A new home for traditional Japanese karate in Cardiff.
A new traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate dojo taking shape in Cardiff, with Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli. Disciplined practice, clear instruction and mutual respect — in a welcoming place to learn.
Dojo in development — venue and timetable to be confirmed.
Traditional karate. Practised with purpose.
The proposed dojo will focus on traditional Japanese Shotokan through kihon, kata and kumite. Careful technique, patient repetition and respect for training partners will guide the practice, with a supportive introduction for beginners.
Kihon
The foundations. Practising stances, blocks, punches and kicks, with attention to posture, balance and control.
Kata
Form and understanding. Learning structured sequences of techniques, developing precision, coordination and understanding.
Kumite
Practice with a partner. Applying techniques through controlled partner exercises, developing timing and distance with consideration for each other.
My vision: a place to begin, to keep learning, and to belong.
About Alessandro
I’m Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli, a first-dan black belt in Shotokan who has passed the JKA coaching assessment. My martial arts journey began in Italy, broadened during years of travel and brought me to traditional Japanese karate in Wales.
2005-2010 Wado-ryu foundations in Italy
I began practising karate in Italy in the Wado-ryu style, under the Italian federation FIJLKAM in Rome.
2010-2020 Learning across martial arts
While travelling for several years, I explored a mix of martial arts, including Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Tang-Su-Do and traditional Indian Kushti wrestling.
2023-2024 A return to karate in Wales
I returned to Shotokan through the Welsh Karate Governing Body (WKGB) and World Karate Federation (WKF) framework, including training at South Glamorgan Shotokan Karate Club in Cardiff.
Present: Traditional Japanese Shotokan with JKA
I then moved to traditional Japanese Shotokan with the Japan Karate Association (JKA). In 2026, I passed the JKA coaching assessment and received my official certificate from the JKA Tokyo Dojo.
Training in Japan: Tokyo and Okinawa
I have trained at the JKA headquarter in Tokyo. Practising in Japan has been an important part of my continuing karate journey.
My October 2025 visit to Okinawa included personal practice and training with local sensei in their dojos.
Training and Competitions
Competition experience: silver in my kata category at the Welsh National Championships in July 2025, alongside kumite experience at the 2024 Welsh Open.
A home for traditional karate in Cardiff
I’m looking for a sports centre partner to help establish a home for traditional Japanese karate in Cardiff, with a programme that fits your venue and the people it serves.
What I’m looking for: a suitable indoor training space with a clear floor area and the possibility of a regular weekly booking.
What we could offer together: a new regular activity, an accessible introduction to karate and the opportunity to grow a local club over time.
A practical starting point: a conversation about your space, availability and hire terms, followed by an agreed approach to class format, age groups and an introductory session.
The dojo is at proposal stage. The timetable and arrangements for opening would be agreed before classes begin.
Let’s start a conversation
I’d welcome a visit and a conversation about what could work at your venue.
If I’ve sent you this page, please reply to my email or message to arrange a time to talk.
Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli
Traditional Japanese karate · Cardiff
Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli 