at all — instructors and senior members will be happy to coach you not just in using the terms, but also in the courtesies and customs we observe. No one gets them right on their first day, and we will help you as much and as long as you need it.

I’m worried that not as strong/flexible/young as other members, so is this a realistic option for me?

You may be surprised by how well you fit in. We have members ranging in age from 5 years old to almost 70. We welcome students of all genders. We have folks who have great stamina and flexibility and others working with injuries and health issues.

Anyone can study karate — while we require mastery of certain techniques to promote, we also look at each individual's progress relative to where they started. If you have specific concerns, please ask, but the short answer is yes, you can train!

How many times per week am I expected to attend class?

To make steady progress, folks should aim to attend 2 to 3 classes. Adults and teens who are moving into advanced training should aim for 3 times a week. Realistically, there will be times when that isn't possible due to school, work, or life conflicts, and even once a week is better than not at all.

We ask folks not to train when sick, but injuries can often be accommodated; check in with a sensei or instructor.

I have never participated in martial arts and do not know anything about karate. Will I be able to follow along?

Most dojo members did not have karate experience when they started. Most, regardless of other martial arts experience, were confused and challenged when they first tried karate. However, after a few classes, people start to find their way and enjoy the challenge and excitement of learning something new and seeing real progress in each class. All of the members and instructors began as white belts and understand what it’s like to be new to karate, so they are all pulling for you to succeed.

I’m really nervous about working with a partner. Am I going to have to fight on my first day?
Short answer: no.
Long answer: Being nervous about working with a partner is totally normal. Our partner-work curriculum begins with simple exercises that are pre-set, so that you can learn about targeting your techniques, proper distancing, power, and more under controlled circumstances that minimize risk of injury and maximize learning. As you move into higher ranks, other exercises are added, including some that are more free-form, but even then, we don't do the type of no-holds-barred, full-on fighting that you may see in some martial arts movies or TV shows.
We also do not participate in competitions.
See an instructor if you have questions about partner work.
 

Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sunday

 

 

 

 

  

9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

Adult all-ranks

  

 

 

 

 

  

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Teens

  

 

4:30 - 5:15 p.m.

Children

 

4:30 - 5:15 p.m.

Children

      

6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Adult all-ranks

  

6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Adult all-ranks

5:30-6:45 p.m.

Black belts

      

Pricing

  • Adults — $75 monthly, $210 quarterly
  • Teens — $70 monthly, $195 quarterly
  • Kids — $65 monthly, $180 quarterly
  • Gi — $40 

We accept checks, cash, or Venmo (Northampton Karate, @ntonkarate).

We can work with many voucher programs for families.

We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier. All EBT, WIC, and Health Connector cardholders receive 50% off membership fees as well as gi (uniform) purchases.

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.