Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about the club.
Q. What’s the best way to start?
A. We find the best way to begin is with a free trial class! This allows you to get a feel for what the classes are like with zero commitment!
Q. I’ve never practiced karate before, do you take beginners?
A. Absolutely, everybody has to start somewhere! We accept children and adults from complete beginners to seasoned competitors, and all ability levels in between.
Q. I have done karate before, can I still come?
A. Yes of course, we take on students of all levels and experience, whether you’re a complete novice or a 30 year veteran, we’d be happy to have you at our club.
Q. How much is this going to cost?
A. Our first lesson is free and after that you’re free to choose from one of our monthly training plans or our PAYG option for those who want maximum flexibility. Our full pricing info is available here: https://stratford-karate.london/pricing-2/
Q. How long will it take to get my black belt?
A. On average it takes a person training twice per week around 4-5 years to get their black belt. However, it could take more or less time depending on the individual. For example, it may take a student only training one lesson per week considerably longer to than someone training 3-4 times per week.
Q. Are your classes for children or adults?
We offer a variety of classes designed to accommodate both adults and children, ranging from our beginner-friendly Level 1 sessions—suitable for participants of all ages—to adult-only classes for those who prefer a child-free training environment. Importantly, all club members are required to learn and demonstrate discipline at all times, ensuring that even in mixed-age classes, children remain well-behaved and focused.
Q. I’ve graded before, can I wear my belt?
A. We never intend to revoke your earned belt rank. You’re welcome to wear it proudly while training with us, as we respect your prior achievements. That said, syllabi and grading standards can differ significantly between schools. As such, when pursuing your next belt promotion here, you’ll need to demonstrate that your skills align with our requirements. We strongly encourage all prospective members to consult with our chief instructor following an initial assessment of your abilities, allowing for a precise evaluation tailored to your unique circumstances.
Q. How often will I need to attend class?
A. The frequency of your training is entirely your choice, but as with any skill-based activity, consistent practice accelerates improvement. We recommend attending two or more sessions per week to optimize progress and retention. While it’s possible to advance with just one session per week, it becomes considerably more challenging due to reduced exposure and reinforcement. As a general guideline, students training once weekly typically achieve 1-2 gradings per year, whereas those attending two or more sessions weekly often manage 3.
What’s a karate license?
A. Upon joining our club, you’ll discover that all members are required to hold a JKA England membership license. This license is essential for participating in official club activities, including competitions, grading examinations, and specialized courses. One key benefit is its direct affiliation with JKA Japan through JKA England, ensuring the highest standards of instruction and authenticity in traditional Shotokan karate. As one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious karate organizations—founded in 1948—JKA maintains rigorous global standards, with all examinations certified by JKA Japan headquarters. Giving all our members peace of mind that what they are learning is genuine high quality shotokan karate.
Contact Us
If you have any unanswered questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Address
Weekdays at: Bryant Street Church & Community Centre E15 4RU.
Sundays at: Eastlea Community School E16 4NP
Phone
07907-711552
