About St Martins Karate Carnforth
Traditional karate training for ages 8+, welcoming children, teenagers and adults.
A welcoming place to learn karate
St Martins Karate Carnforth provides friendly, structured karate training for students of all experience levels. Whether you are completely new to karate or returning after time away, you will be welcomed into a supportive club where you can develop confidence, fitness, technique and understanding at your own pace.
What makes our club different
We aim to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where students can learn at their own pace, build confidence and enjoy making steady progress.
Supportive teaching
Training is friendly, structured and adapted to different ages, abilities and experience levels, helping students build confidence and progress safely.
Progress at every pace
Students develop at their own speed, with encouragement to improve technique, fitness and understanding without unnecessary pressure.
Confidence beyond karate
Karate can help develop focus, discipline, resilience and self-confidence — skills that can carry into everyday life as well as training.
Our Heritage and Jack Parker
St Martins Karate Carnforth is part of a long-standing local karate tradition, with roots in the former Carnforth Karate Club and the wider St Martins Karate Group.
Sensei Jack Parker played a central role in the development of the St Martins karate tradition, and his values, teaching philosophy and commitment to students continue to influence the clubs today.
Jack believed that karate should be about far more than learning techniques or achieving belts. He saw it as a way for young people to develop confidence, discipline, respect, resilience and self-control in a supportive environment. He wanted every student to be encouraged, treated as an individual and given the opportunity to progress at a pace that was right for them.
That approach continues to guide the club. We aim to teach karate in a way that is structured and disciplined, while also being welcoming, patient and inclusive. Students are encouraged to work hard, support one another and recognise that progress is not measured only by grades or competition results, but also by the confidence, character and friendships they develop along the way.
Jack remained an important part of the club throughout his life, and his influence continued through the instructors and members he taught. Following his death in 2015, the club has worked to ensure that his values are not simply remembered, but actively carried forward in the way we teach and support each new generation of students.
Jack’s black belt and the Jack Parker Memorial Trophy remain important reminders of his contribution to St Martins karate. They represent the history and values that continue to connect the clubs today.
Jack’s values are not only part of our history — they continue to guide how we teach, support and encourage every student today.
Our Wider Karate Family
St Martins Karate Carnforth is part of St Martins Karate Group, alongside St Martins Junior Karate Club. The clubs share the same wider heritage, standards and values while retaining their own identity and training environment.
Through the wider group, students can also take part in shared gradings, events and other activities, while instructors work together to maintain consistent standards across the clubs.
Community and Charity
St Martins Karate Carnforth is proud to be part of the local community. As part of the wider St Martins Karate Group, the club supports fundraising and community activities where appropriate, giving students opportunities to contribute beyond their regular training.
These activities help reinforce the values we encourage in karate — respect, responsibility, teamwork and supporting others.
Our club and community
St Martins Karate Carnforth is a welcoming local club where children, teenagers and adults train together in a supportive environment. We aim to create a positive atmosphere where students can learn, improve and feel part of the club from their first session.
The club is based at Carnforth Civic Hall and welcomes both complete beginners and experienced students. Parents and carers are also welcome to stay and watch training.
Experienced, responsible instruction
Training is led by experienced instructors who aim to provide safe, structured and supportive teaching for students of different ages and abilities.
Safeguarding and welfare
Safeguarding and student welfare are taken seriously, with clear procedures in place to support a safe and appropriate training environment for everyone.
Qualified and experienced
Instructors bring many years of karate training and teaching experience, together with appropriate safeguarding, first aid and other relevant training.
Ready to find out more?
Whether you’re completely new to karate, returning after a break or looking for a local club to continue your training, you’re welcome to get in touch and find out more about St Martins Karate Carnforth.