Welcome to
Gakushuin Karate International
Karate classes in South Shields for kids and adults taught by World and European Champions with years of experience!
How to Join Our Club...
Welcome to Gakushuin Karate
Getting started at Gakushuin Karate is simple. We recommend that you message or call us before attending to let us know you’re coming, just in case we’re away at a competition or classes are running slightly differently.
However, if you’re nearby, you’re always welcome to drop in and see us at class times below.
You don’t need any special equipment to get started — just wear loose, comfortable gym-style clothing and bring a positive attitude.
Your first session is completely free, giving you the chance to try a class, meet the instructors, and see if karate is right for you.
All instructors are fully insured, enhanced DBS checked and First aid qualified.Â
Ready to Join Us?
timetable & location
Brinkburn CIO, Harton Lane, South Shields, NE34 0PJ
Monday
🕕 6:00 – 7:00pm
All grades & all ages (from 5 years+)
Thursday
🕕 6:00 – 7:00pm
Competition training class (all ages, from 5 years+)
Wednesday
🕔 5:00 – 6:00pm
All grades & all ages (from 5 years+)
🕕6:00 – 7:00pm
Advanced class for 6th Kyu (Green belt) and above
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
SENSEI BRIAN HALL - 7TH DAN
Sensei Brian Hall — Chief Instructor, Gakushuin Karate North East
Sensei Brian Hall is the head instructor and driving force behind Gakushuin Karate, bringing decades of world-class experience, passion, and mentorship to students of all ages. Based in South Shields, UK, Brian holds the prestigious rank of 7th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, a testament to his lifetime commitment to traditional martial arts training and excellence.
Brian’s journey in karate began long before founding Gakushuin Karate — he opened his first dojo in 1996 in Rheindhalin, Germany, and spent many years teaching and coaching internationally while serving in the British Army. Wherever he was posted, he established karate clubs and nurtured local students, helping to grow the art he loves.
As a competitor, Brian was a formidable force in kumite (fighting) on the European and world stage. He is a former World and European Kumite Champion, earning medals with distinction and respect throughout his competitive career. Today he has retired from competition to focus fully on coaching and developing the next generation of karateka.Â
Brian also served with distinction as Head Coach for the British Army and Combined Services Karate Team, and currently leads the squad for KKO Great Britain, who achieved an impressive 3rd place team finish at the 2019 WUKF World Championships under his guidance.
Since settling in South Shields and opening Gakushuin Karate in 2012 with his wife, Sensei Hayley Hall, Brian has dedicated himself to building a welcoming, disciplined and high-achieving karate community. His students consistently progress through the ranks and compete with success, embodying the resilience, respect, and focus at the heart of traditional Shotokan karate.Â
Brian’s teaching philosophy combines technical precision with supportive mentorship: he believes in nurturing both strong martial artists and confident individuals who carry the values of karate into everyday life.Â
SENSEI HAYLEY HALL - 4TH DAN
Sensei Hayley Hall — Senior Instructor, Gakushuin Karate
Sensei Hayley Hall is a highly respected Senior Instructor at Gakushuin Karate, where she trains and mentors students of all levels with skill, passion, and dedication. Alongside her husband, Sensei Brian Hall, she co-leads one of the most successful and fast-growing Shotokan karate clubs in the North East of England.
Hayley is an exceptional martial artist and an accomplished 7-time World and European Champion, placing her among the most successful competitive karate athletes in her field. Her achievements at the highest level of international competition reflect years of elite training, discipline, and dedication to excellence in kumite.
She holds a 4th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and plays a key leadership role within the wider karate community as Squad Manager and President of the Kenshin Karate Organisation (KKO).
Throughout her competitive career, Hayley has represented her country with distinction, earning multiple World and European titles and medals at major events, including the WUKF World Karate Championships. Her results at international level demonstrate both technical excellence and consistent performance under pressure.
As an instructor, Hayley is deeply committed to developing students of all ages and abilities. Her teaching focuses on confidence, discipline, technical skill, and competitive development, guiding students from beginner level through to elite competition standards.
Her world-class experience, combined with a supportive and structured coaching style, makes her an inspiring role model and a central figure within Gakushuin Karate.
Contact us to
Join Our Classes
Contact us now to find out more and let us help you on your karate journey!
Drop us a message below or call us on:
07947 542633
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Karate Classes in South Shields for Kids & Adults
If you’re looking for karate classes in South Shields, you’ve come to the right place. At Gakushuin Karate, we provide professional Shotokan karate training for children, teenagers, and adults of all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps onto the mat, or an experienced student looking to refine your skills, our goal is simple — to help you develop confidence, discipline, fitness, and self-defence skills in a safe and welcoming environment.
A Karate Club for Everyone
Karate should be accessible to everyone, and at Gakushuin Karate, we have something for all ages and abilities.
Our kids karate classes in South Shields are designed to teach respect, focus, and confidence, while keeping sessions fun and engaging. Teen and adult students benefit from adult karate training, self-defence classes, and martial arts sessions that improve strength, agility, and mental focus.
Many students discover us when searching for “martial arts near me,” “kids martial arts classes South Shields,” or “adult self-defence South Shields” — and they stay because of the quality coaching, supportive environment, and friendly community.
Traditional Shotokan Karate Training
We specialise in traditional Shotokan karate, combining kihon (fundamental techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to give students a well-rounded martial arts experience.
Our structured approach ensures that every student progresses through grading levels safely while developing practical skills. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defence, or competition karate, Gakushuin Karate offers expert guidance and professional instruction.
Serving South Shields & Surrounding Areas
Based in South Shields, our dojo welcomes students from across the North East, including Jarrow, Hebburn, Boldon, Cleadon, and Sunderland.
If you are searching for karate training South Shields, martial arts classes near me, or kids karate in the North East, you’ll find a supportive, high-quality environment where students thrive.
Join Gakushuin Karate Today
Starting karate at Gakushuin Karate is more than just training — it’s joining a community that values discipline, skill, and personal growth.
Whether your goal is to improve fitness, learn practical self-defence, build confidence, or compete in martial arts tournaments, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Contact us to start your first class today and discover why Gakushuin Karate is the top choice for karate classes in South Shields and the North East.