空手に先手なし“There is no first attack in karate.” Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan
Karate classes in Doha for kids and adults
Martial arts · Self-defence · Confidence · Kids activities
Traditional Shotokan karate to the Japanese syllabus of JKS, taught by Sensei Najmal Ibrahim, 6th Dan. Classes for children from age 4, juniors, adults and competitors at Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl and Al Wukair.
- 6th DanWorld Karate Federation
- JKSDirect member, Japan Karate Shoto Federation
- Since 2014Teaching karate in Qatar
- Trained in JapanTraditional Japanese syllabus
- FreeYour first class
Why Japanese karate is the best martial art for everyone
Searching for martial arts in Qatar? Here is why families choose karate.
Strong, not aggressive
A peaceful martial art: “no first attack”. Self-control, calm and respect come first, so strength never becomes aggression.
For children
Confidence, focus and respect, plus safe self-defence and belts to aim for. The perfect after-school activity.
For mothers and women
Fitness, stress relief and real self-defence, in ladies-only classes with modest dress welcome.
For school and academics
Concentration, memory and discipline that show in the classroom, and the School Olympic Program (SOP).
For every other sport
Balance, speed, coordination and flexibility that make children better at football, swimming and more.
For adults and 40+
A lifelong art at your own pace: strength, mobility and a calm, confident mind.
Peace of mind
Meditation (mokuso), breathing and kata relieve stress and build a calm, clear, resilient mind.
For life
A black belt is recognised worldwide and stays with you forever, valued by schools, universities and employers.
Real Japanese karate, not only sport karate
Our syllabus was designed by senior Japanese masters of JKS. It teaches the essence of karate first, and produces champions as a result.
Kihon
Stances, punches, kicks and blocks, repeated with correct form until they become natural.
Kata
The traditional forms that carry the art’s techniques, rhythm and spirit from master to student.
Kumite
Partner work from prearranged drills to free sparring: timing, distance and control.
Dō, the way
Etiquette, the dojo kun and self-control: karate as a way of life, not just a game of points.
Many clubs train only for medals. We teach the complete art, so students who want to compete step onto the mat with real karate behind them.
Trained in Japan, taught in Doha
Sensei Najmal trains in Japan with senior JKS instructors and brings the same syllabus, etiquette and standards back to every class in Qatar.
Karate programmes
From a four-year-old’s first bow to black belt, at any age, for everyone.
- 子Ages 4 to 7
Little Warriors
Fun, structured karate that builds coordination, listening and confidence.
- 少Ages 8 to 14
Junior karate
Belt-by-belt Shotokan training in kihon, kata and kumite.
- 人Ages 15 and over, any fitness
Adult karate
Traditional Shotokan and Shito-ryu for beginners, returning students and black belts.
- 不惑Men and women aged 40 and over, any fitness
Karate for adults 40+
Traditional karate at your own pace, for confidence, mobility and a calm, strong mind.
- 競Selected juniors and adults
Competition squad
Kata and kumite training for national and international tournaments.
- 女Women and girls aged 16 and over
Ladies-only karate
Karate, self-defence and fitness in a private, women-only class.
- 個All ages and levels
Private coaching
One-to-one or small-group sessions with Sensei Najmal.
- 遠Members of any age, at home or travelling
Hybrid online karate
Train in the dojo and online: live sessions and follow-along videos in the Dojo Login app.
- 古武道Teens and adults with karate experience
Kobudo
Traditional Okinawan weapons: bo, sai, tonfa and kama.
- 車椅子Wheelchair users of all ages
Wheelchair karate
Karate adapted to be trained from the chair, with the same etiquette and kata.
Everyone is welcome on our mat
Walking into a dojo for the first time takes courage. We make sure every new student feels comfortable from the first bow, whatever their age, fitness or background.
- Complete beginners. No experience or fitness needed; we start where you are.
- Women and girls. Private ladies-only classes, with modest dress welcome.
- Adults over 40. A pace that respects your body, with no pressure to spar.
- Children from age 4. Patient black-belt instructors and a safe, friendly dojo.
- Wheelchair users. Adapted karate with the same etiquette and kata.
- Every nationality. Students from many countries train side by side, with respect.
Confidence for adults
Karate is not only for children. Adults train to get fit, to feel safe, and to find the calm confidence that comes from mastering something difficult.
Every class ends with you a little stronger than you started. Every belt you earn is proof that you can set a goal and reach it. You can start with no experience at all, and before long you will notice the difference in how you carry yourself at work, at home and on the street.
Your first class: what to expect
Nervous about starting? Most people are. Here is exactly what happens.
- Message us on WhatsApp. Tell us who is training and where. We reply with the next class that suits you.
- Come in sports clothes. Arrive ten minutes early. No uniform or equipment is needed for the trial.
- Train at your own pace. A black-belt instructor guides you through warm-up, basics and a little kata. Nobody is thrown in the deep end.
- Decide afterwards. Ask Sensei Najmal anything. There is no pressure and no contract to sign on the day.
Beyond the dojo: gradings, championships and school sport
Training with us connects students to official karate in Qatar and abroad.
Qatar federation gradings
Our students regularly attend gradings, seminars and championships of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation, where Sensei Najmal is an accredited coach.
International championships and seminars
We organise and take part in international karate championships and seminars, so students train and compete with karateka from other countries.
School Olympic Program
Our children take part in Qatar’s School Olympic Program, representing their schools in karate.
A black belt is a lifetime achievement
Earning a black belt takes years of discipline, and it stays with you for life. It is recognised worldwide, and it shows schools, universities and employers the commitment, focus and resilience behind it, which makes it a valuable addition to academic and personal profiles.
More than a sport: confidence, focus and self-defence
Why parents in Doha choose karate as their child’s after-school activity.
Confidence that lasts
Each new belt is a goal set and achieved. Children learn to stand tall, speak up and stay calm under pressure.
Self-defence for every age
Awareness, distance, blocks and escapes for kids, teens, women and adults, taught safely and responsibly.
Fitness and focus
A full-body sport that builds strength, flexibility and coordination, and the concentration that helps at school.
Your sensei
Sensei Najmal Ibrahim has trained in karate since 2001 and founded Chi Club in 2014. He holds a 6th Dan black belt from the World Karate Federation, is a direct member of JKS and a certified kata and kumite referee and judge.
He has trained in Japan and teaches the Japanese syllabus, so students in Doha learn karate as it is taught at the source. His students have won national and international titles.
Why families choose us
Real Japanese karate, taught with patience.
A genuine JKS syllabus
We teach to the Japanese syllabus of JKS Shotojuku, with regular belt gradings. Several of our students now hold their Shotokan black belt.
Classes from age 4
Children learn focus, confidence and respect in classes built for their age. Adults and ladies train in their own sessions.
Five locations in Doha
Train close to home in Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl or Al Wukair, with sessions six days a week.
Hybrid online karate
Keep training when you can’t reach the dojo. Our hybrid programme combines dojo classes with live online sessions with Sensei Najmal and follow-along karate videos in the Dojo Login app, and it all counts towards your next belt.
Train in the dojo, online and in the app
Members use DojoExpert and the free Dojo Login app for everything outside the class.
Attendance
See every class you or your child attended, and check in with a QR code.
Belt progress
Check the requirements for your next belt and track your progress towards it.
Gradings and results
See belt exam results and competition results.
Online classes
Watch training videos shared by Sensei Najmal and follow along at home.
Bookings and events
Book classes and register for gradings, seminars and competitions.
Fees and messages
View and pay invoices, and get club announcements and notifications.
New member? We send your login details when you join. Ask us on WhatsApp if you need them again.
Tai chi and energy training
Sensei Najmal is also a tai chi and qigong expert and a certified Systema coach. Adults who want slower, gentler training, or karate students who want to deepen their breathing, balance and ki, can join his tai chi and qigong classes at Chi Club.
The dojo kun
Five precepts recited at the end of class in Shotokan dojos. Every line opens with 一 (hitotsu, “one”), because each precept matters as much as the others.
- 人格完成に努むることSeek perfection of character.
- 誠の道を守ることBe faithful.
- 努力の精神を養うことEndeavour.
- 礼儀を重んずることRespect others.
- 血気の勇を戒むることRefrain from violent behaviour.
Where we train
Classes run six days a week. See full times and maps.
karate.qa at a glance
The key facts about our karate club in Doha.
| Style | Shotokan karate, with Shito-ryu for adults and Kobudo (Okinawan weapons) |
|---|---|
| Syllabus | Japanese syllabus of JKS (Japan Karate Shoto Federation), designed by senior Japanese masters |
| Head coach | Sensei Najmal Ibrahim, 6th Dan (WKF), certified kata and kumite referee and judge |
| Ages | Children from 4, juniors 8 to 14, adults, women-only classes and adults 40+ |
| Locations | Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl (Porto Arabia) and Al Wukair (Ezdan Oasis), Doha, Qatar |
| Schedule | Classes six days a week; see the timetable for each location |
| Pathways | Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation gradings, seminars and championships; international championships; School Olympic Program |
| Trial | First class free, no experience or uniform needed |
| Contact | WhatsApp or call +974 5577 4041 |
Questions parents ask
Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp.
What is the best martial art for kids and adults in Qatar?
Traditional Japanese karate is the best all-round choice for most people in Qatar: children gain confidence, focus and safe self-defence; mothers and women get fitness and self-defence in ladies-only classes; adults and over-40s train at their own pace. It also helps school results, every other sport, and leads to federation championships and Qatar’s School Olympic Program. See why Japanese karate at karate.qa/why-japanese-karate/.
Is karate a good after-school activity for kids in Doha?
Yes. Karate is one of the most popular kids’ sports and activities in Doha because it combines fitness, focus and confidence in one class. Our children’s classes run after school from 4 pm at Abu Hamour (Iranian School) and Al Messila, with Friday and Saturday afternoon classes in Bin Mahmoud.
Does karate help children build confidence?
Yes. Every new belt is a goal your child works for and achieves, and they learn to stand tall, speak up and stay calm. Parents often tell us their child is more confident at school after a few months of training.
Is karate good for self-defence?
Yes. Karate teaches awareness, distance, blocking and striking, and our classes include practical self-defence for children, teens, women and adults. For more self-defence training, see our self-defence and Systema classes at thechiclub.org.
What age can my child start karate?
Children can start from age 4 in our Little Warriors classes. Juniors are 8 to 14, and adults train from 15.
Can I try a class first?
Yes. New students get a free trial class. Message us on WhatsApp to book it at the location that suits you.
Which style of karate do you teach?
Shotokan karate, following the Japanese syllabus of JKS (Japan Karate Shoto Federation). Adults can also train in Shito-ryu, and we teach Kobudo (Okinawan weapons).
Do I need a uniform?
Not for your first class. Wear comfortable sports clothes. You can get a karate uniform (gi) once you join.
How often do students grade?
Students take belt gradings regularly through the year, when Sensei Najmal decides they are ready.
How much are the classes?
Fees depend on the location and how many classes a week you take. Message us on WhatsApp and we will send you the current fees.
Who teaches the classes?
Sensei Najmal Ibrahim, 6th Dan black belt (WKF), direct member of JKS and certified kata and kumite referee and judge, with his team of black-belt instructors.
Do your students take part in federation gradings and championships?
Yes. Our students regularly attend gradings, seminars and championships of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation. We also organise and take part in international championships and seminars, and our children compete in Qatar’s School Olympic Program.
Do you offer online karate classes?
Yes. Our hybrid programme combines dojo classes with live online sessions and follow-along videos in the Dojo Login app, so you can keep training from home.
Is there an app for students and parents?
Yes. Members use the free Dojo Login app (iPhone and Android) and the DojoExpert student portal to check attendance, belt requirements, gradings, invoices, class bookings and training videos.
Do you teach tai chi, Systema or aikido?
Yes, at our sister site thechiclub.org, which covers tai chi, ki and qigong, self-defence, Systema and aikido.
Your first class is free
Message us on WhatsApp and try a class this week. No experience, no uniform and no commitment needed.