Where to do karate in Cotonou?

In Cotonou, you can do karate at DojoLand, at two locations: Fidjrossè and Akpakpa. Classes are open to children and adults alike, from age 5, beginners included.

Class times

At Fidjrossè: Wednesday 3:30–4:30 pm and Saturday 2:15–3:15 pm. At Akpakpa: Wednesday 6:00–7:00 pm and Saturday 9:30–10:30 am. The full schedule is on the Programme page.

The three pillars of karate

Karate rests on three pillars: kihon, the basics; kata, set sequences of movements; and kumite, that is, sparring, whose name literally means meeting of hands.

A typical class

A class lasts one hour and always has the same shape: a warm-up, then new theory or technique, then practice.

Sparring, practice fighting with a partner, is for more experienced students and takes place regularly. Beginners are not thrown into it.

Who is it for?

Classes are mixed: men, women and children train together, and the group is often split by age or level when the gap is too big. To start, you train in your own comfortable sportswear. Later, you can buy a kimono (gi) and your equipment at the DojoLand shop.

Parents are encouraged to come and watch a training, and many later become members too.

Belts and tournaments

Students take part in tournaments. Belt gradings are held 2 to 3 times a year: the belt and certificate are handed over on the day. To learn more, read the post on the karate belt ceremony.

Did you know?

The word karate is written 空手, meaning empty hand, but it was originally written 唐手, meaning Tang (China) hand. The pronunciation stayed the same: karate. The first known use of the empty character is in a 1905 text by the Okinawan master Chōmo Hanashiro.

In April 1924, Gichin Funakoshi awarded karate's first dan grades to seven students, adopting the kyu/dan system of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. The coloured belts came later, also from judo.

Karate has been at the Summer Olympics only once, at Tokyo 2020 (5 to 7 August 2021, Nippon Budokan, eight medal events). It was not on the programme for Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028.

Frequently asked questions

What does research say about karate for children? In a cluster-randomised trial of 721 children aged 7 to 8 in 20 primary schools across five European countries, a year of karate in place of regular PE classes produced small improvements in academic achievement, cardiorespiratory fitness and balance, and a small drop in conduct problems, with no significant effect on hyperactivity or peer problems.

Is there a risk of injury? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2016 clinical report on youth martial arts, non-contact basic forms and techniques may carry a lower relative risk of injury, while contact sparring and competitive bouts carry a higher one. Its HealthyChildren.org site advises children to focus on non-contact form and skill development before any sparring. At DojoLand, sparring comes with experience.

First training is free

You can come and try: the first training is free. Book it in advance with the manager, at reception or by WhatsApp.

How much does it cost?

The 1 Class plan (one discipline of your choice, at one location) costs 10,000 FCFA for one month, or 8,500 FCFA a month with a 12-month commitment (102,000 FCFA). The Unlimited plan (all disciplines, one location) is 20,000 FCFA a month. All plans are on the Prices page.

How to join

Sign up at reception or by WhatsApp: Fidjrossè +229 01 55 93 77 77, Akpakpa +229 01 40 88 28 28.

See also

Other disciplines in Cotonou: taekwondo, judo, boxing. Not sure which to pick? Read which martial art to choose.