If you’re thinking about starting karate, you’ll probably have a few questions, we’ll try to answer the most commons here.
Q. Do I Have to be physically fit to start karate?
A. No, not really. Since karate will improve your fitness as you progress, your starting point is not very important. What is important is the effort you put into it along the way.
Q. I’ve never done karate before, does your club take beginners?
A. Absolutely, everybody has to start somewhere! We accept children and adults whether they have no karate experience, lots of experience, or any amount 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 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. How often will I need to attend class?
A. This is completely up to you, however as with any activity the more you practice the better you will get, we recommend training twice per week where possible. If your goal is to grade 3 times per year at 4 month intervals this will help you achieve that. Training less than twice per week you will still be able to grade however it’s likely that you will only be able to do so every 6 months.
Q. Is the first lesson free?
A. YES! we like free stuff and you probably do too, so we invite any beginners wanting to give karate a try to a trial class on us! Just fill out our free trial booking form here: https://forms.gle/5i18eeapfzUULi2EA
Q. Are your classes for children or adults?
A. Our classes are suitable for children and adults alike, child members of the club learn to be disciplined in class and their training early on in their lessons, so adults don’t need to worry since they won’t be in a class of noisy kids.
Q. What’s so great about the Japan Karate Association?
A. The JKA is one of the oldest karate associations in the world, it has over 30 full time instructors at the HQ dojo in Tokyo Japan, as well as over a dozen official representatives all over the world, all are full time instructors dedicated to karate and its teachings. The JKA regularly hosts international courses, this ensures JKA Shotokan Karate is consistent standardised over the world.
Q. I’ve graded before, can I wear my belt?
A. We never want to take your belt away from you. karate is one of the most popular martial arts in the world, and Shotokan Karate is the most widely practiced form. that said, it stands to reason that there will be differences between schools, so once you’ve been training with us for a while providing your standard for your grade matches up to the clubs standard you should be able to wear your belt.
Q. How much is this going to cost?
A. Our first lesson is free and after that pay as you go lessons cost just £10 per class with monthly options available and discounts for families. Click here for our full pricing list.