Shigakukan Karate Dojo

A quick look at our Aberdeen Dojo children’s beginners class warming up before training.

Plenty of energy and smiling faces, but they also know when it’s time to listen and focus. At this age, karate is about much more than learning punches and kicks—it helps develop coordination, confidence, discipline and the ability to work alongside others.

Every black belt once stood in a beginners class just like this.

Our Aberdeen children’s classes are suitable from age five and train twice each week. Limited spaces are available—message us to arrange a free taster session.

It was Peterhead’s turn to work on Heian Yondan last night.

Libby and I have always believed in teaching from the front and training alongside our students.

No matter what grade you are—or how many times you have practised a kata—always give it your very best. Kata must have feeling. Use your imagination, understand what each technique is for, and make it come alive.
゚viralシ Libby DonaghyShigakukan Karate Dojo Mark Donaghy

Our Bridge of Don General Class practising kata together.

At Shi-Gaku-Kan, we teach traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate with a holistic approach. Karate is about much more than learning how to punch, kick or perform a kata—it develops physical fitness, coordination, confidence, discipline, focus and strength of character.

We are very proud to have two successful dojos in Bridge of Don and Peterhead, with students of all ages and grades training together and helping one another improve.

We currently have limited spaces available in both dojos for anyone interested in beginning their own karate journey.

Traditional Japanese Karate. Strong technique. Strong character.

志学館 — Shi-Gaku-Kan
Character over competition.

We finished last night’s Aberdeen class with a kumite combination focusing on timing, balance and maintaining control of your opponent.

The attacker comes forward with mae geri chudan—a front kick to the stomach—followed immediately by oi-zuki jodan, a stepping punch to the face.

The defender blocks the kick with sukui uke, then uses the same hand to flow into nagashi uke against the punch. Before the attacker can complete their stance and settle their weight, we counter with chudan gyaku-zuki.

Catching them at this moment leaves their front leg vulnerable. From there, we use a left-leg ashi barai to sweep, finishing with otoshi-zuki as the opponent reaches the ground.

When sweeping, try to make your opponent follow your feet rather than sending them away from you. This keeps them close and allows the finishing punch to arrive much more quickly.

Good kumite is not simply about moving faster—it is about recognising the moment when your opponent’s balance and movement are at their weakest.

Over 70 students working hard in a high-spirited class at last night’s training.

We began together with sonoba kihon — basics performed on the spot. By taking away the movement, students can concentrate fully on their stance, posture, hip action, technique and focus. It allows us to correct the small details that create strong karate.

We then divided the class for ido kihon — basics performed while moving. Our intermediate and senior students worked on the Shodan ido kihon from the black-belt syllabus. These combinations require students to maintain their balance, posture and technique while moving, bringing together coordination, distance, timing, speed and power to the standard expected at black-belt level.

Kihon means basics, but that doesn’t mean beginner karate. It is the foundation we continue to practise and refine at every level, from someone’s first lesson to black belt and beyond.

Strong foundations. Continuous improvement.

We currently have limited spaces available for new members. Please message us for information about joining Shi-Gaku-Kan Karate.