About

The UC Berkeley Karate Club practices traditional Japanese Wado Kai karate
under the direction of Sensei Hidetaka Abe & Kirk Hewett.

Karate-do, or “the way of the empty hand,” is a Japanese martial art which primarily focuses on striking using punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes, and open-handed techniques.

The UC Berkeley Karate Club was founded in 1965, and has been taught by Sensei Hidetaka Abe since 1967, fostering a cooperative and friendly atmosphere for the pursuit of martial arts excellence. We are affiliated with the Japan Karatedo Federation Wado-Kai, and we are a member of the UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program.

All are welcome – no previous experience necessary! Stop by any time for a free lesson and/or to learn more about the club. You can train with the club for free for up to two weeksno fees or registration required. If you have a gi (karate uniform), wear it; if not, gym clothes are fine!

(left to right: Kasra, Kirk, Sensei Abe, Mark & Lauren)

Membership is open to Cal students, faculty, alumni, as well as members of the local Bay Area community. We also welcome karate practitioners of all styles and levels.