Respect & Dojo Etiquette
Every class starts and ends with respect. We emphasise listening, good behaviour, supporting training partners and representing the club positively inside and outside the dojo.
Who we are
Jewel Karate Club (JKC) is a long-established Wado-style karate club with roots in the Jewel area of Edinburgh. Since the early 1980s we’ve welcomed children, teens and adults into a friendly, hard-working dojo environment. Today we continue that legacy in Musselburgh and Haddington, blending traditional Wado principles with modern coaching and sporting karate.
We focus on strong basics, good etiquette, and building confident people — not just fighters. Whether it’s a first class, Mon and Kyu grade progression, Dan-grade development or competition preparation, students train in a safe, structured and supportive setting.
- Beginners from age 5+ with clear, achievable grading pathways.
- Options for recreational training, sport kumite, kata performance and family training.
- PVG-checked coaches, safeguarding procedures and recognised qualifications.
Our story
Jewel Karate Club was founded by Sensei Alex Rorrison in the early 1980s with a simple aim: to offer authentic, disciplined karate to local families in a welcoming environment. Starting with a small group in a community hall, the club quickly built a reputation for high standards, respect and genuine care for its students.
Over the decades JKC expanded into Midlothian and East Lothian, producing medal winners, Dan grades and coaches who have gone on to support the wider karate community. Regular seminars, courses and competition opportunities have kept training fresh while never losing sight of traditional Wado principles.
Following Sensei Rorrison’s retirement, the club leadership passed to Sensei Liam Morrison, continuing the ethos that has defined JKC from the start: strong basics, safe coaching, and an inclusive club where new beginners can line up beside experienced grades and all feel part of the same team.
Timeline highlights
- 1980s – Foundations: Club established in the Jewel area; small classes, big focus on discipline, respect and good basics.
- 1990s – Growth: Expansion into surrounding areas; increased membership and success at local competitions.
- 2000s – Modernisation: Integration of modern coaching methods, structured grading pathways and sport karate opportunities.
- 2010s – Community focus: Family training, safeguarding, inclusive practice and links with recognised governing bodies.
- 2020s – Today: Led by Sensei Liam Morrison and the Jewel Karate Club coaching team, continuing Sensei Rorrison’s legacy in Musselburgh & Haddington.
- 2030s – The next generation: The club will focus on developing confident, well-rounded students for the future, with traditional Wado kai values with modern coaching, youth leadership, and lifelong training.
Our values
Progress with Purpose
Students follow a clear syllabus with honest feedback. We build strong kihon, partner work and ring craft so that every new belt is earned and understood.
Community & Family
Parents and carers are welcome, and many families train together. Club events, gradings and trips create a supportive community around our students.
Safeguarding & Standards
JKC is committed to providing a safe environment for all students. All regular coaches are PVG-checked and follow our child protection and safe practice policies. We work within recognised coaching guidelines and expect the same high standards of conduct from everyone in the dojo.
- PVG membership and appropriate checks for coaching staff.
- Clear reporting routes for any concerns.
- First aid cover available during sessions where required.
- Respectful, inclusive environment for all backgrounds and abilities.
Training pathways
New starters
Gentle introduction to etiquette, stances, striking and movement, with simple goals for early Mon grades to keep younger students motivated.
Developing karateka
Strong kihon, kata, kumite drills and partner work. Focus on control, timing, distancing and confidence.
Advanced & competition
Support for Dan-grade preparation, coaching development and competition squads, including kata and kumite.
Meet the instructors
Our coaching team builds on the foundations laid by Sensei Alex Rorrison. All regular instructors are experienced practitioners, PVG-checked, and committed to safe, positive teaching for every age and stage.
Alex Rorrison
Founder • Senior Dan grade • Emeritus Coach
Founder of Jewel Karate Club in the 1980s. Known for technical standards, discipline and generosity towards generations of students.
Liam Morrison
Dan grade • Lead Instructor
Leads JKC following Sensei Rorrison’s retirement. Focused on strong basics, youth development, competition pathways and keeping the club welcoming and family-focused.
Additional assistant instructors and senior grades support classes as needed and operate under JKC’s coaching and safeguarding framework.