FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN ANYONE LEARN KARATE?
Yes. Karate is suitable for men and women, adults and children alike.
Karate does not rely simply on physical strength - good technique is the key thing.
At our club you will see children aged 5 years and upwards, teenagers, young adults and even more mature men and women in their 40s and 50s!
Karate does not rely simply on physical strength - good technique is the key thing.
At our club you will see children aged 5 years and upwards, teenagers, young adults and even more mature men and women in their 40s and 50s!
DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
No! As long as you don’t have any serious medical conditions and are reasonably healthy you will be fit enough to begin karate training. All students work at their own pace in an atmosphere that encourages them to do their best. Gradually your fitness and health will improve as you become more accustomed to the different exercises and training methods we use within the class.
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Parents sometimes worry that conditions such as asthma, ADHD, dispraxia, epilepsy and others will prevent their child from being able to learn karate. This is not necessarily the case and students with these conditions have trained successfully with us.
Of course, we would need to be made aware of any health and medical issues.
You should consult your GP if you have any concerns.
Of course, we would need to be made aware of any health and medical issues.
You should consult your GP if you have any concerns.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
We use a grading syllabus to teach all the important aspects of Shito-Ryu karate.
You will start by learning the basic techniques such as how to make a proper fist, how to punch correctly, the different blocks and kicks etc. These will then form a foundation for you to go on and learn the more advanced techniques. The syllabus is designed in such a way that you are constantly building and adding to the things you have already learned. You will find the syllabus varied and easy to follow, making your progress in karate an interesting and enjoyable experience.
The hardest thing about learning karate is making the effort to come along to your first class. Remember that the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step!
You will start by learning the basic techniques such as how to make a proper fist, how to punch correctly, the different blocks and kicks etc. These will then form a foundation for you to go on and learn the more advanced techniques. The syllabus is designed in such a way that you are constantly building and adding to the things you have already learned. You will find the syllabus varied and easy to follow, making your progress in karate an interesting and enjoyable experience.
The hardest thing about learning karate is making the effort to come along to your first class. Remember that the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step!
HOW DO I GET A BLACK BELT?
Our comprehensive syllabus guides students through all the lower grades and prepares them for their black belt exam. We hold regular exams at the club, usually every 12 weeks, which give students the opportunity to progress to their next belt.
When a student is eligible to attempt their black belt exam they will complete a period of intensive training then be examined by a panel of SSU senior instructors.
A student who trains regularly will take about 3 years to reach black belt.
When a student is eligible to attempt their black belt exam they will complete a period of intensive training then be examined by a panel of SSU senior instructors.
A student who trains regularly will take about 3 years to reach black belt.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?
You don't need anything for your trial lessons. Just wear loose fitting clothing, such as a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms.
Once you start serious training you will need a white karate suit (called a 'gi') which is worn with a belt. If you become a member of our club you will be given a gi. Some additional protective kit is used in sparring. All the equipment can be obtained through the club.
Once you start serious training you will need a white karate suit (called a 'gi') which is worn with a belt. If you become a member of our club you will be given a gi. Some additional protective kit is used in sparring. All the equipment can be obtained through the club.
HOW BIG ARE THE CLASSES?
The club has a class enrolment system, specifically to keep class sizes small. This ensures high quality tuition at all times.
IS THE CLUB SUPERVISED BY A GOVERNING BODY?
Yes. The club is a member of the Shitoryu Shukokai Karatedo World Union (SSWU). It is also a member of Shukokai England which is registered with and supervised by the English Karate Federation (EKF), the offical governing body for karate, recognised by Sport England. Club members are registered with the EKF and insured via their Shukokai England karate licence.