ABOUT US - WHY TO JOIN
WHO WE ARE
WELCOME TO OUR DOJO
With us, karate is more than physical training – it is a way to develop confidence, discipline, and strong character for life.
Gesar Karate has achieved several significant milestones over the years, including producing a complete black belt family within the club and becoming one of the first clubs from the wider region to compete at the World Championship level.
GKC athletes have gone on to achieve success at both British and international competitions, including World Championship titles.
With over 20 years of continuous teaching, Gesar Karate Club is one of the longest-running martial arts clubs in the area.
RESPECT
PERSEVERANCE
COMMUNITY
YOUR JOURNEY WITH US
EVERYONES PATH IS UNIQUE
Our dojo is built on respect, perseverance, and community. Every class is designed to support students not only in their martial arts journey but also in facing everyday challenges with courage and self-belief.
At Gesar Karate, we develop confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals through structured, traditional training in a safe and supportive environment.
Whether training for confidence, fitness, self-defence, or competition, students progress at their own pace while building strength, focus, and skills that last a lifetime.
Our training develops balance of body and mind, encouraging positive habits both inside and outside the dojo, within a welcoming and supportive community.
We’re more than a dojo - we’re a family, growing stronger together.
OUR STORY
GESAR KARATE
Gesar Karate Club was founded on the belief that karate should develop strong character as well as physical skill. From the very beginning, the club has been rooted in traditional values, personal growth, and the creation of a welcoming, supportive community for students of all ages.
The club began its journey in 2008 under the name Holsworthy Goju Ryu, later becoming Karate Zen UK. In 2010, a pivotal moment shaped the club’s identity when I met a monk named Kelsang Pawo. Through a long and meaningful conversation about the true spirit of karate and the story of King Gesar of Ling, a new direction became clear.
The name Gesar Karate was chosen to move away from the politics often found in karate and to focus instead on what truly matters – offering students the best possible training, grounded in integrity, respect, and purpose.
MEET SENSEI
HJALMAR DENTLINGER SHIHAN
Sensei Hjalmar Dentlinger is the founder and lead instructor of Gesar Karate Club, bringing over two decades of experience as both a dedicated athlete and coach. His karate journey began in 2000 at Karate-Zen Namibia under the guidance of Kyoshi Husselmann, and his passion for the art has shaped a lifelong commitment to excellence, discipline, and personal growth.
A senior black belt and National Coach for WKU Traditional England, Sensei Hjalmar is deeply committed to youth development and high-quality instruction. Beyond teaching technique, he creates a positive, supportive environment where students are encouraged to set goals, build confidence, and reach their full potential -whether training for fitness, self-defence, or competition.
Sensei is fully DBS-checked, certified, and committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment for every student.
COMPETITION HISTORY
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Martial Arts Background
Sensei Hjalmar Dentlinger began his karate journey in January 2000 at Karate-Zen Namibia under the instruction of Kyoshi Husselmann. Over more than two decades, he has competed, coached, officiated, and judged at national and international levels, representing the highest standards of traditional karate.
Grades & Certifications
Shodan (1st Dan) – 2006, Karate-Zen
Nidan (2nd Dan) – 2009, English Karate Organisation
Sandan (3rd Dan) – 2012, English Karate Organisation
Yondan (4th Dan) – 2016, English Karate Organisation
Godan (5th Dan) – 2022, British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
Godan (5th Dan) – 2023, World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU)
Competition Experience
Namibia National Team Member – 2002
Competed at UFAK Africa Games – 2002
Competed in Namibia Regional & National Championships
Competed in English Karate Organisation Championships – 2000-2003, 2006-2021
Competed in WKU English & British Championships
Competed at WKU World Championships – 2024-2025
Coaching, Officiating & Judging Roles
WKU England National Traditional Weapons Assistant Coach – 2024
WKU England National Traditional Weapons Coach – 2025
WKU England National Traditional Kata Coach – 2026
Referee, WKU English & British Championships – 2024-present
Kata & Freestyle Forms Judge, WKU World Championships – 2025
WKU England National Kata Judge
Notable Achievements
🏆 WKU World Kumite Champion – 2024
TRAIN WITH THE BEST
MEET OUR TEAM & BLACK BELTS
gkc cHAMPIONS
BLACK BELT REGISTER
READY TO START?
ALL ABOUT HOW TO JOIN
Contact Sensei with any questions, or find out how to join step by step, explore our programs, class times, and fees.
