What students and their families think of MK SKA
“MK SKA is truly a wonderful karate club!
Keith Sensei and Kennedy Sensei are highly skilled and patient, effectively engaging both children and adults in the learning process. They break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand, ensuring everyone gets the attention they need.
My husband and our son have been training for the past 2½ years whilst I have just started, and we all consider the training an extremely rewarding part of our lives. I suffer with arthritis and the training has helped me tremendously – less pain, more flexibility and more resilience. It continues to challenge and develop me both mentally and physically and I love it! Initially I intended training once a week, but have increased it to 2-3 times, and now I am considering increasing the frequency again.
The club’s community atmosphere is another standout feature. If you are a beginner, like me, you will always be supported by the more advanced members of the club. Everyone, from kids to adults, is encouraged to help one another, fostering a sense of belonging. It’s truly a place where families can train together, building stronger bonds through karate.
As an adult, whether you’re a beginner or have prior experience, the classes are challenging yet accessible, with an emphasis on fitness, and personal growth. There’s a real focus on technique, which makes the classes rewarding and enjoyable.
For kids, the classes are both fun and structured. It’s also been great to see the sense of camaraderie among the younger students, as they cheer each other on and learn the value of teamwork. My son has gained confidence, discipline, and focus through his participation. He is now taking part in national karate competitions with outstanding results.
MK Shotokan Karate Academy is the perfect choice for families looking to get into martial arts or improve their skills. It’s a great mix of fun, discipline, and fitness for all ages, and the Senseis make learning both engaging and rewarding. You will not regret joining!”
- Laura
“My daughter and I have been training at MKSKA for just over two years. We are blessed to have two passionate, devoted and inspirational instructors in Keith Sensei and Kennedy Sensei. They give individual feedback to every student, giving them space to learn, nurturing a growth mindset whilst retaining the discipline of traditional Karate. Both my daughter and I have learned so much since joining and we look forward to continuing to learn there.
They enable and encourage their students to succeed at competitions, but that hasn't taken away from their focus on the fundamentals (Kihon) and application (Bunkai) of Karate. So whether it's for fitness, self-defence, competition or fun, MK SKA embraces students with all types of motivations to enjoy learning together.
The instructors have also instilled a fun culture where we don't take ourselves too seriously, albeit retaining respect for others and discipline when needed. This has given the dojo a sense of family where we genuinely celebrate each other's successes.
We couldn't recommend the dojo highly enough - we would be there every day if we could!”
- Umito
“Charlie has been attending classes at MK Shotokan karate for just 9 months.
Like your typical 8 year old boy he was attached to devices, we gave him the choice to take up a hobby and he showed an interest in Karate.
He was nervous at first but there was no need, Sensei Keith and his son are excellent teachers who explain everything clearly, very welcoming but also brilliant at maintaining discipline .
Charlie was soon hooked, he attends multiple sessions a week and joined the tournament squad. He has learnt valuable skills, changes are apparent in his behaviour and he couldn’t be happier. I would recommend the teaching and the classes to anyone, we can’t thank Keith and Kennedy enough!”
- Sue
“Solomon, age 6 attended MK Shotokan Karate Academy for 1.5 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. It helped to develop his confidence, assertiveness and communication. He loved the annual tournaments. We also feel it kept him very fit mentally and physically. He was very sad to leave MK SKA in February because we moved house to Northampton and decided to find a local place for his Karate. He attended his new Karate for 2 months before we decided to take him back to MK SKA. We are willing to do the commute because we could see he was not progressing or enjoying himself at the new place. During his first lesson back with Sensei Keith we can see he is back on top form, happy and very engaged. Sensei Keith and Sensei Kennedy are both excellent instructors and role models. They give personal attention to each child. The group of children look amazing together doing their kata’s and respond very well.
The dojo is dedicated, disciplined, professional and welcoming. It feels like a karate community and we are very glad to be back.
Thank you to Sensei Keith and Sensei Kennedy for all they have done for Solly.”
- Shayne, Solomon’s Mum.
“My two sons and I began learning Karate at MK SKA about two years ago and are so pleased we did!
From our first introductory session, we were made to feel very welcome by Sensei Keith and Sensei Kennedy.
My youngest son has difficulties in some social and group situations which can lead to worries for him. Sensei Keith has been fantastic in handling him, giving him the confidence and focus he needs in training as well as direction and encouragement for all three of us. Sensei Keith has a genuine passion to see his students improve and succeed.
We are proud to be members of the club and with Sensei's Keith and Kennedy's talent in teaching all abilities and ages, we enjoy training and know we are in good hands to progress.”
- Jon
“We couldn’t recommend MK Shotokan Karate Academy highly enough! Keith and Kennedy are two very experienced Senseis who make each training session for our children great fun but with the discipline you would expect from karate. If you’re contemplating taking up karate then we would definitely recommend giving it a go at MK Shotokan - we know that after one session you’ll be hooked!”
— Nicola & Mike
“Joining karate was one of the best choices I made for myself. I love that in karate people of very different ages and abilities train side by side. So I don’t just bring my children to a sport club - I train with them, and it’s great!
With regular training and maximum effort you slowly start noticing a difference in yourself - confidence, speed, strength...
Perseverance, endurance, discipline, strength of mind and body - these are the qualities we work on at our karate dojo. Striving to achieve perfection of movement and character, constantly improving ourselves, never stopping - that’s the inspiration our Sensei is teaching us.
And also, the warm and welcoming atmosphere in our club makes me look forward to every training!”
— Julia
“Sensei Keith possesses every quality you’d want in a great Sensei. He’s motivational, passionate, disciplined and makes training fun. More importantly, he instils these same qualities in the students he trains and interacts with, demonstrating an unwavering appetite to improve each student’s skills.
I’ve been fortunate to have taken my karate journey and trained under Sensei Keith for the last 5 years. If you’re in the Milton Keynes area and wish to begin a journey in karate, the best thing you could do is to check out MK SKA. Your results will speak for themselves.”
— Rob
“ I have known and been training with Sensei Keith for over 10 years. He’s always been one of the most dedicated and professional instructors and practitioners I have met. I have been a member of the MK Shotokan Karate Academy since its beginning, and have seen it grow into an excellent dojo for both dedicated individuals and family groups.
What I have always appreciated, is the help provided to new members and the focus on both the etiquette and discipline of karate as well as the techniques and practice. While the academy obviously takes the training seriously, there is still space for a bit of fun in the class and the younger members in particular seem to enjoy themselves while developing their skills. I suspect had Sensei Keith not formed the MK Shotokan Academy when he did I may have stopped my own participation in karate as I was struggling to find a club in the area that met my expectations for a karate club; particularly the instruction and skills development. The academy manages to form excellent training across the board without compromise and yet remains inclusive of different abilities, a very difficult balancing act to achieve in my experience.”
— Martin