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Judo, Karate & Taekwondo in Cornwall

Find judo, karate and taekwondo clubs, courses and martial arts training throughout Cornwall and Plymouth, for complete beginners through to experienced practitioners.

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Cornwall has a wide range of martial arts clubs offering instruction for children, teenagers and adults, from complete beginners through to experienced practitioners. Classes can provide opportunities to improve fitness, coordination, confidence, discipline and self-defence skills, whichever discipline you choose.

Judo focuses heavily on throws, balance, grappling and groundwork. Cornwall's judo scene is unusually well served for a rural county, with Kazoku Judo Club running sessions across several venues from its Goonhavern base, long-standing community clubs such as St Ives Judo Club and Carn Brea Judo Club, and further British Judo Association affiliated clubs in St Austell, Newquay, Par and Redruth.

Karate combines striking techniques, blocks, movement and self-defence. Cornwall Karate in Penzance and Atlantic Karate in Newquay are the two most established dedicated karate schools we could verify, while Kernow Martial Arts in St Austell offers Krav Maga and general martial arts training alongside karate-style self-defence.

Taekwondo places particular emphasis on kicking techniques, patterns, fitness and controlled sparring. Truro Taekwondo and Tavistock TAGB Taekwondo - which, despite its name, actually trains in Gunnislake, Cornwall - both offer structured taekwondo training, alongside the longer-established Cornwall Taekwondo Academy in Pool and Truro.

A note on this guide

One practical note: Tavistock TAGB Taekwondo is actually based in Gunnislake, Cornwall, not Tavistock, Devon as its name suggests. Class times, fees and availability can change, so always check with the club directly before travelling.

Good to know before you go

  • Free trials available: Cornwall Karate offers a free trial class, and Truro Taekwondo offers two weeks of free introductory training for new members.
  • Governing bodies vary: some clubs are affiliated with the British Judo Association or British Taekwondo Council, while others - including St Ives Judo Club and Carn Brea Judo Club - are affiliated with the British Judo Council. This affects insurance and grading, not the quality of teaching.
  • Contact before attending: class times, venues, fees and availability can change. Always check the club's own website or social media before travelling.
  • Accessibility: Kazoku Judo Club, Cornwall Karate and Cornwall Taekwondo Academy all specifically welcome students with disabilities and additional needs - contact the instructor before booking to discuss individual requirements.
  • Safeguarding: for children's classes, ask about instructor qualifications and safeguarding arrangements before booking.

Judo, Karate & Taekwondo Clubs in Cornwall & Plymouth

Judo Clubs in Cornwall

Judo is a Japanese martial art based around throws, balance, grappling, pins and groundwork. It can be particularly suitable for children because classes normally combine physical activity with discipline, cooperation and controlled partner work.

Judo

Kazoku Judo Club

Unit 4D, Goonhavern Industrial Estate, Goonhavern, Cornwall TR4 9QL

Kazoku's main academy at Goonhavern offers judo from around age three through to adults, with recreational, competitive, coaching and officiating pathways. The club also runs satellite sessions at Newquay Sports Centre and a Thursday family class at St Eval Parish Hall near Padstow, and has considerable experience teaching people with disabilities, including visually impaired and deaf participants.

  • Schedule (Goonhavern): Mon & Wed - ages 3-6 with parents 4:45-5:30pm, juniors 5:30-6:30pm, 13+/adults 6:30-7:45/8pm. Fri - family class 6:30-7:30pm, kata 7:30-8:30pm.
  • Disabled access: Experienced with a range of disabilities and impairments - contact the academy to discuss individual requirements.
  • Contact: Sensei Eva, 07714 243143.
Visit official website
Judo

St Ives Judo Club

2 The Rope Walk, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1SY

A long-established community club with its own permanent dojo, welcoming young children through to adults in a friendly, inclusive environment. Affiliated with the British Judo Council.

  • Schedule: Tots (4+) Fri 5:15-6:00pm. Primaries/Juniors Thu 6:30-7:30pm & Fri 7:00-8:00pm. Seniors (16+) Thu 7:45-9:00pm.
  • Disabled access: Contact the club to discuss individual accessibility requirements.
  • Facilities: Permanent dojo with judo mats and changing facilities.
Visit official website
Judo

Carn Brea Judo Club

Roskear, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 8DJ

A traditional judo club founded in 1974 and run from Roskear School in the Camborne area. Led by Sensei Jacky Gray (6th Dan) and Tom Gray (5th Dan), the club has produced 46 Dan grades over its history and is affiliated with the British Judo Council.

  • Parking: Contact the club for current arrangements.
  • Disabled access: Contact the club before attending.
  • Contact: 01209 712728.

No current club website was verified at the time of research - the club is listed via the British Judo Council directory.

Judo

Polkyth Judo Club PSUK

St Austell Leisure Centre, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 4DB

A Police Sport UK affiliated judo club training at St Austell Leisure Centre (Polkyth), listed with the British Judo Association's official club finder.

  • Parking: Leisure centre car park on site.
  • Disabled access: Leisure centre facilities - contact the club to confirm class-specific access.
  • Facilities: Leisure centre sports hall and judo mats.
Find on British Judo Club Finder
Judo

Peninsula Judo

The Dojo, Seabase Unit, Treloggan Industrial Estate, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 2SX

A British Judo Association affiliated club with a dedicated dojo in Newquay and a second Cornwall venue at Cornubia, Par (PL24 2AQ). Shares the Treloggan industrial estate with Atlantic Karate.

  • Parking: Industrial estate parking on site.
  • Disabled access: Contact the club to confirm.
  • Contact: 07943 592782, info@peninsulajudo.co.uk.
Find on British Judo Club Finder
Judo

Redruth Judo Club

Treleigh Community Primary School, Redruth, Cornwall TR16 4AY

A British Judo Association affiliated club training at Treleigh Community Primary School on the edge of Redruth, with confirmed Monday and Wednesday sessions.

  • Schedule: Monday and Wednesday - contact the club to confirm current times.
  • Parking: School car park, subject to availability.
  • Disabled access: Contact the club before attending.
Find on British Judo Club Finder

Karate Clubs in Cornwall

Karate develops striking techniques, blocks, movement, balance, coordination and self-discipline. Cornwall's karate scene is smaller and harder to verify online than judo's, but the following clubs have clear, current websites or listings.

Karate

Cornwall Karate

Penzance Leisure Centre, St Clare, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 3QW

Teaching karate in Penzance for around twenty years, with a particular focus on practical self-defence alongside traditional training. Welcomes students with additional needs and disabilities, and offers a free trial class.

  • Schedule: Thursday and Friday evenings - contact the club for exact times.
  • Parking: Good free parking at Penzance Leisure Centre.
  • Trial: Free trial available for new students.
Visit official website
Karate

Atlantic Karate

First Floor, 10 Seabase Units, Treloggan Industrial Estate, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 2SX

Shotokan karate at a specialist dojo in Newquay, plus school-based sessions at Newquay Junior Academy and St Columb Minor Academy. Classes are split into junior, intermediate and senior groups, including a Saturday morning timetable.

  • Schedule: Main dojo Mon/Wed/Sat. Juniors (5-11) from 3:00pm weekdays & 9:30-10:30am Sat. Seniors (12+) 6:45-7:45pm weekdays & 10:45-11:45am Sat.
  • Parking: Industrial estate parking on site.
  • Facilities: Dedicated Shotokan dojo, junior/intermediate/senior classes.
Visit official website
Krav Maga & Martial Arts

Kernow Martial Arts

St Austell Enterprise Park, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 4FD

Worth knowing about if you're looking for karate-style self-defence, but Kernow Martial Arts is primarily a Krav Maga and general children's/adult martial arts academy rather than a dedicated karate school - check their current timetable for the class that suits you.

  • Schedule: Weekday afternoons/evenings and Saturday morning - contact the academy to confirm.
  • Parking: Contact the academy for current arrangements.
  • Facilities: Martial arts training space and fitness facilities.
Visit official website

Also worth a look: Karate Truro (Zen Shin Do, a Goju-based style) has trained at Truro City Boys Club since 1985, but we couldn't confirm a current street address to plot precisely on the map - see their club blog or contact them directly before visiting.

Taekwondo Clubs in Cornwall

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art particularly known for its dynamic kicking techniques, patterns, fitness and controlled sparring.

Taekwondo

Truro Taekwondo

Carrick Sports & Recreation Centre, Hendra Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3TR

Traditional ITF-style taekwondo affiliated with Global Taekwondo International, training at Hendra Hall (Carrick Sports & Recreation Centre). Two weeks of introductory training are free for new members.

  • Schedule: Friday - under-11s 6:00pm, green belt and above 7:15pm.
  • Trial: Two weeks of free training for new members.
  • Contact: 07971 847716, instructor@trurotaekwondo.co.uk.
Visit official website
Actually in Cornwall

Tavistock TAGB Taekwondo

7 Prospect Terrace, St Anns Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9HY

Despite the name, this TAGB (Taekwondo Association of Great Britain) club actually trains at St Anns Chapel, Gunnislake - a Cornish village just across the Tamar from Tavistock. It regularly runs joint recruitment with its sister club, Launceston TAGB Taekwondo, also in Cornwall.

  • Parking: Contact the club to confirm current arrangements.
  • Disabled access: Contact the instructor before attending.
  • Sister club: Launceston TAGB Taekwondo, Launceston - contact via the same Facebook page.
Visit Facebook page
Confirm Exact Venue

Cornwall Taekwondo Academy

Pool & Truro, Cornwall

Established for more than thirty years, this family-friendly academy runs classes in both Pool and Truro and operates a specialist school for students with special needs in Pool. We could not confirm a precise street address for either venue online, so it isn't plotted on the map - contact the instructors directly for the current location.

  • Locations: Pool and Truro.
  • Disabled access: Specialist special-needs training available in Pool.
  • Contact: Tim Bird 07878 940491, Justyn Heath 07782 318914.
Visit official website

Just Over the Border: Plymouth

Not in Cornwall, but close enough to matter if you're staying in or travelling via South East Cornwall.

Devon - Not Cornwall

Plymouth Judo Club

Plympton Academy, Moorland Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2BH

A long-established British Judo Association affiliated club with separate junior and senior sessions, suitable for children from around six years old through to adults.

  • Juniors: Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm (6+).
  • Seniors: Tuesdays 8:00pm-9:30pm.
  • Facilities: Sports hall with judo mats.
Visit official website

Which Martial Art Should You Choose?

Judo

Judo is particularly focused on throws, balance, grappling, pins and groundwork. It is an excellent option for children and adults who enjoy physical partner work and want to develop coordination, fitness and discipline.

Karate

Karate places more emphasis on striking, blocks, movement, combinations and self-defence. It can be suitable for people wanting to develop coordination, confidence, fitness and technical precision.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is particularly well known for its kicking techniques and dynamic movement. It can provide a demanding combination of fitness, flexibility, technique, patterns and controlled sparring.

Judo, Karate & Taekwondo Club Guide

Club Area Discipline Age Best For
Kazoku Judo ClubGoonhavern / Newquay / St EvalJudo3+ / AdultsFamilies, multi-venue flexibility & inclusive training
St Ives Judo ClubSt IvesJudo4+ / AdultsFamilies & beginners
Carn Brea Judo ClubCamborneJudoContact clubTraditional, long-established West Cornwall club
Polkyth Judo Club PSUKSt AustellJudoContact clubMid Cornwall
Peninsula JudoNewquay / ParJudoContact clubTwo-venue flexibility
Redruth Judo ClubRedruthJudoContact clubWest Cornwall
Plymouth Judo ClubPlymouth (Devon)Judo6+ / AdultsJuniors & seniors
Cornwall KaratePenzanceKarateMixedSelf-defence focus, free trial
Atlantic KarateNewquayKarate5+ / AdultsChildren, families & Saturday classes
Kernow Martial ArtsSt AustellKrav Maga / Martial ArtsMixedSelf-defence & general fitness
Truro TaekwondoTruroTaekwondoMixedFree 2-week trial, ITF-style
Tavistock TAGB TaekwondoGunnislakeTaekwondoContact clubEast Cornwall / Tamar Valley
Cornwall Taekwondo AcademyPool / TruroTaekwondoMixedFamilies & inclusive training

Best Options for Beginners

Several clubs provide introductory opportunities. Cornwall Karate offers a free trial class, while Truro Taekwondo offers two weeks of free training for new members.

Kazoku Judo Academy specifically welcomes complete beginners and offers classes from very young children through to adults across its Goonhavern, Newquay and St Eval sessions.

Children's Martial Arts

Judo, karate and taekwondo can all provide structured activities for children. Sessions normally combine physical exercise with discipline, confidence, cooperation and learning techniques in a controlled environment.

Parents should check the minimum age, safeguarding arrangements, instructor qualifications and whether the class is suitable for their child's experience level before booking.

Accessibility & Inclusive Martial Arts

Accessibility varies considerably between martial arts venues. Some classes are held in leisure centres or sports halls, while others use dedicated dojos, industrial unit academies or school facilities.

Kazoku Judo Club specifically states that it welcomes people with disabilities and has experience teaching visually impaired, deaf and physically or mentally impaired participants. Cornwall Karate in Penzance and Cornwall Taekwondo Academy's specialist Pool school also offer inclusive provision - contact each club directly to discuss individual requirements.

Martial Arts Safety

Judo, karate and taekwondo are physical contact activities. Beginners should tell their instructor about injuries, medical restrictions or accessibility requirements before taking part. Follow the instructor's safety instructions and use any protective equipment required for the class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cornwall has a good spread of judo clubs, including Kazoku Judo Club (based at Goonhavern with sessions also at Newquay Sports Centre and St Eval), St Ives Judo Club, Carn Brea Judo Club near Camborne, Polkyth Judo Club PSUK in St Austell, Peninsula Judo in Newquay and Par, and Redruth Judo Club at Treleigh Community Primary School.

Established karate options include Cornwall Karate in Penzance, Atlantic Karate in Newquay, and Kernow Martial Arts in St Austell, which teaches Krav Maga and general martial arts alongside karate-style self-defence. Karate Truro (Zen Shin Do) has also trained at Truro City Boys Club since 1985, though we could not confirm its exact current address.

Yes. Truro Taekwondo trains at Carrick Sports & Recreation Centre in Truro, and Tavistock TAGB Taekwondo - despite its name - actually trains at St Anns Chapel, Gunnislake, which is in Cornwall rather than Devon. Cornwall Taekwondo Academy also runs family-friendly classes in Pool and Truro, though a precise venue address was not published at the time of writing.

Judo focuses on throws, balance, grappling and groundwork rather than striking. Karate combines striking techniques, blocks and self-defence, typically at a middle distance. Taekwondo is particularly known for its dynamic kicking techniques, patterns and controlled sparring.

Several Cornwall clubs specifically welcome students with disabilities and additional needs, including Kazoku Judo Club, Cornwall Karate in Penzance, and Cornwall Taekwondo Academy, which runs a specialist school for students with special needs in Pool.

No. Most Cornwall clubs welcome complete beginners of all ages and provide loan kit or advice on starter equipment. Cornwall Karate offers a free trial class and Truro Taekwondo offers two weeks of free introductory training for new members.

Class times, prices, venues, facilities and governing-body affiliations are set by individual clubs and may change without notice. Where we could not verify a precise address or current schedule, we've said so rather than guessing. Please confirm details directly with each club before visiting. Cornwall Online is not responsible for the content of external websites linked from this page.

Page last updated: August 2026