What age can my child start karate here?

The centre says children can begin from an early age in age-appropriate classes, but it does not publish exact age groups. Ask your branch which class fits your child's age.

Is there a free trial class?

Yes. The centre offers a free trial class so new students can try the training before signing up.

How much are the kids' karate fees?

Fees are not published; the centre says they vary by programme and schedule. Ask your branch for current prices and offers.

What should my child wear to the first class?

Comfortable sportswear is fine for the first class. A karate uniform (gi) can be bought from the centre after enrolling.

Can I watch my child's class?

Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from the designated waiting area.

Where are the branches?

There are three: Bedaia Building in Al Barsha 1, Dubai (behind Mall of the Emirates); Al Sama Tower (Al Zarooni Building) in Al Nahda 1, Sharjah, between Ansar Mall and I Mall; and Al Dana Tower in Rolla Square, Sharjah. Pick a branch on this page for its address and phone.

International Karate Centre, Al Barsha: kids karate classes

Combat SportsMartial Arts

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Al Barsha

Free trial

Book online

International Karate Centre, which also trades as Budo International Karate Centre, teaches traditional Japanese martial arts across three branches: Al Barsha 1 in Dubai, and Al Rolla and Al Nahda 1 in Sharjah. Kids' classes cover basic karate techniques, kata, controlled partner work (kumite), self-defence, fitness, balance and flexibility, with a structured belt system and regular grading exams. The centre says children can start young in age-appropriate classes, no experience is needed, and girls are welcome. Its chief instructor and founder, Sensei Shamsheer Ali, is listed as a 5th Dan (Go Dan) and an Asian Karate Federation judge. Alongside karate, the centre teaches Aikikai Aikido and Kobudo, and runs holiday programmes and camps. A free trial class is offered, and pick-up and drop-off is available in selected areas around its branches.

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The activity

Martial Arts, explained

Karate is a Japanese martial art built on punches, kicks, blocks and stances. In a kids' class, children warm up, drill basic techniques in lines, learn kata (set sequences of moves performed solo) and try kumite, which is controlled sparring with a partner under a coach's eye. Coloured belts mark progress, and each new belt is earned at a grading, which gives children a clear, regular goal. Along the way karate builds balance, coordination, flexibility and fitness, and classes lean heavily on focus, listening and respect for the teacher and training partners. Children can usually start once they can follow group instructions; ask the centre which class suits your child's age.

Who it's for

Children and teenagers, from complete beginners to experienced students; the centre says children can start from an early age in age-appropriate classes but does not publish exact age bands, so ask the branch which group suits your child. Girls are welcome. Competition-minded students get extra coaching. Separate adult and ladies' classes run too.

What to expect

Start with the free trial class, which the centre offers so new students can see how training works. For that first session your child just needs comfortable sportswear; a karate uniform (gi) can be bought from the centre after enrolling. Parents are welcome to watch from the waiting area. Classes mix technique drills, kata, controlled partner work and fitness, and children work towards belt gradings. The centre suggests two to three classes a week for steady progress. Class times, age groups and fees are not published online, so ask your branch when you book the trial. Pick a branch on this page for its address and contact.

Highlights

Free trial class for new students (thewayofbudo.com)
Traditional Japanese karate with a structured belt system and grading exams (thewayofbudo.com)
Parents can watch from a waiting area (thewayofbudo.com)
Pick-up and drop-off in selected areas around the branches (thewayofbudo.com)
Holiday programmes, training camps and workshops (thewayofbudo.com)
Rated 5.0 on Google at Al Barsha 1 (116 reviews) and 4.9 at Al Nahda 1 (191 reviews) (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

On Google, the Al Barsha 1 branch is rated 5.0 from 116 reviews and Al Nahda 1 in Sharjah is rated 4.9 from 191 reviews. Each branch's own rating shows when you pick it.

The facts

Ages: Children from an early age in age-appropriate classes; exact age groups not published, ask the branch
Prices: Not published; ask the branch. Family and kids' discounts listed on Google
Schedule: Class times not published; the centre recommends two to three classes a week
Trial: Free trial class
Where: Bedaia Building, First Floor, Office 102, Al Barsha 1, Dubai (between Icon Delux Hotel Apartment and Gulf Drug building, behind Mall of the Emirates)
How to book: thewayofbudo.com/contact-us · +971 58 958 9522 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Every day9am–9:30pm

Guide · 8 min readRead: Gymnastics and martial arts: body control, balance and learning to fall

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Pick-up and drop-off service in selected areas around Al Barsha (thewayofbudo.com)
Parent waiting area and nearby parking (thewayofbudo.com)
Wear comfortable sportswear to the first class; a gi can be bought after enrolling (thewayofbudo.com)
Al Barsha 1 and Al Nahda 1 list hours of 9AM-9:30PM, Sunday to Saturday; these are opening hours, not class times (thewayofbudo.com)
Al Nahda 1: family discounts and discounts for kids are listed, there is on-site and street parking nearby and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and visits are by appointment (Google listing)
Al Barsha 1: parking nearby and a parent waiting area (thewayofbudo.com)
The centre also teaches Aikikai Aikido and Kobudo, and offers private one-to-one and online classes (thewayofbudo.com)