Washinkai Karate · Mitcham, South London
The way of peace, truth & harmony.
We are South Mitcham Karate Club — a friendly Washinkai dojo training twice a week in Mitcham. Traditional karate, taught properly. All ages, all abilities, beginners always welcome.
- Tue & Thu6:30 – 9:00 pm
- South Mitcham Community CentreHaselmere Avenue, CR4 4PR
- Everyone welcomejuniors & adults
Karate-dō, the way of the empty hand · 南 minami — south
- Technique
- Power
- Speed
- Focus
- Distance
- Timing
- Awareness
More than kicking & punching.
South Mitcham Karate Club is a Washinkai dojo — part of the school founded in 1977 by Shihan Chris Thompson, one of the most senior figures in English karate.
Washinkai grew from Wado Ryu, shaped by the first generation of Japanese instructors to teach in Britain. Training is traditional: kihon (basics), kata (forms) and controlled kumite (sparring) — practised with patience, precision and good humour.
But the real purpose of karate is not merely physical. It is self-improvement — the confidence, discipline and calm that follow you out of the dojo. We train hard, look after each other, and welcome anyone willing to learn.
Washinkai clubs in the UK train under the British Traditional Karate Association, registered with the English Karate Federation.
Seven petals, one practice.
“Learn with your soul as well as your body.”
— the Washinkai dōjō kun
和 peace & harmony · 真 truth — seven petals for the seven constituents of karate, and the seven virtues they grow.
In the body
- Technique
- Power
- Speed
- Focus
- Distance
- Timing
- Awareness
In character
- Humility
- Honesty
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Equanimity
Train with us.
When
Juniors to seniors train across the evening. Not sure when to arrive? Ask us first and we’ll point you to the right part of the session.
Your first class
- No gi, no experience needed — comfortable sportswear is fine to begin with.
- Send us a message first so we know to expect you, and arrive ten minutes early to say hello.
- Happy to just watch a class before joining in? That’s fine too — parents are welcome to stay.
Club noticeboard.
Announcements, gradings, courses and closures — check back before training.
Welcome to our new club website
South Mitcham Karate Club now has a home of its own online. Announcements, gradings, course dates and closures will be posted here — check back before training.
New starters welcome all year round
You don't need to wait for a new term to begin. Send us an enquiry below and come along on a Tuesday or Thursday evening — comfortable sportswear is all you need for your first sessions.
Grading and course dates
Upcoming gradings and Washinkai courses are announced in class and posted here. If you think you're ready to grade, speak to your instructor at training.
Your instructors.
Aka Jean Wedja
Club Instructor · Washinkai Karate
Stednet Gray
Club Instructor · Washinkai Karate
South Mitcham trains under the guidance of Shihan Chris Thompson, founder and chief instructor of Washinkai — teaching karate in England since 1969. washinkai.co.uk ↗
Every black belt was once a beginner.
Tell us a little about yourself — we’ll reply with everything you need for your first class.
Or reach us directly
- Emailsfly375@googlemail.com
- Club07786 364053
- Washinkai HQ07836 721168