Kihon · The foundations
Practising stances, blocks, punches and kicks, with attention to posture, balance and control.
Traditional Shotokan · A new dojo in development
Traditional
Japanese karate
in Cardiff.
A new traditional Shotokan dojo taking shape in Cardiff, with Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli. Disciplined practice, clear instruction and mutual respect — in a welcoming place to learn.
Discover the practice1st DanShotokan black belt
JKACoaching assessment passed
JapanTokyo & Okinawa training
01 / The practice
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.
“A place to begin, to keep learning, and to belong.”My vision for the dojo
Kata · Form and understanding
Learning structured sequences of techniques and developing precision, coordination and an understanding of the movements.
Kumite · Practice with a partner
Applying techniques through controlled partner exercises, developing timing and distance with consideration for each other.
02 / About Alessandro
Experience across traditions.
Rooted in Shotokan.
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.
Wado-ryu
foundations.
I began practising karate in Italy in the Wado-ryu style, under the Italian federation FIJLKAM. This was the starting point of my martial arts journey.
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.
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.
Traditional
Japanese Shotokan.
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.
Competition achievement In July 2025, I won silver in my kata category at the Welsh National Championships. My competition experience also includes kumite at the 2024 Welsh Open.
03 / Training in Japan
Tokyo & Okinawa.
Learning in Japan.
I have trained at the JKA headquarters in Tokyo and in Okinawa. Practising in Japan has been an important part of my continuing karate journey.
My October 2025 visit to Okinawa included personal practice on the beach and training with local sensei in their dojos.
04 / In photographs
Training & competition.
From individual kata practice to the competition mat: moments from my karate journey.
05 / A venue partnership
Your space.
Our next chapter.
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.
Let’s start a conversationWhat 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 for your centre, 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 a possible introductory session.
The dojo is at proposal stage. The timetable, venue arrangements and requirements for opening would be agreed before classes begin.
Let’s talk
Could your centre
be our new home?
I’d welcome a visit and a conversation about what could work at your venue.
If I’ve sent you this profile, please reply to my email or message to arrange a time to talk.
Dr Alessandro CeccarelliShotokan karate · Cardiff