Budo Jissen Karate

Budo Jissen Karate The BJK is a non-profit Shotokan karate organisation run by experienced, volunteer, instructors. We focus on practical and applied use of karate.

05/08/2026

Hi ,

As there are a lot of people away for holidays or work, we are going to cancel the St Athan class this evening. See you all Friday

Simon

We've been coming up with ways to increase our social media presence recently and have decided it's about time we introd...
06/07/2026

We've been coming up with ways to increase our social media presence recently and have decided it's about time we introduced the faces that foster and coach the next generation of karate-ka.

Behind the Black Belt - Meet the Instructors of the BJK

It would only be right to start with the person who brought the BJK into existence; our Chief Instructor, Simon Dodd.

Name: Simon Dodd
Grade: 5th Dan
Years training: 29 years

Greatest Achievement: Seeing the way people in the club grow and change with the years.

Favourite Kata: Right now? Enpi. Ask me again next week

Favourite Technique: Whichever one i get you with, but probably mawash geri.

Why did you start Karate?: I started karate in February 1997 after many years watching Bruce Lee films with my uncle and just know "I want to do something like that". I tried other martial arts for a few years until something about karate just clicked with me, and here I am still going.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?: An individual's development in karate to be at a good, solid, level can take place over years, even decades. Everyone is unique and seeing those people have that moment where it seems to come together is incredibly rewarding. When many start as children and you then find yourself training with them as adults, that can be a shock.

Give a random fun fact people might not know: Margaret Thatcher was once offered 20 female karate black belts as a bodyguard when visiting Japan. She said no.

What one piece of advice would you give to a beginner?: Try to embrace all aspects of karate. Kihon, kata, kumite, they all intertwine and develop each other and give you more possibilities. Enjoy the artistic/performance elements, the practical applications, the dynamic and unpredictable sparring. It is all worthwhile.

Here's a quote from one of our students about Simon: Simon has a calm and detailed way of teaching. He explains things clearly, demonstrates, and gives you the sense that the detail matters, without making it feel overly complicated. He brings a friendly energy to the discipline and a firm commitment to helping develop everybody's standards.

That's one black belt down. Without our Chief Instructor there wouldn't be a BJK. Thank you Simon!

06/07/2026

We are proud to be welcoming Sensei John Gardiner to our Dojo in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁒󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 this is a fantastic opportunity to train with this magnificent professional karateka!
This is open to everyone but will be limited numbers!

Train with the Best in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁒󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 we looking forward to welcoming Sensei to Wales 🏴󠁧󠁒󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 available to book on the app! πŸ™ŒπŸ‘πŸ˜€ Great opportunity!

Sensei John Gardiner chief instructor of JKG Karate and has had a very successful competitive career competed for England WKF team very excited for this event!

After having to cancel training on Wednesday due to the ridiculous heat and not wanting to sweat into a puddle, the club...
26/06/2026

After having to cancel training on Wednesday due to the ridiculous heat and not wanting to sweat into a puddle, the club treated the students to some chocolatey treats after tonight's session.

Thank you to everyone that trained tonight. It was still sweaty but definitely cooler than it has been! Lots of fun had all round with some kata and bunkai.

If you'd like to come along and try something new, we still have some spaces available for new starters.

The first 20 people to sign up will receive one month's free training and a full set of kit free on completion of the month and wishing to continue training. To join us, give the chief instructor, Simon, a call on 07917441138 or drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram.

Join now, while spaces last. First come, first served.

24/06/2026

After careful consideration and Simon popping over to the Gathering place to check the heat it's too hot in there to train the second we put people in the room. So that being said training is cancelled for tonight and hopefully it'll be cooler on Friday and we will see you all then.

Enjoy a night with your feet in cold water a cold drink to hand and hopefully a cold breeze.

Kirsty

24/06/2026

Good morning everyone. Training is still on in this awful heat and will be taken but yours truly this week because Simon is on call for work.

Please make sure you drink plenty all day and bring a large bottle of water or water-based drink with you this evening. Gis tonight are optional. Shorts and t-shirt/vest or gi bottoms and t-shirt/vest will be fine. I would also recommend bringing two towels or towel and a flannel. Keep one wet and one dry to wipe face, neck and wrists to help keep cool.

Any help early to get the mats down would be greatly appreciated. I don't deal well in the heat lol 🀣🀣🀣

See you all tonight, stay cool

Kirsty x

During the lovely weekend sunshine the BJK held the 2nd course and grading of the year The Gathering Place St Athan . A ...
16/06/2026

During the lovely weekend sunshine the BJK held the 2nd course and grading of the year The Gathering Place St Athan . A great training session for all that came and a fab grading that saw three of our students achieve a new belt. Well done guys, fantastic performances!

Thank you everyone that supported the course and of course the club and association in general. It's greatly appreciated.

If you're looking for something different to try whether for yourself or a youngster in your life then why not give karate a go with us? Our dedicated instructors will not only teach you karate but will foster your enthusiasm and help you gain confidence, improved fitness, and will help you achieve your goals.

We accept students age 8+ and are now recruiting new members. The first 20 members to sign up will get one month free training and at the end of the month you'll receive a free gi, belt, and mitts to get you started properly.

Drop us a message now while spaces are still available. First come first served πŸ’ͺ🏼

You may have noticed it is a tad warm today. Please make sure you drink throughout the day, stay hydrated, and have a dr...
27/05/2026

You may have noticed it is a tad warm today. Please make sure you drink throughout the day, stay hydrated, and have a drink with you at training.

Session will be paced accordingly with regular drink breaks, but feel free to get a drink at any time as required (just do not walk into a kick or punch in the process!)

20/05/2026

A reminder that the course and grading is set for Saturday 13th June, 11am.

Please remember to book in on Coacha for the course. 5th kyu and above, if you intend to attempt the grading, please let me know at least 1 week beforehand.

18/04/2026

Next Saturday 25th April 2026

Come along and support the wonderful work that Ty Hafen Childrens Hospice do within the local and wider community. πŸ’š

Address

The Gathering Place, St Athan, 1 Flemingston Road
Barry
CF624JH

Opening Hours

Tuesday 6:30pm - 8pm
Wednesday 6:30pm - 8pm
Thursday 7pm - 8pm
Friday 6:30pm - 8pm
Sunday 10:30am - 11:30am

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