Karate, Tai Chi, Yoga & Shiatsu in Ilford · Est. 2006

The way of the empty hand

Classical Shotokan Karate, Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Shiatsu in Ilford and Epping (invite only). Patient teaching, rooted in tradition and open to every age and ability.

2006Founded
15Black belts awarded
5Disciplines
The dojo

A traditional school with a modern, person-centred heart

EmptyHands is a traditional Karate school. Training follows the classical Shotokan system, with influences from Goju Ryu, Shiatsu (acupressure) and the internal martial art of Tai Chi Chuan.

Founded in 2006 on the ideals of Gichin Funakoshi Hanshi, the father of modern Karate, the dojo follows a syllabus inspired by the late Hirokazu Kanazawa Sōke. Just as much weight is given to the values of Karate, studied through the Dojo Kun.

Sensei Azeem leading a training session in the dojo hall
The fundamentals

Four pillars of Karate-Dō

Person-centred teaching, built on the fundamentals every karateka returns to — from white belt to Sensei.

基本

Kihon

Basics

Stances, blocks, strikes and kicks repeated until they become second nature.

型

Kata

Form

Choreographed sequences that carry the techniques and spirit of the masters.

分解

Bunkai

Application

Unlocking what each movement of a kata really means — and how to use it.

組手

Kumite

Sparring

Safe, controlled partner work that develops timing, distance and composure.

Dojo Kun · the five precepts

Karate begins and ends with respect

Recited at the close of every class, the Dojo Kun are the values students carry beyond the dojo — into school, work and family life.

  1. Seek perfection of character
  2. Be faithful
  3. Endeavour to excel
  4. Respect others
  5. Refrain from violent behaviour
Weekly timetable

Train with us this week

A full calendar is published at the end of each year, so everyone can plan ahead. 2026 calendar

DayClassTimeDojo
ThursdayKarate-DōAll grades, children & adults7:00pm – 9:00pmIlfordWeekly
ThursdayTai Chi ChuanYang family style6:00pm – 7:00pmIlfordBook ahead
ThursdayYogaHimalayan Hatha — drop-in8:00pm – 9:00pmIlfordDrop-in
Any dayShiatsu & CoachingOne-to-one sessions & workshopsBy appointmentFree 15-min consult
Azeem Mushtaq Sensei
Azeem MushtaqFounder & Chief Instructor · GoDan
先生
Meet the Sensei

Three decades on the path of the martial, healing and coaching arts

  • GoDan · 5th Dan
  • MA Coaching
  • BA (Hons)
  • Dip Shiatsu-Do

Azeem founded EmptyHands in March 2006 to create a Dojo grounded in the principles of Bushidō — discipline, respect and purpose — while embracing thoughtful, modern interpretation.

Guided by masters including Hirokazu Kanazawa Sōke, Chris Rowen Shihan, Yoshinobu Ohta Sensei and Nobuaki Kanazawa Kanchō, he also studied Tai Chi Chuan with Master John Ding and graduated from the British School of Shiatsu-Do. His Oxford Brookes MA developed the first Karate Coaching Model.

Meet the instructors
Kind words

From parents, students and masters

★★★★★
Empty hands have been absolutely amazing! My 9 and 11 year old have been attending for several months now. They really enjoy their sessions and always come back having learnt so much and so excited for the next session! The sessions are so organised and I leave my daughters there and trust that they are also safe too. We will definitely be watching our daughters grow with empty hands until the end and couldn’t thank them enough!
Poonam MomiParent
★★★★★
I have been attending this dojo for several years now and it has been excellent all throughout. This dojo is incredibly dedicated to teaching students and has great amounts of respect to karate — it has taught me a lot about karate in many aspects (not just the physical aspects — theory and history of karate too) and I have great respect towards the art because of this. The dojo also teaches you a lot about mindfulness, which is incredibly important and has helped me a lot in my general life as well as my training. I would definitely highly recommend people to join and be a part of this experience.
Archana AmbilyStudent
★★★★★
My children have been attending this dojo for five years now. From day one they were made to feel welcome and Irm, one of the instructors, has an excellent way with young children. I’ve seen both of my kids gain knowledge and develop their techniques. Sensei Azeem is an excellent instructor and my kids enjoy the training they have had in their journey. The monthly workshops are very informative and enjoyable, making it altogether an invaluable experience. In addition to karate I’ve seen the development of self-confidence, discipline and a positive mindset in both of my children. There is a celebration of success at the final lesson of the year which everyone enjoys and it’s a fitting way to round off the year.
Jaspal SembhiParent
★★★★★
My kids have been attending the Dojo for a year now, they are being taught by excellent instructors. Besides learning the art of self defence, they are also learning important life skills, values and respect.
Shawkoth KhanParent
★★★★★
I had the good fortune to have been invited to teach my Be Easy Sotai event at this Karate School. It was inspiring to be there as it was clean, it is a very large dojo. Plus they honour and keep all the old protocols from the Budo past. This is an excellent location to learn a martial art plus the Sensei knows what he is doing.
Rex LassalleShiatsu Master
★★★★★
100% Best yoga classes, Teacher are very polite and professional. I have been going to classes for almost a year and I see a huge result. Definitely recommended ❤️🙏
An StepanovaYoga student
★★★★★
Irm is a fantastic yoga instructor! Incredibly patient and supportive.
Saleha ChoudhuryYoga student
★★★★★
I’ve known Azeem for nearly 14 years as a colleague and friend. Having trained with Azeem at the British School of Shiatsu-Do, I can vouch for his professionalism and skill. His Shiatsu practice is well informed, skilled, sensitive and intuitive. Azeem takes a holistic view of the client, able to treat them individually and appropriately, understanding the type of treatment required. His treatments for my back pain have been second to none! As well as Shiatsu, Azeem remains totally committed to his Karate Dojo, understanding how one art form informs and supports the other. If you are lucky enough to be able to book a shiatsu treatment with Azeem, you’ll reap the health rewards and meet a lovely person to boot!
Karen AramShiatsu Therapist & Relationship Counsellor
★★★★★
I have known Azeem for most of his Karate career and have always been impressed with his passion for Martial Arts. Over the years I have got to know him as a student and a friend. He is a shining example of one who has put time, effort and belief into Karate-Do and has selflessly shared it for the benefit of a wider audience. He recently completed an MA research study in Karate Coaching which has been a ground-breaking and thought-provoking contribution to the literature of Karate-do. Azeem is a true traditional martial artist who has persistently exemplified devout loyalty and respect to the Karate lineage. His innovative and forward-thinking approach has made him a great ambassador of Karate. In the 90s he pioneered one of the first online Karate magazines, where martial artists from all walks of life would come together to share their ideas.
Chris RowenShihan, 7th Dan — Bunbukan

Read all testimonials

有段者 · Yudansha

Fifteen black belts and counting

Every name on the Yudansha wall started exactly where you will: a nervous white belt on their very first night.

Irm MushtaqAmarah AdamHamza IftikharReet ChaddaLeila MushtaqAdwaitha VinayanDhillon BainesRayyan JavaidDhaniyal HameedIsmael AdamDasina KeraiIshaaq AdamAbdullah ShakeelShihan SumoondurMahwish Iftikhar
Visit the Yudansha wall

The first class is the hardest step — you won’t take it alone

New students pay as they go for the first few weeks. Just bring comfortable clothes.