welcome to jks clyde the home of karate in Argyll and bute
Explore the Leading Karate Club in Helensburgh & Lomond
Why should I start karate with jks clyde?
At JKS Clyde we teach and train in Traditional Japanese Shotokan and Sports Karate. We believe that everyone should have Karate in their life. Regardless of your age, gender, or current level of fitness, Karate is a truly enjoyable activity with countless benefits:
The skill sets that students develop at JKS Clyde will prepare them for any obstacle life puts in their way.
Karate isn’t just kicks, punches, blocks, sweeps and throws. The mentality developed through our Karate training is a formula for success.
A black belt is just a white belt who never gave up, are you ready for the challenge?
learn self-defence
improve physical & mental health
develop confidence & imProve social skills
improve focus & concentration
develop good behaviours & learn respect
learn to set and achiEve short & long-term goals
introduction to the club
WHAT SEPARATES us from other clubs
BEGINNERS
No one was born a Karate expert! Developing your skills takes time and effort. JKS Clyde is always happy to welcome new members all year round. Everyone has to start somewhere and here at our super friendly club we’ll make you feel right at home.
active schools
Here at JKS Clyde, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to take part in sporting activities regardless of their social circumstances. We regularly volunteer at schools within the local community to provide children free access to Karate and create a pathway to our club.
japanese connection
Through our JKS Scotland membership, we maintain a close relationship with the JKS Japan Headquarters. We are privileged to regularly host world-class Japanese instructors at our club. We pride ourselves in teaching authentic Japanese Karate. Images from Watanabe & Toyama Sensei Seminars at JKS Clyde 2024.
Interclub competitions
We believe having some competitive fun and rivalry at the club with our peers is important to help push each other on. There is no better motivation to improve your Karate than competing with and against your friends in a fun environment. Our development competitions help provide a pathway to competing at larger-scale events.
actively competing club
We love to see our students put their skills to the test and achieve success. Not everyone likes to compete, but if you want to get involved we will support you all the way. Our JKS Scotland membership gives us access to a multitude of development competitions. We are affiliated with Karate Scotland, the British Karate & World Karate Federations giving us access to premier competitions nationally and internationally.
Our karate community
Being JKS Scotland members all clubs share the benefits of such a fantastic association. We regularly host top-tier guest instructors, but we also have the freedom to train across clubs and are regularly invited to their seminars and competitions. You can compete for JKS Clyde, but you can always attend JKS Scotland National Team training and work towards squad selection for more prestigious events. This is a direct pathway to the Scottish National Team.
experienced competitor & coach
With 18 years of experience at just 27 years of age, instructor Callum Cairns knows his way around the Dojo, and exactly what it takes to succeed in every aspect of Karate. Callum Sensei practices what he preaches and is active on the competition circuit. He is a JKS Scotland National Karate Team member and part of the coaching staff. JKS Clyde students benefit greatly from his past and current experience.
school holiday camps
We know that when the schools are off, it can be hard to find things to keep your children occupied. That’s why we have come up with fantastic holiday camp programs to help break up the school holidays. These programs are designed to be fun, keep your children fit, and keep them learning and progressing. Is there a better time than a school holiday to squeeze in some valuable extra practice to reach that next level?
classes we offer
Our classes are carefully thought out to cover all elements of Karate in depth to ensure our students excel!
Wee warriors
Karate classes for P1 and P2—learn, play, and grow!
Family friednly
Family Karate: Kick, punch, and learn together! Classes for kids (P3+) and adults.
Karate kids
Unleash your inner warrior! Karate classes for P3 to P7—build strength, confidence, and skills!
senior karate
Senior Karate: Empower yourself! Classes for S1+ students and adults of all skill levels.
Kumite (Sport fighting)
Kumite classes: Sharpen your sparring skills! P3+ students and adults welcome.
Kata (Patterns)
Kata classes: Perfect your form and technique. All levels welcome!
Finding the right class for you
simply select a class to book Your Free Trial
Information requested in our contact form is used by JKS Clyde to communicate with you directly and will not be passed on to any third parties. We do not use AI, just good old-fashioned customer service.
our dojos
We are based in local community centres in the heart of your community. We pride ourselves on our ability to support local community centres and the great work they do by hosting our classes there. We make our lessons accessible by bringing our Karate to you!
garelochhead
Centre 81: Old School Rd, Garelochhead, Helensburgh G84 0AT
helensburgh
Drumfork Community Centre: Churchill Square, Helensburgh G84 9HN
cardross
Parish Church Hall: Station Rd, Cardross, Dumbarton G82 5NL
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
Hi, I’m Callum, a 27-year-old Nidan, and my passion for Karate ignited when I was just 9. I grew up in Rosneath and trained locally under Myles Travers Sensei. As the Chief Instructor & Founder of JKS Clyde, and a JKS Scotland Instructor & National Team Coach, I’m dedicated to sharing my journey with you while keeping Karate going strong in our area.
Before going full-time with Karate, I gained valuable skills and tested my character in the Emergency Services. Having represented JKS Scotland at different events like the JKS World and European Championships, alongside various Scottish, British, and international World Karate Federation championships, I bring a wealth of experience to my coaching. My ambition is clear: to develop top-level Karateka, continuously improve, and give back to the community where I grew up, offering transformative Karate experiences to children and adults alike.
My commitment shines through my rigorous training at the JKS Scotland Honbu Dojo, monthly squad training, and sessions with local clubs. Certified with a Karate Scotland Coaching license, CWPS Certificate, and more, I’m fully equipped to guide you on your Karate journey, no matter your goals.
Exciting Upcoming jks clyde events
YAMAGUCHI Takashi sensei seminar
JKS Chief of International Department
7th Dan
Place of birth: Ibaraki
Education: Teikyo University
3 Villages Hall Arrochar
Date 24/10/2025
KOJI ARIMOTO sensei seminar
JKS Japan Headquarters Instructor
5th Dan
Place of birth: Okayama
Education: Teikyo University
Centre 81 Garelochhead
Date 03/03/2026
masao kagawa shihan seminar
JKS Chief Instructor
9th Dan
Place of birth: Osaka
Education: Teikyo University
JKS Scotland HQ
Date 19/04/2026 – 20/04/2026
end of year awards ceremony & PARTY
Awards presentation for student & instructor nominated awards
Tasty buffet
Fun games with prizes to be won & raffle
Party with DJ Dez
Date 12/12/2025
jks clyde grading
Centre 81 Garelochhead
For selected students grade white to purple belt
Grading course with Alloa & Stirling Karate instructor and 5th dan back belt Martin Mcgookin Sensei
Time announced when registration shuts
Date 07/12/2025
jks scotland national grading
JKS Scotland HQ
For selected students grade purple belt or higher
24 Dickson Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7SN
Time announced when registration shuts
Date 13/12/2025