Returning karate to its original purpose for self defence and self improvement.

SHORIN-RYU KARATE & RYUKYU KOBUDO

Traditional Okinawan Karate & Self-Defence Classes in Edinburgh

Forget point-scoring sports and high-volume “belt factories.” Experience authentic Shorin-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo in a focused, small-group environment.

Class 1: Shorin-Ryu Karate (Empty-Hand Martial Art)

Target Focus: Practical Self-Defence, Functional Fitness, & Traditional Discipline

Who It’s For: Beginners to experienced adults (16+) looking for real-world martial capability.

Description: Join small-group training focused on the core principles of classical Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate. We look past modern sport competition to deliver a complete, functional self-defence system. Lessons integrate close-quarter striking, kicking, tactical body shifting (Tai Sabaki), joint locks, and takedowns.

Schedule: Wednesdays | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: St. Brides Centre
10 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2DZ

Age Requirement: Adults & Youth (16+)

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Class 2: Ryukyu Kobudo (Okinawan Weapons Training)

Target Focus: Traditional Weaponry, Coordination, & Historical Precision

Who It’s For: Students with prior martial arts experience or active karateka seeking technical depth.

Description: Complement your empty-hand practice with Ryukyu Kobudo, the traditional weapons art of Okinawa. Develop hand-eye coordination, wrist control, and structural power using classical weapons including the Bō (staff), Sai (trident), Nunchaku, and Tonfa.

Schedule: Thursdays | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: St. Brides Centre
10 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2DZ

Requirement: Intermediate / Advanced Martial Artists

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Class 3: Private 1-on-1 Coaching

Target Focus: Personalized Technique, Self-Defence, & Conditioning

Who It’s For: Practitioners wanting rapid progress, tailored feedback, or flexible scheduling.

Description: Accelerate your development with direct 1-on-1 instruction with lead instructor Ben Eayrs. Private coaching packages are tailored to your personal goals—whether honing kata mechanics, mastering self-defence applications (Bunkai), or building martial strength and mobility.

Availability: Monday – Saturday (Mornings, Afternoons, or Evenings)

Location: Private Studio / Flexible Location (Edinburgh)

Transparent Pricing

No hidden contract fees or long-term lock-ins—just simple, straightforward training.

Option Rate Details
Single Drop-in £14 / class Try a session or drop in when your schedule allows.
Concession Drop-in £9 / class Available for National Entitlement Card Holders.
1 Class / Week £50 / month Full monthly access to 1 weekly group session (Karate or Kobudo).
2 Classes / Week £65 / month Full monthly access to both Wednesday Karate & Thursday Kobudo.

THE DIFFERENCE: WHY TRAIN WITH US?

Authentic Lineage, No Hype: We are Edinburgh’s dedicated traditional Okinawan martial arts school, bringing authentic Shorin-Ryu and Ryukyu Kobudo direct from Okinawan sources.

Small-Group Attention: You won’t get lost in a crowded gym. Every student gets hands-on corrections and direct feedback every session.

Practical Application over Trophy Hunting: We don’t train for sport medals or point-tagging. We train for practical self-defence, joint manipulation, body dynamics, and lifelong personal development.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q: Do I need prior martial arts experience to start Wednesday Karate classes? A: Not at all! Beginner adult students are always welcome. Our small-group format ensures you are taught at a pace that builds real skill safely.

Q: What should I wear for my first class? A: Loose, comfortable workout clothing (like track pants and a t-shirt) is perfect. Once you commit to regular training, we can assist you with getting a traditional gi.

Q: Where are classes located in Edinburgh? A: We train at St. Brides Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh (EH11 2DZ), conveniently located with easy access via public transit.

Ready to experience traditional Okinawan Karate in Edinburgh?

Spaces in our small-group classes are limited to ensure quality instruction. Contact me today to reserve your spot or ask any questions.

Testimonials

  • A Ahmet

    Hi Ben – brilliant meeting you and once again thank you for the time you gave me. I sincerely hope there are many more opportunities to train together. Your help was invaluable … sometimes in the midst of exhaustion, after a long explanation, I was still very confused, but to have you so willing to actually demonstrate the idea meant I got as much as I could from it. I thought you were very attentive and actively looking for opportunities to help, and then explained things clearly and simply. Personally I really liked it when you made comparisons to karate to explain Kobudo ideas – for someone with a little bit of background like me it was very helpful. Honestly no negatives from me – lively and personable and willing to share – what more could I want!?

  • G Parker

    All your input was brilliant and personally doing so much in a short space was to quick for me to digest personally so I was struggling to recall everything but when we did that period on Sunday one to one I think that’s what I needed because it just started to click and everything made sense so Thank you for that it was a massive help.

  • J Coulter

    The seminar was fantastic – it’s always a pleasure to train with experts in their field and it was inspiring watching Hamby Sensei at work. It was a great introduction to kobudo. I do very little kobudo in my ‘day-to-day’ karate so learning how to handle the bo and sai, learning the bo and sai kata and their applications was an opportunity not to be missed. The first time I got the sai ‘flick’ right, it felt awesome! It was a shame there were so few attendees, however on the plus side, this allowed us to go into more detail and get virtually one-on-one tuition. The venue was ideal – central location, easy to get to and great facilities. The cost was about right – I thought it was good value for money.

  • M Marshall

    Thank you for allowing me to attend the fine seminar you arranged and co-instructed with Dell Hamby Sensei While I was only able to take part on the Friday seminar, the sections on Shorin Ryu and Uechi Ryu kihon, Kata and partner conditioning were interesting and informative, they had content and variation. Ben Sensei and Dell Sensei should be commended on their skills and teaching methods. I regret I could not experience the Kobudo with them, but will make every effort to do so in the future.