心技体Shin, gi, tai: mind, technique and body, trained as one
Energy training and self-defence for adults in Qatar
Strong, calm and aware at any age
Tai chi, qigong, Reiki, meditation, Systema and practical self-defence for adults of every age, with Sensei Najmal Ibrahim (6th Dan, Reiki Level 3). Classes in Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl and Al Wukair.
What we teach
Internal arts for energy and calm, practical arts for self-defence. Adults can start at any age, with no experience.
- 太極Adults of any age or fitness
Tai chi
Slow, flowing movement for balance, flexibility and a calmer mind.
- 氣Adults, and teens with a parent
Ki and qigong (energy training)
Breathing, posture and energy work to build calm focus, stamina and inner strength.
- 霊気Adults of any age
Reiki
Quiet, hands-on energy practice for deep relaxation and inner calm.
- 覚Adults of any age
Meditation and awakening
Breath, stillness and mindful movement to feel more present and aware.
- 護身術Teens and adults
Self-defence
Practical skills for avoiding and escaping danger.
- СистемаAdults
Systema
The Russian martial art of relaxed movement, breathing and practical self-protection.
- 合気道Teens and adults
Aikido
The Japanese art of blending with an attack, using joint locks, throws and safe falling.
- योगAdults
Yoga
Stretching, strength and breathing work that supports your martial arts training.
- 体力Adults, at your own pace
Strength and conditioning
Strength, stamina, stretching and gymnastic skills such as tumbling and rolls.
- 車椅子空手Wheelchair users of all ages
Wheelchair karate
Karate adapted for wheelchair users, with techniques and kata practised from the chair.
- 空手Children from age 4, teens and adults
Karate: Shotokan and Shito-ryu
Traditional Japanese karate to the JKS syllabus: basics, kata and sparring, graded belt by belt.
Children’s karate, gradings and the competition squad are at our sister club, karate.qa.
Strong, calm and aware
Whatever brings you to the mat, we meet you where you are.
Self-defence for women and adults
Awareness, distance, escapes from grabs and simple strikes, trained calmly and safely in our self-defence classes.
Awakening and inner calm
Meditation, breath work and Reiki give you a quiet space to slow down and feel more present and aware.
Strong and calm at any age
It is never too late to start. Tai chi, qigong, Reiki and meditation help you relax, breathe well and stay mobile and balanced as the years go by.
Your sensei
Sensei Najmal Ibrahim founded Chi Club in 2014 and is its head coach. He holds a 6th Dan black belt from the World Karate Federation, is a direct member of JKS and a certified referee and judge.
He is also a tai chi and qigong expert, a Reiki Level 3 practitioner and a certified Systema coach, and he specialises in self-defence and energy training. Every student learns from an experienced teacher who is on the mat with them.
Why students choose us
Real martial arts, taught with patience.
Many arts, one teacher
Internal arts like tai chi, qigong and Reiki, and practical arts like Systema, aikido and self-defence, all taught by one experienced head coach.
Never too late to start
Adults of any age and fitness are welcome, beginners train alongside experienced students, and wheelchair users train in adapted classes.
Five locations across Qatar
Train close to home in Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl or Al Wukair, with sessions six days a week.
Where we train
Classes run six days a week. See full times and maps.
Abu Hamour
Iranian School
Monday, Wednesday
Bin Mahmoud
Greenwood International Kindergarten
Friday, Saturday
Al Messila
International Arts & Music School
Sunday, Tuesday
The Pearl
Martial Arts Academy Qatar, Porto Arabia 11
Sunday, Tuesday
Al Wukair
Bhavapadam Art Events, Shop 2, Ezdan Oasis
Monday, Wednesday
Common questions
Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp.
Where can I learn self-defence in Doha?
Chi Club teaches practical self-defence for teens, women and adults in Doha, plus Systema and aikido, which are built around real-life protection. Classes run at Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl and Al Wukair.
Which martial art is best for kids?
Karate is the best start for most children from age 4: it builds confidence, focus and fitness, with a belt to aim for at every step. Our full kids’ karate programme is at karate.qa.
Can martial arts help with confidence and stress?
Yes. Martial arts give children and adults clear goals, better posture and calm under pressure, and internal arts like tai chi and qigong are well-known ways to relax and breathe better.
What age can my child start?
Children can start karate from age 4. Self-defence and aikido start from the teens, and tai chi, ki training, Reiki, meditation, Systema and yoga are for adults of any age.
Are classes running at the moment?
Yes. Classes run six days a week at Abu Hamour, Bin Mahmoud, Al Messila, The Pearl and Al Wukair. Message us on WhatsApp to book a class.
Do I need any experience or equipment?
No. Beginners are welcome in every programme. Wear comfortable sports clothes for your first class; you can get a karate uniform (gi) later.
Can I try a class first?
Yes. Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you the next class you can join and answer any questions before you start. Free trial classes for children's karate are at karate.qa.
Which martial art should I choose?
It depends on what you want. Tai chi and ki training suit anyone looking for balance, calm and better health. Self-defence, Systema and aikido are practical arts for real situations. Children usually start with karate. Message us and Sensei Najmal will help you choose, and you can try more than one.
Which style of karate do you teach?
We teach Shotokan karate, the most widely practised style of Japanese karate, following the syllabus of JKS (Japan Karate Shoto Federation). Adults can also train in Shito-ryu karate. Our dedicated karate site is karate.qa.
Who teaches the classes?
Classes are led by Sensei Najmal Ibrahim, the club’s founder and head coach, who holds a 6th Dan black belt from the World Karate Federation and is a certified karate referee and judge. He is supported by a team of black-belt instructors.
How much are the classes?
Fees depend on the programme and location. Message us on WhatsApp and we will send you the current fees.
Start training with Chi Club
Message us on WhatsApp and join a class this week. No experience needed, at any age.