Welcome to Dunedin Karate

New members, of all ages, are welcome to join throughout the year. We offer a two-week free trial for new members during which you can attend any of the 1-hour classes, Monday - Thursday 6 pm. For juniors (under 12 years) we also offer a 5-6 pm class on Wednesday at Grants Braes School.

Before attending your first training session, please read through the information on this page and complete the registration form.

Training is done barefoot. You don’t need a gi (karate uniform) when starting. Just wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in and please bring a water bottle.

The training terms align with the school terms. Cancellations and venue changes will be posted on the Dunedin Karate Facebook page.

We recommend training twice each week.

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Please message us on Facebook, email or text Sensei Thanasi on 021 0889 6560 with any questions.


Dojo Etiquette

Bow when entering and leaving the dojo.

Always acknowledge the instructor on arrival. If a class is in session when you arrive, kneel in seiza until the instructor invites you to join the class​​​​​​​.

Shoes should not be worn in the dojo.

Jewellery should be removed for training.

Fingernails and toenails should be kept trimmed to avoid injury to yourself or others.

Students should listen respectfully and acknowledge instruction by saying "Hai", which means yes in Japanese, or “Hai Sensei”.

During a demonstration, move to ensure that those behind you can see.

All phones - including spectators’ - should be set to silent.

Japanese terms are used in class. 

Some of the first terms you will learn are:

  • Sensei = teacher
  • Karate-ka = one who practices Karate
  • Dojo = training space
  • Shugo = line up
  • Rei = bow
  • Yoi = ready position
  • Hajime = begin
  • Yame = stop
  • Hai Sensei = yes teacher


Kazu = numbers

  1. Ichi (eech)  一
  2. Ni (nee)  二
  3. San (san)  三
  4. Shi (she)  四
  5. Go (go)  五
  6. Roku (roke)  六
  7. Shichi (seech)  七
  8. Hachi (hach)  八
  9. Kyū (koo)  九
  10. Jū (joo)  十