We're a small, family-run club teaching traditional Wado Ryu karate in Newmillerdam, Wakefield. We do it because we love it — passing on more than five decades of karate to the next generation. No contracts. No fuss. Just real karate.
Newmillerdam Karate Club opened its doors in 1968 and has been part of the Wakefield community ever since — one of the oldest established karate clubs in the country. The same badge you see on our wall today has been with us from the very beginning.
For our family, it's a way of life. Ann Walker joined in 1972 and went on to lead the club for over thirty years. Her son Shane is our chief instructor today, and his son George now teaches alongside him.
And it's not just our family. It's a regular thing for someone who trained here years ago to walk through the door with their kids — or grandkids — ready to start them on the same journey. That's the kind of club this is.
Local man Don Snaith opened the club after training under Tatsuo Suzuki, one of the world's leading Wado Ryu instructors, who encouraged him to go out and pass on what he had been taught. Karate had only just reached Britain — barely anyone around here had seen it.
Ann Walker joined as a beginner and became Don's longest-serving and most senior student. She would stay for the next forty-two years.
Don retired and left the club in Ann's hands. Under her it went from strength to strength — students winning at local and national level, and so many going on to open clubs of their own that Ann founded WYSOK to bring them all together. She was later graded 7th Dan, one of very few women ever to reach it.
Ann's son Shane leads the club as chief instructor, with his son George teaching alongside him. Same hall, same badge, the same karate — handed on exactly the way Don intended.
We train every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Come along to either night — your first session is always free, and there's nothing to sign.
A fun, structured hour for younger children, running since 2007 under Sensei Diane Townsend. We build confidence, focus and coordination through traditional karate basics — at a pace that suits each child.
Our main session — a mixed class where families often train together. Traditional karate for every level, from complete beginners to black belts, teenagers to pensioners.
Authentic Wado Ryu karate, passed down through generations of instructors — not a watered-down fitness class.
Run by one family for over 50 years. Small enough to know everyone's name, friendly enough that you'll want to stay.
Build strength, flexibility and self-belief that carries into school, work and everyday life.
Learn to protect yourself with techniques proven over decades — taught safely and responsibly.
Kids, teens, adults and pensioners train side by side. All abilities and special needs welcomed.
No contracts, no hidden fees, no hard sell. Just turn up, train, and pay for the sessions you attend.
Between them our instructors hold decades of experience — and every one of them started exactly where you would: on the mat, day one, white belt. Two families make up much of our teaching team, and several of our instructors first came through the door alongside their own children.
Ann's son. Started here as a boy in 1980 and has been on the mat ever since.
Chief Instructor of our Pee Wee Club, which she has run since 2007. Her family have been part of the club for around thirty years.
Already a black belt when she came to us, and chose to carry on her training here. Shane's wife — and she runs a successful ju jitsu club of her own.
Diane's husband — one of three Townsends teaching here.
Came along with his own children years ago and never stopped training.
Diane and Garry's daughter. She grew up in this club.
Another who started alongside his children and stayed for the karate.
Trained here with his mum around twenty-six years ago, and recently walked back through the door with his own son.
Shane and Ruth's son — the third generation of Walkers to teach at Newmillerdam.
Started out in our Pee Wee Club and worked his way up through the grades to become one of our instructors.
From faded photographs of the early days to last week's training — the story of our club, told in pictures.
Trained with us over the years? We would love to add your photos — get in touch.
The easiest way to find out if karate is for you? Come along and try it. First session's free — or drop us a message first if you'd like a chat.
Lakeside Methodist Church, Barnsley Road, Newmillerdam, Wakefield WF2 6QQ. Arrive 10 minutes early on any Tuesday or Thursday — wear something comfy and we'll do the rest.
Questions? Give us a ring — you'll speak to a real person, not a sales team.
07776 344172
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We're affiliated to NAKMAS, our national governing body, and to WYSOK — the regional association Ann Walker founded for clubs right across West Yorkshire. Your guarantee of proper insurance, recognised gradings and safe, accountable coaching.
