Have you been thinking about starting a new hobby? Karate is a rewarding martial art that develops fitness, coordination, confidence and concentration while providing lifelong opportunities for learning and personal growth.
The JKS Finland Beginner’s Course introduces you to traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate in a safe and welcoming training environment. You will learn authentic karate techniques, develop practical martial arts skills, and discover the traditions and values of a classical budo.
No previous martial arts experience is required – just bring a willingness to learn.
The beginner’s course concludes with a belt examination on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
The course fee includes the training camp held on the day of the grading examination, the grading fee, and your yellow belt upon successful completion of the examination.
The languages of instruction are Finnish and English.
Advance registration is required for the beginner’s course.
The course is open to adults and young people aged 13 and above who want to learn karate from the very beginning.
No previous experience in karate or other martial arts is necessary. Whether you are physically active or just getting started with exercise, you are welcome to join. Training begins with the fundamentals, and everyone progresses at their own pace.
The course is suitable if you want to:
During the course you will learn the fundamentals of Shotokan Karate and build a solid technical foundation for future training.
Training includes:
Each technique is taught step by step by experienced instructors. The emphasis is on learning correct fundamentals rather than rushing through techniques.
JKS Finland teaches traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate following the technical principles of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei (JKS).
Training emphasizes strong fundamentals, correct technique and continuous self-improvement. Karate is much more than physical exercise—it is a martial art built on discipline, respect, self-control and lifelong learning.
Although we practise traditional karate, the atmosphere in our dojo is relaxed, welcoming and supportive. Everyone trains according to their own ability, and beginners are encouraged to focus on their own progress rather than comparing themselves with others.
A typical class consists of warm-up exercises, kihon (basic techniques), movement drills, kata and partner practice. As your skills develop, the training becomes more varied, while fundamental techniques remain an important part of every class.
Our instructors demonstrate each technique carefully and provide individual guidance throughout the course. Training is both physically and mentally engaging, and many beginners are surprised by how quickly their fitness, coordination and confidence improve.
For your first classes you only need comfortable indoor sports clothing, such as a T-shirt and training trousers or shorts.
Training is done barefoot.
You do not need to purchase a karate uniform (gi) before the course begins. Our instructors will advise you when it is the right time to get one and help you choose a suitable uniform.
Please also bring a water bottle.
After completing the course, you can continue training in JKS Finland’s regular adult classes and work towards your first grading.
Karate is a lifelong martial art in which every training session offers an opportunity to learn something new. Progress comes step by step, making the journey both challenging and rewarding.
We warmly welcome you to experience traditional Shotokan Karate and begin your own karate journey with JKS Finland.
JKS Finland is a non-profit organisation and a karate club that looks after the Shotokan Karate style as developed by Tetsuhiko Asai Shuseki Shihan. Our dojo is located in Helsinki.
