Karate Programs in Bearsden & Kirkintilloch
At Shobu Kai Karate Academy, we offer structured karate programs for children, teenagers and adults at our full-time dojos in Bearsden and Kirkintilloch.
Our programs are designed to build confidence, focus, fitness and discipline, while supporting personal growth at every stage — from a child’s first class to adult beginners and experienced karateka.
Each program follows a clear curriculum, is led by experienced instructors, and can be adapted to suit individual goals, ability and availability.
Cubs Karate (age 4-5)
Our Cubs program is designed specifically for pre-school and early primary children, helping them develop essential life skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Many of our families enrol in Cubs as the perfect way to prepare for starting school.
Training sessions focus on:
Confidence, independence and social skills
Balance, coordination and basic movement
Listening and following instructions
Sessions are short, engaging and structured to suit young attention spans, while gently introducing the foundations of martial arts.
Kids Karate (age 6-8)
Our Kids program helps children channel their energy positively while building strong physical and mental foundations.
Training supports:
Confidence and self-belief
Focus, discipline and respect
Coordination, strength and flexibility
Children learn traditional karate techniques through age-appropriate drills and games, helping them grow in confidence both on and off the mats.
The Juniors program bridges the gap between children’s karate and teenage training, supporting students through an important stage of development.
Training session place greater emphasis on:
Technique and skill development
Self-discipline and resilience
Goal-setting and progression through grades
This program is ideal for building strong habits, self-confidence and a sense of personal responsibility.
Juniors Karate (age 9-12)
Our Teens program provides a positive, challenging training environment during the teenage years — a time when confidence, identity and motivation are especially important.
Training focuses on:
Physical fitness and coordination
Mental strength and self-control
Confidence in social and competitive situations
Classes are supportive, structured and inclusive, offering teens a sense of belonging while encouraging personal growth.
Teens Karate (age 13-17)
Our Adult Karate Program is suitable for complete beginners and experienced martial artists alike.
Adults train for a variety of reasons, including:
Fitness and strength
Stress relief and mental clarity
Confidence and personal challenge
Sessions are welcoming, non-intimidating and adaptable to different fitness levels, making karate accessible regardless of age or previous experience.
Adults Karate (age 18+)
Adult Transformation Program (8-week course)
If you’re tired of telling yourself “this time will be different”…
only to fall back into the same patterns a few weeks later - you're not alone.
It’s not that you lack motivation.
It’s that you’ve never had a system that actually changes you.
Most people we work with feel stuck in that loop -
second-guessing themselves, losing momentum, and wondering why they can’t seem to follow through.
That’s exactly what this program is designed to fix. For good.
Our Athlete Development Program (ADP) is designed for students who wish to train and compete at a higher level within karate.
This program supports:
Competitive kata and kumite development
Physical conditioning and performance training
Goal-setting, mindset and competition preparation
Entry to the Athlete Development Program is by assessment or invitation, and students are expected to maintain regular training within their core karate program.
Performance Pathways
If you’re unsure which program is the best fit, our team is happy to help. Many students begin with a free trial class, allowing you or your child to experience training before committing.
We welcome students all year round at our Bearsden dojo.