Learn karate and self-defence at Porchester Centre and surrounding areas with expert instruction since 1998.
Meet Our Instructors
The Sensei
Sensei Ylli – Head Instructor
Instruction is led by Sensei Ylli, a 4th Dan Black Belt with decades of experience in traditional Shotokan Karate.
Sensei Ylli began his karate journey in 1998 at The Porchester Centre in London, UK. Demonstrating exceptional talent from the outset, he quickly progressed through the ranks to earn his black belt. In addition to his continued training in Shotokan Karate, he has also explored other martial arts disciplines, broadening his knowledge and approach.
Since year 2000, Sensei Ylli has been a dedicated instructor, teaching both children and adults. He is known for sharing his deep knowledge, discipline, and passion for karate, inspiring students of all ages to grow in skill and character.
Sempai
Sempai Elvana – Assistant Instructor
Sempai Elvana joined our dojo in 2011 and has trained with dedication ever since. As of 2022, she has stepped into a teaching role, helping students progress and sharing her passion for karate.
A
brief
history
of
our
School
The Shotokan Fitness Karate School was officially established in 2011 by Ylli Sensei. However, its roots go back to 1998 at The Porchester Centre, where Ylli Sensei first began practicing Karate. Over the years, the school has undergone several name changes. Since 2011, we have proudly used the name Shotokan Fitness Karate School and intend to continue under this name for many years to come. We are also pleased to share that we still offer Karate classes at The Porchester Centre — the very place where our journey began.
More About Us
Our school welcomes both adults and children aged five and above, offering a dynamic environment to learn karate, build self-confidence, develop effective self-defence skills, and stay physically fit.
While our foundation is in traditional and modern Shotokan Karate, we pride ourselves on being an open-minded club.
We specialize in Shotokan but also incorporate techniques from other martial arts styles. This blended approach gives our students a broader and more practical understanding of martial arts as a whole.
As a self-defence-oriented school, we focus on realistic and effective techniques.
Our training is conducted in a semi-contact format, emphasizing safety, control, and mutual respect—making it suitable for students of all ages and skill levels.
We aim to teach, refine, and perfect a wide range of techniques while ensuring that students understand how to use them effectively in real-world situations.
Qualification and Grading
At our dojo the grading takes place every three months, for Kyu grades (and, as appropriate, for Dan grades). Students who successfully pass the grading are promoted to the next level, which is signified by a different belt color and recognized with an official certificate.
Our Approach to Training
Karate, for us, is about many things—but first and foremost, it’s about training.
At our dojo, we believe that everyone’s Karate journey is personal and unique. While we will do our best to encourage, motivate, and challenge you to improve, the pace at which you progress is entirely up to you. Learning at your own pace is your right, and it’s a core part of our approach.
Topical Classes by Level
(Warm-up – Training Hard – Performing and Cooling Down)
Starting with warm-up and stretching, the class progresses into physical training designed to build students’ strength, stamina, and balance.
The training then advances to technical areas through kihons, katas, and kumite, followed by a detailed breakdown of self-defense techniques such as takedowns, controlling, pulling, pushing, grabbing, and body shifting.
Subsequently, the class moves into deeper technical training focusing on distance, awareness, speed, timing, targeting, evading, attacking, countering, and more.
The first 15 minutes, are dedicated to warming up.
The next 30 minutes, focus on intense training.
The final 15 minutes, are reserved for performing techniques and cooling down.
Benefits of Karate
There are many benefits of practicing karate, here are just a few:
- Self-Defense: Karate teaches practical techniques to protect yourself in real situations.
- Self-Discipline: Regular training requires commitment and helps build focus and perseverance.
- Self-Respect: Progressing through belts and mastering skills fosters pride and respect for yourself.
- Higher Self-Confidence: Overcoming challenges in training boosts belief in your abilities.
- Mental and Physical Coordination: Karate demands synchronizing mind and body, improving overall coordination.
- Balance and Stability: Stances and movements develop strong balance and body control.
- Strength: Repeated practice strengthens muscles and endurance.
- Flexibility: Stretching and dynamic moves enhance flexibility.
- Concentration: Learning techniques and forms sharpens focus and attention.
- Sense of Well-Being: Physical activity combined with mental discipline promotes overall health and happiness.
Membership and License
All students must hold a valid license to practice, which will be issued by your Sensei. The license is renewed annually and serves as an official record book for the student. Each student retains their license but must present it during gradings, courses, and tournaments.
New Students Welcome!
You can join us anytime throughout the year. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner, coming from another club or style, we’re happy to have you. We’ll do our very best to support and accommodate you on your journey with us.
Private Classes
Interested in private classes?
Each class is tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you want to learn self-defense, improve fitness, or both, we’re here to help.
Classes are available for kids and adults, one-on-one or in groups for family and friends.
For more information, please contact us.