31 Oct – 1 Nov, Cardiff, all grades KDS Cardiff are delighted to invite you...
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UK KDS Karate-Do Shotokai
Practising and teaching karate as taught by Master Mitsusuke Harada
Latest news
News and events, including information about upcoming karate courses
Nov 6 – 8, 2026 – Nykarleby, Black and Brown belts
Nov 6 – 8, 2026 – Nykarleby, Black and Brown belts Training times Fri 6th...
Read More16-18 Oct, Norwich, all grades
Oct 16 – 18, 2026 – Norwich course for all grades. Pay We warmly invite...
Read MoreSep 19, Oxford, all grades
Oxford course for all grades Register Training times Saturday 19th September12:00 – 15:00 Theme We’re...
Read MoreOct 16 – 18, GOURDON, France, All grades
16-18 October 2026, Gourdon, France For more details please visit: Gourdon official event’s page Training...
Read More26-28 June – Montluel, France – All grades
26-28 June – Montluel, France – All grades Registration Registration confirmation expected by June 10,...
Read MoreWant to learn karate?
about
Mitsusuke Harada
The KDS was established in 1965 by Mitsusuke Harada. With his own organisation now formed, Master Harada distanced his organisation from the many political wranglings of other martial arts groups at that time. Harada Sensei, as he is referred to by his students; could now focus on the KDS, without outside influence.
Master Harada was awarded a 5th Dan (1956) personally by Gichin Funakoshi (O’Sensei) the founder of modern day Karate-do on mainland Japan. Master Harada has sought no higher grade since then. The grade of 5th Dan is the highest award given by the KDS. A tradition which was inherited from O’Sensei who accepted no higher than this.
In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Master Harada as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to karate.
Karate course calendar
Find a karate club
We have clubs across the UK, Europe and America.
Karate course calendar
Our courses take place regularly in the UK, Europe and America.
About
Find out more about our history, style and Master Harada.
News, events, upcoming courses, photos and vidoes.
About us
Our history
The name “Shotokai” means Shoto’s group (Shoto being the pen name of Gichin Funakoshi).
The Shotokai were officially formed by the Funakoshi family, in order to take care of Gichin Funakoshi’s funeral arrangements. It contained his closest and most senior students, to whom he trusted the continual development of his Shotokan Karate.
As a result of political and personal disputes after the passing of O’Sensei, the Shotokai remained as a group that taught and developed Karate-do, as Gichin Funakoshi had intended.
Articles
Get Moving!
Article written by Jonathan de’ Claire for the Shotokan Karate...
Read MoreHarada Sensei – biography
Story by Jonathan de’ Claire BSc (Hons) – with the...
Read MoreHarada Sensei – interview
Master Mitsusuke Harada, Principal Instructor of the KDS and former...
Read MoreHarada Sensei – MBE interview
Jonathan de’ Claire interviews Master Harada shortly after he received...
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