1. Shizoku Martial Arts

Description: Shizoku Martial Arts karate club is a Family Martial Arts club, with "Shizoku" meaning "family" in their name. They offer family-friendly Kids karate classes, Youth karate classes, and Adult karate classes in Christchurch & North Canterbury. Their "Karate for kids" Little Dragons program focuses on developing life skills such as confidence, focus, respect, goal setting, and determination in a fun environment. They aim to inspire people to be their best through life skill education and martial arts training.

Website: https://www.shizokumartialarts.co.nz/ Location: Christchurch & North Canterbury

2. GKR Karate

Description: GKR Karate offers martial arts based self-defense classes for kids, adults, and families at 8 locations across Christchurch. Their program focuses on building a stronger mind and body, developing self-confidence, boosting concentration, improving coordination and motor skills, and fostering self-discipline. GKR creates an environment that promotes positive values, confidence, discipline, focus, and well-being. Their membership allows access to all GKR Karate venues with classes available 7 days a week in locations including Bishopdale, Kaiapoi, Opawa, Prebbleton, Rangiora, Redwood, Rolleston, and Sockburn.

Website: https://www.gkrkarate.com/gkr-karate-classes-in-christchurch/ Location: 8 locations across Christchurch area

3. Port Hills Karate

Description: Port Hills Karate Christchurch offers karate classes with qualified and experienced instructors in a safe and family-friendly dojo. Their Japanese martial art program is based on striking, blocking, and kicking techniques, and also includes some grappling and take-downs. Classes involve basic technique instruction, pre-arranged forms (kata ), and sparring (kumite), with emphasis placed on good technique, posture, and biomechanics. At intermediate and advanced levels, they practice both competition style karate and self-defense training, fostering a friendly and respectful environment for all students.

Website: http://www.porthillskarate.nz/ Location: Christchurch

4. Axis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Description: Axis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers kids jiu jitsu classes in Christchurch with a focus on non-violent conflict resolution. Their step-by-step process teaches children to safely restrain bullies and keep both themselves and others safe from harm using controlling positions and submissions. They provide high-level instruction in a safe and fun learning environment that helps children develop important values that carry over to school and home. They offer three age-specific programs: Little Ninjas (ages 5-7 ), Hammerhead Sharks (ages 8-12), and Great White Sharks (colored belts). All instructors undergo police vetting to ensure children's safety. They also offer a kids jiu jitsu school holiday program.

Website: https://www.axisbjj.co.nz/classes/kids-jiu-jitsu-christchurch/ Location: Christchurch

5. Karate Christchurch

Description: Karate Christchurch offers Goju-Ryu Karate classes for people of all ages, levels of experience, and abilities. They provide a range of kids and adults karate classes on weekdays at various dojos (places of learning ) around Christchurch. Their focus is on self-improvement and enjoyment, with emphasis on participation. The club encourages students to be their best, with students and instructors regularly competing successfully at regional, national, and international events. Karate Christchurch promotes an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with equality, politeness, and respect, regardless of background or identity.

Website: https://www.karatechristchurch.co.nz/ Location: Various locations around Christchurch

6. The Kung Fu School

Description: The Kung Fu School in Christchurch provides professional martial arts education for children aged 7 and up, teens, and adults. Located in Burnside and serving the Riccarton area, they offer classes at the Fendalton Community Centre. Their program helps students develop greater confidence and self-esteem, traditional martial arts values like respect and discipline, self-defense skills, and ways to deal with bullying in a safe manner. The school features a comprehensive approach including hand strikes, kicking, throwing, and submissions, as well as famous Shaolin animal styles, Qi Gong, and training in 18 traditional Chinese weapons. Classes are available for children (ages 7-11 ), teens (ages 12-16), and adults (ages 17+).

Website: https://www.shaolinkungfu.co.nz/clubs/christchurch-burnside/ Location: Fendalton Community Centre, 170 Clyde Road, Burnside, Christchurch

7. Christchurch Olympic Taekwondo

Description: Christchurch Olympic Taekwondo has been teaching the Korean martial art of Taekwondo since 1993. Their kids classes are designed to empower children by instilling self-confidence through discipline, respect, and fun. The club is led by a Kukkiwon Certified Taekwondo Master (5th Degree Black Belt ) and features a team of dedicated, internationally certified Kukkiwon Black Belt instructors. They offer a free first month of training for new students to try before committing. The club has a strong history of producing elite athletes who have competed at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and various international competitions. They are known for having the most qualified and experienced Taekwondo coaches and instructors in the Canterbury region.

Website: https://www.olympictkd.org.nz/ Location: Christchurch

8. Inception Academy of Martial Arts

Description: Inception Academy of Martial Arts is a family-oriented freestyle martial arts school servicing the Halswell-Wigram areas in Christchurch. Their curriculum draws from multiple disciplines including Thai Kick Boxing, Krav Maga, Zen Do Kai Freestyle, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, and Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Led by Head Instructor Shihan Nick Putt and Club Head Dai Sempai Matt Walley, PhD, their program focuses on both technical skills and holistic development. They offer age-specific classes including Juniors (ages 4-7 ) that introduce children to martial arts foundations through the Zen Do Kai belt system while instilling values of calmness, cooperation, positivity, and achievement. Their Intermediate classes (ages 8-14) include more advanced curriculum with full-contact sparring, developing self-discipline, balance, empathy, and dutifulness.

Website: https://www.inceptionacademy.co.nz/ Location: Halswell-Wigram areas, Christchurch

9. Christchurch Karate & Martial Arts

Description: Christchurch Karate & Martial Arts offers classes for all ages, focusing on improving confidence, self-esteem, focus, physical health, and teaching self-defense. Their program is designed to be accessible to beginners while providing a pathway for those who wish to advance to higher levels. They emphasize creating a supportive community environment where students can develop both physically and mentally. The school offers a free trial class for prospective students to experience their teaching approach before committing to regular training.

Website: https://christchurchkarate.co.nz/ Location: Christchurch

10. Proactive Martial Arts Christchurch

Description: Proactive Martial Arts Christchurch offers a range of martial arts training including karate and kickboxing for children starting from age 3. Their purpose-built facility provides a safe and structured environment for learning essential life skills while getting fit and meeting new people. Their children's program focuses on developing coordination, discipline, and confidence in a fun and engaging way. The school emphasizes practical self-defense techniques that can be applied in real-world situations while promoting physical fitness and mental well-being.

Website: https://www.selfdefence.co.nz/ Location: Christchurch