WKU Western Karate Union started with seven founder member clubs. Bristol, Burnham and Highbridge, Chipping Sodbury, Colchester, Clevedon and Oldmixon and Uphill and Rheindahlen. Since then we have grown to 17 clubs with over 800 members, in areas such as Kent, Essex and Jersey.

The founding club instructors range in grade from 4th to 7th Dans, all with many years of experience in karate.

As well as qualified and experienced English officials, WKU currently has one European and two British officials. We carry member to member insurance, with all instructors covered for professional indemnity and vetted via the CRB procedure. Members are required to hold a WKU Western karate Union licence which is renewed each year. This entitles the holder to compete in contests and courses organised by the WKU.

WKU is open to all styles of karate and is a not-for-profit organisation with any proceeds being put back into the work of the association.

WKU follow strict guidelines in all aspects of equal opportunities and welcome all people to train and compete with students starting from the age of five years.

Child protection is monitored by our appointed Child Protection Officer Robert Smith 7th Dan, and two assistants, Kevin Barrett 6th Dan and Maxine Baker 3rd Dan. All club instructors within the WKU are encouraged to attend regional Child Protection courses, with local authorities and those run by other sporting bodies. We currently have 42 instructors and assistant instructors CRB registered.

What we do

Set up to promote the study and practice of Karate, the WKU Western Karate Union organises karate competitions, tournaments, courses and events. Members work at local, national and international levels. The WKU regulates safe and structured training, licensing and examination and certification of karateka using the traditional karate Kyu and Dan grading system.

The WKU has a fantastic record of achievement competing at all levels locally, nationally and internationally. Within the club membership we have many fighters who have fought for England, thanks to the experience and teaching of our chief instructor Alan Flook 7th Dan. Our students’ success is reflected in the many gold, silver and bronze medals and trophies collected each year.

WKU are members of the English Karate Federation, recognised by the World Karate Federation.