Karate lessons in Guildford, Haslemere, Farnham & Aldershot
Our two club instructors have 80 years+ training & coaching experience
We teach traditional karate classes with a friendly welcoming atmosphere, for all students to enjoy and develop. Grading’s are conducted regularly at the clubs & we cover a wide range of abilities and also offer our services to schools, colleges and educational establishments, as well as private lessons.
The clubs run four classes a week, so with additional Wado Academy courses on offer, it is possible for our students to have the chance to be training several times a week. The clubs always welcome new & keen students, where the emphasis is about developing the quality and character of student, through a deep understanding of the technical aspects of Wado-Ryu karate.
Who We Teach
Beginners
The first lesson can be the hardest part for any person who wants to study a new martial art. There can be a variety of factors which can prevent someone from going along and having a try, but we give everyone the same courtesy and chance to develop within our classes, regardless of how naturally people take to training.
Beginners will always be made to feel welcome and whilst it’s nice to turn up with a friend at your first lesson, you should feel equally as comfortable if you come on your own. The first lesson is always free to new students.
Kids & Children’s Classes
Our emphasis at the kids clubs is on teaching traditional karate in safe environment, under the supervision of our qualified instructors. We want to ensure that they have fun and enjoy the many benefits karate offers, along with giving discipline and getting them working diligently and to be challenged.
Our structured grading syllabus is designed to ensure they are continually striving towards new goals. The minimum age for the children is 6 years old.
Ladies karate
Over 40% of our students are female, so our karate classes are an activity that women of all ages can enjoy safely. Studying a martial art can help them understand how to better protect themselves and is helpful for women and girls of all ages for self-defence, when practised regularly.
An average session can burn as many calories as a gym workout or circuit’s class and is also great for improving tone, fitness, plus reducing stress and tension, when hitting the bags or pads!
Our Instructors
Shiomitsu Sensei 9th Dan Hanshi
Wado Academy Chief instructor
Sensei M. Shiomitsu began his study of karate when 15 years old and in 1959 he entered Nihon University, becoming a member of the famous university Wado-Ryu karate club. He quickly adapted to the punishing karate lessons and became known for his dynamic & technically exceptional kicking ability. He was soon officially appointed captain of the university team & was graded for 4th Dan in 1964. In 1989 he founded the Wado Academy & was awarded 9th Dan in 2006.
Corin Pegden 5th Dan Shidōin
Guildford, Farnham & Haslemere Instructor
Corin began his Wado karate training in 1986 and attained 1st Dan black belt in 1993 & 2nd Dan in 1999. He joined Shiomitsu Sensei’s Wado Academy in 2000 after witnessing the standard of instruction & depth of knowledge of the senior instructors. He graded for3rd Dan in 2007, 4th Dan in 2018, was awarded 5th Dan in 2024 and “Shidōin” teaching license in 2026.
Sensei Arthur Meek 8th Dan Renshi
Wado Academy Acting Chief Instructor
Sensei Arthur Meek, 8th Dan Renshi, serves as Acting Chief Instructor of the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy, founded by M. Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi & upholds the authentic teachings of Grandmaster Hironori Ohtsuka I through the Wado Ryu Renmei.
In 1981 he trained intensively at Nihon University Karate Club in Japan, later documenting the experience in a published diary-based account of life and training in a different culture.
Promoted to 8th Dan Renshi in 2019 following examination at the Renmei headquarters in Japan, he regularly leads courses and seminars across the UK and internationally. Based in Bridgwater, he continues to develop students and support the Academy’s global network of affiliated clubs.
Club history & background
The clubs have been established for over 40 years and we have grown from our original venue in Aldershot, to three other venues & numerous schools.
We are affiliated to the Wado-Ryu Karate do Renmei in Japan and our students are able to regularly train under Hironori Otsuka, 3rd Grandmaster of Wado-Ryu & Shiomitsu Sensei’s top students.
The training at the classes is an on-going process, just as any karate training should be and no two lessons are the same. Grading is all part of the training and the student will mainly be able to grade within the club environment and this helps them monitor their steady progress.
Through this continuous progression of study and effort, you will start to reap the physical and personal benefits that Wado-Ryu karate can give you.
We also teach in local schools, as part of extra curricular or after school classes and offer students the chance to train privately, either in their choice of venue, or facilities that we own. Please contact us for details or to discuss further.