
Independent Martial Arts
Training Since
1979
Karate-do – Karate-jutsu – Karate-jitsu One Style Many Directions
Classes at;
North Bridge Leisure Centre
North Bridge Street, Halifax
West Yorkshire HX3 6TE
Tel: +44 (0)1422 208600
Tel / Text +44 (0)7540 418200
松 涛 館 空 手 IMA Our Karate-jutsu Programs - How & What We Practice 松 涛 館 空 手
IMA Karate Aims, Style and Direction
The approach and one of the core philosophies of the IMA seniors and its current Chief Instructor and founder, Sensei Nightingale is to keep things simple to understand when it comes to training and “Just Teach Karate” as much of a complete system as is possible without losing the integrity of the Traditional Shotokan Karate system, formally, practically, defensively and combatively. This we do to the best of our ability and yours! We do try to make it simple to understand, yet the outcome is simply down to the work the individual puts in. Our three main programs of practice you can find lower down this page under the titles; Kihon - Kata - Kumite
We always aim for a functional, practical approach to training and understanding what we are practicing as collectively and structured as possible in the time and commitment given by the student. In the three main directions of our practice we try to remain traditional in our approach, yet functional and forward thinking in trying to slot our style and approach into the ever increasing different approaches, styles and directives. Please read the blog section to understand and learn more about us.
It is of general opinion of those involved in Martial Arts teaching or training that the style practiced is not always the most important whether it is Karate, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Karate-jutsu, Taekwondo, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) or Kung-fu to name a few examples. but it will always be down to the person with the skills and how they were put there, in what environment and how they were developed. What is important is the method and quality of training you or your child will receive and we strive to uphold the values on which martial arts practice is built. We will never claim or profess to be the best and we will never claim to be any overriding authority, but we always try to give the best through the system of Shotokan Karate we practice, explore, understand and develop. We hope that we will always display and demonstrate what is perceived as good martial arts through our practice and teaching within all our classes regardless of which particular group or specific program. ~Nightingale~
In general with any good or even fair martial arts training and teaching, students of all ages should be able to attain greater all-round fitness and flexibility benefits, learn an improved self-respect and personal discipline of how to conduct themselves in other areas of life. Karate is not just in the dojo, it has a habit of expanding outward from that point and we feel it is important that we get the balance between skills and character as correct as possible. If we do get the balance right for the individual, we and you will see a change in character and are able to see a lift in their self-esteem while building their confidence and ability to help defend themselves in more ways than one. How far one goes is completely up to one, the student. The further you go, the further we go, we all continually learn together… and yes, unfortunately, sometimes we just cannot reach a balance for some, but it’s not for the want of trying and hopefully it never will be! ~Nightingale~


A martial or combat art with a good teacher, regardless of style, can transform the way that a student thinks throughout their training career and that is something we want to be and be part of. Using the different contexts and philosophy’s of karate training one or two great lessons of life can be picked up along the way. Yes you can over time make yourself ‘Physically – Mentally – Emotionally – Spiritually stronger’, but first you have to come training (beginner or not) and be prepared to go to your class regularly to learn and go away to practice! In our experience most people usually start martial arts training with us holding on to one mind-set and over time come to have a completely different set of reasons to train. On an even simpler note ‘hey, you might even enjoy it and have a little fun on the way or just have a go, figure it out and see where it goes’. Let the thing itself, reveal itself! See you on the mat… ~Nightingale~






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'Karate can be a great way for parents to get involved with their children’s interest in training, sharing in the experiences that take place on the mat. This can help in building strong relationships and develop mutual respect for all involved'.
Karate-do for Family
Karate can be a great way for parents to get involved with their children’s interest in training, sharing in the experiences that take place on the mat. This can help in building strong relationships and develop mutual respect for all involved.
The next free beginner weekly introduction class will be available at North Bridge Leisure Centre Halifax , please see events page for our next beginner class. Anyone is free to just turn up and give it a try, but please could you drop us an email to let us know, just in case there is any change in the club or sports centre programming!
Karate-jutsu for Beginners
Beginner classes cover learning basic techniques and how to apply them in a training environment, understanding the correct use of equipment, simple fitness, flexibility and safety exercises to ready the body to gain the most from their practice.
The next free beginner weekly introduction class will be available at North Bridge Leisure Centre Halifax , please see events page for our next beginner class. Anyone is free to just turn up and give it a try, but please could you drop us an email to let us know, just in case there is any change in the club or sports centre programming!

'Beginner classes cover learning basic techniques and how to apply them in a training environment, understanding the correct use of equipment, simple fitness, flexibility and safety exercises to ready the body to gain the most from their practice'.

'Martial Arts for men and women can be a great addition to an already active individual or for someone looking to try something new. Being involved in Karate is a great way to help improve your general health and fitness making new friends along the way'.
Karate-jutsu for Adults
Martial Arts for men and women can be a great addition to an already active individual or for someone looking to try something new. Being involved in Karate is a great way to help improve health and wellbeing making new friends along the way.
The next free beginner weekly introduction class will be available at North Bridge Leisure Centre Halifax , please see events page for our next beginner class. Anyone is free to just turn up and give it a try, but please could you drop us an email to let us know, just in case there is any change in the club or sports centre programming!
Karate-jutsu for Children age 6+
The IMA always try to provide children’s classes to suit the different levels of age and ability helping towards creating an equal, safe and student focused teaching environment through the practice of Karate.
The next free beginner weekly introduction class will be available at North Bridge Leisure Centre Halifax , please see events page for our next beginner class. Anyone is free to just turn up and give it a try, but please could you drop us an email to let us know, just in case there is any change in the club or sports centre programming!

'The IMA always try to provide children’s classes to suit the different levels of age and ability helping towards creating an equal, safe and student focused teaching environment through the practice of Karate'.

'Teenager Karate programs are designed to allow development of a good foundation in Karate with the training of basic through to more advanced techniques, core strength & flexibility exercises needed to help explore the more intricate elements of training and the principles behind them'.
Karate-jutsu for the Young Adult Teenager
Our purpose arranged teenager Karate programs are designed to allow for the kids in their teenage years to develop a good foundation in the study of their Karate. Along with the training of basic through to more advanced techniques and the continued simple core strength, flexibility exercises needed to help explore the more intricate elements of training and the principles behind them. There is also room for more a little self-expression of the individual, which is important!
The next free beginner weekly introduction class will be available at North Bridge Leisure Centre Halifax , please see events page for our next beginner class.
Our Three main programs of Karate-jutsu of how, what and what we practice
IMA/ Nightingale Shotokan Karate and Martial Arts Training in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Classes in Shotokan Karate, Karate-Do, Karate Jitsu, Karate Jutsu. We have a full Martial Arts Class program for Adults & Children of all ages and abilities. Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced. Why not take advantage of our complete beginner package or for more information please contact us or let us know when you wish to try your free introduction. Our three primary training programs and directions are based around the fundamental cornerstones of Karate practice, kihon (basic technique and repetition of execution), 26 Kata of shotokan Karate (traditional pre-arranged form) and Kumite (practical and functional application of technique).... to be finished - admin


Page to be completed, on the job to do list - Admin

Kihon - Basic Technique Practice
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Kumite - Applied Technique
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Kata - Pre-arranged Technical Form
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