Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts & Fitness Partner in London
Bernardo Karate & Cardio Kickboxing has been dedicated to martial arts instruction and character development for over 40 years. Founded by Hanshi Michael Bernardo, a 9th Degree Black Belt and inductee of the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, our organization combines traditional karate techniques with modern fitness methodologies. Our certified black belt instructors deliver structured programs for children, teens, and adults across six locations in London and surrounding areas. The Striving 4 Excellence character development program integrates martial arts training with monthly values-based lessons to build confidence, respect, and self-discipline.With multiple world championship titles among our instructors and a commitment to community initiatives like Kids Kicking Cancer, we maintain rigorous standards through accreditation by the World Karate Commission. Our facilities offer flexible class schedules, including specialized programs for Little Dragons (ages 4-6) and cardio kickboxing sessions that have earned recognition as London's Best. The family-owned business maintains transparent communication channels through direct email contacts at each location while providing trial memberships to experience our structured curriculum and supportive environment.
Services
Karate Programs
Cardio Kickboxing
Character Development
Children's Martial Arts
Adult Fitness Classes
Tournament Training
Self-Defense Instruction
Family Karate Sessions
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Certified black belt instructors with 40+ years of combined experience
- Accredited curriculum following World Karate Commission standards
- Six convenient locations across London and surrounding areas
- Proven character development program with monthly values-based lessons
- Recognized as London's Best Cardio Kickboxing studio
Associations and certifications
- World Karate Commission
What people say
Caring environment
Great instructors
Visible fitness improvements
Family-friendly atmosphere
Positive character development
Services
Karate Programs
Structured karate instruction for ages 4+ with progressive belt system. Certified black belt instructors teach traditional techniques while building confidence and discipline. Programs include Little Dragons (4-6 years), Children's Karate (7-12 years), Teens Karate (13-17 years), and Adult Karate classes.
Cardio Kickboxing
High-energy fitness sessions combining martial arts techniques with cardiovascular conditioning. Led by experienced black belt instructors, these classes improve strength, endurance, and coordination while providing stress relief in a supportive group environment.
Character Development
Monthly values-based curriculum integrating martial arts training with character education. The Striving 4 Excellence program teaches respect, confidence, and self-discipline through workbooks and classroom discussions that reinforce positive behavior at home and school.
Tournament Training
Specialized instruction for competitive martial artists with experienced championship coaches. Training includes point fighting, light contact sparring, and forms competition preparation that has produced multiple world champions over four decades.
Family Karate Sessions
Multi-generational martial arts instruction fostering family bonding through shared learning. Parents and children train together in modified techniques that accommodate various skill levels while building mutual respect and physical fitness.
People
Michael Bernardo
Founder & Head Instructor
9th Degree Black Belt with 45+ years of martial arts experience. Inducted into Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame and Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame. Developed curriculum combining traditional karate with modern fitness techniques.
Tammy Bernardo
Vice-President & Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt with 25+ years of teaching experience. Program developer for cardio kickboxing and combat conditioning classes. 17-time world champion in point fighting and light contact divisions.
Tom Roberts
Location Manager
5th Degree Black Belt operating the Dearness location. 17-time world champion with expertise in competition training and student development programs for martial arts tournaments.
Dennis McFadden
Senior Instructor
7th Degree Black Belt with 35+ years of teaching experience. Developed weapons system katas for Tonfa and Katana. Specializes in self-defense seminars and long-term black belt progression programs.
Holly Kenny
Location Manager
5th Degree Black Belt operating the St. Thomas location. 20 years of martial arts training and 14 years of teaching experience. Combines traditional karate with Shaolin Kungfu techniques learned during temple training in China.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for ages 4 through adult, including Little Dragons (4-6), Children (7-12), Teens (13-17), and Adult Karate classes.
Do you offer trial memberships?
Yes, trial memberships are available at all six locations. Contact your preferred location to schedule your first class.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes. We provide loaner uniforms for the first few classes before purchasing official gear.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors are certified black belts with extensive martial arts experience, including multiple world champions on staff.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide discounted rates for families registering multiple members. Contact your local branch for specific pricing details.
What safety measures are in place?
Our certified instructors prioritize proper technique and safety equipment. Classes maintain low student-instructor ratios for personalized supervision during all training sessions.
Reviews (7)
Vlas Ok
Jan 01, 2022
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We started attending training recently. My son really likes it. Attentive staff, good trainers. A good start for our age. Attention is paid to each child in training. .he is very interested in watching the adult gym, how the trainings are going on there.
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Oct 27, 2021
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Mike Perkin
Aug 28, 2021
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Visited during a "Bring a Friend" event. Well organized class. Everyone including my child was enjoying themselves
Spiro Papadatos
Jun 28, 2021
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The best martial arts school in the world. Thank you Shihan Michael and Renshi Tammy for everything you do for our kids.
Jen Dunn
Apr 21, 2021
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Bernardo Karate and Cardio KickBoxing gets 5 stars from me everyday. Not only do I feel safe there during these crazy covid times but I feel safe bringing my kids there too. My kids enjoy karate and feel so supported by the staff team. I have joined Cardio Kickboxing and feel very supported from the staff and the other members as well. Thank you for all you do for our family.
Shawn Smith
Mar 18, 2020
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Very personable staff always willing to share and encourage to help me and my family on this new path of physical and emotional fitness.
Anna Yun
Sep 16, 2019
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Its amazing place :)
My sons have become more confident and more healthy. Teachers are passionate.
My sons have become more confident and more healthy. Teachers are passionate.
