Iruka Karate Club
About this club
Iruka is the association’s main Morley club, drawing students from right across south Leeds. It runs on a Tuesday and a Friday at The Hub on the White Rose Business Park, with two sessions each evening — lower grades from seven until eight, higher grades from quarter past eight until quarter past nine — so nobody spends the night in a class pitched at the wrong level. Classes are aimed at children from nine years old upwards, and a number of parents train alongside their own children; ask the club about that when you get in touch.
Iruka is run by Sensei Tanya Pollard, 5th Dan, who started training as a child in 1997 and went on to open the club herself. Her husband Sensei Calvin Pollard teaches here too, and their daughter trains as a student — which tells you a fair amount about the place. Behind them is a large team of instructors holding grades across several different styles, so there are always experienced people on the mat and a beginner is never short of someone to show them something properly.
Class timetable
| Day | Time | Class | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Wado Ryu Karate — lower grades | 9+ |
| Tuesday | 8:15pm – 9:15pm | Wado Ryu Karate — higher grades | 9+ |
| Friday | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Wado Ryu Karate — lower grades | 9+ |
| Friday | 8:15pm – 9:15pm | Wado Ryu Karate — higher grades | 9+ |
Term-time and holiday variations are announced in class and on the club’s Facebook page.
What to bring to your first session
Nothing you do not already own. A T-shirt (no football shirts) and jogging bottoms (no zips in legs) or shorts, bare feet, and a drink/snack. Long hair to be tied back. Once you decide to continue you will need a gi (suit) and a NAKMAS licence — the instructor will sort both on your 4th week or sooner if you prefer.
Getting here & parking
Enter Iruka Karate Club into your satnav or use post code LS11 0DL. We have 3 large car parks around our building. The car park is accessed through security-controlled barriers. Security will be notified of your arrival in advance for easy entry. Once you decided to continue training with us your vehicle registration will be registered for automatic entry and you can add 2 vehicles on.
Common questions
Do I need a karate suit to start?+
No. Come in a T-shirt (no football shirts) and jogging bottoms (no zips in legs) or shorts for your first 4 weeks. You train barefoot, so no trainers are needed either. Long hair to be tied back. Once you decide to carry on, your instructor will sort out a gi and a licence on your 4th week or sooner if you prefer.
How much does it cost?+
You pay per session on our mobile app before training. There is no joining fee, no contract and no monthly direct debit. Your first session is free so you can see whether it suits you before spending anything.
What age can my child start?+
Our Pee Wee classes take children from 4 years old, in separate sessions pitched at that age group. Main classes start from age 9.
Can I stay and watch my child?+
Yes, during your child's first lesson you can stay and watch in the training hall. After their first lesson we have very modern/comfortable waiting areas for parents/carers on the terrace outside, in the garden area or upstairs with air conditioning. We have free highspeed wifi and large restroom facilities. Alternatively you can walk across to the White Rose Shopping Centre next door and leave your car at Karate.
How often are gradings?+
Kyu gradings run roughly every three to four months across the association. Your instructor will tell you when you are ready — nobody is pushed to grade before they are.
Are the instructors checked?+
Every WYSOK instructor holds an enhanced DBS certificate, current first aid training and full insurance through our NAKMAS affiliation.