Please find below some of our most frequently asked questions regarding our karate and fitness classes. You will see from the answers below that we're very flexible and endeavour to cater for a wide range of people, schedules and aspirations. If you can't find the answer you're looking for on this page, then please feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to help!
Who are your classes suitable for?
Our karate classes are suitable for boys & girls 5-years and up, teenagers and adults of all ages. Our family orientated sessions are designed to accommodate all members of the family!
Our fitness classes are suitable for men and women aged 16-years and up. These classes are more specific to adult health and fitness and therefore are not suitable for children.
Our fitness classes are suitable for men and women aged 16-years and up. These classes are more specific to adult health and fitness and therefore are not suitable for children.
I have A current health issue - Can I still take part?
It all depends on what the issue is. Before you undertake your first class with us we'll ask you to complete a pre-activity readiness questionnaire that will determine whether or not you should consult a doctor. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any specific health issues or injuries beforehand.
How much do your classes cost?
Your first class with us is always free of charge and then prices range depending on the type of class and how many you decide to undertake per week. For instance, we have great discounts available for multiple class packages and for family memberships.
The most you will ever pay per class is currently £5 for juniors and £6 for seniors, but the more dedicated you are to your goals then as a reward, the cheaper your classes become!
The most you will ever pay per class is currently £5 for juniors and £6 for seniors, but the more dedicated you are to your goals then as a reward, the cheaper your classes become!
Is there a risk of injury during class?
Like any physical activity, there is always a risk of injury during our classes, but this risk is EXTREMELY LOW.
We have lots of measures in place to ensure that all our members not only stay safe, but also have a great experience. From the high quality of tuition, thorough warm-ups, comprehensive risk assessments and safety equipment when sparring - we always keep the potential of injury to an absolute minimum so you can feel entirely confident under our expert guidance.
Furthermore, because a quality martial arts or fitness program makes you more balanced, limber & flexible - it will generally leads to LESS injury in your life and may even help to ease or heal current ailments!
We have lots of measures in place to ensure that all our members not only stay safe, but also have a great experience. From the high quality of tuition, thorough warm-ups, comprehensive risk assessments and safety equipment when sparring - we always keep the potential of injury to an absolute minimum so you can feel entirely confident under our expert guidance.
Furthermore, because a quality martial arts or fitness program makes you more balanced, limber & flexible - it will generally leads to LESS injury in your life and may even help to ease or heal current ailments!
How long will it take to achieve black belt?
We pride ourselves on quality and transmitting the very best in martial arts training. So if you're looking to obtain a black belt in the shortest amount of time possible, then I'm afraid our classes are not for you.
Developing skill in traditional martial arts takes some time, dedicated effort, lots of repetition and plenty of tenacity. It is not an easy path to take, but it is certainly a worthwhile one!
The most talented members in our group may expect to reach black belt level in around 3 to 4 years (absolute minimum). The average time to achieve black belt is normally around 5 years, based on regular training at least two or three times per week plus some 'top up' training at home in between dojo sessions.
Remember - it is not the destination, but the path you take that holds the real riches! Your journey with us is guaranteed to give you plenty to feel rich about :-)
Developing skill in traditional martial arts takes some time, dedicated effort, lots of repetition and plenty of tenacity. It is not an easy path to take, but it is certainly a worthwhile one!
The most talented members in our group may expect to reach black belt level in around 3 to 4 years (absolute minimum). The average time to achieve black belt is normally around 5 years, based on regular training at least two or three times per week plus some 'top up' training at home in between dojo sessions.
Remember - it is not the destination, but the path you take that holds the real riches! Your journey with us is guaranteed to give you plenty to feel rich about :-)
How fit do I need to be before starting?
That's not for you to worry about! It's our job to help you become a stronger, fitter and healthier person. So long as you have no current medical restrictions then we'll be happy to welcome you in class.
How intense are your classes?
They are as intense as you want them to be!
The level of our karate curriculum is increased progressively over time so that you can feel challenged, but hopefully never overwhelmed!
Most of the drills in our fitness classes are designed to be adaptable for all participants and plenty of options are given so that you may work towards your own individual goals.
Our classes are suitable for all fitness levels.
The level of our karate curriculum is increased progressively over time so that you can feel challenged, but hopefully never overwhelmed!
Most of the drills in our fitness classes are designed to be adaptable for all participants and plenty of options are given so that you may work towards your own individual goals.
Our classes are suitable for all fitness levels.
How many and what sort of people will be in my class?
The numbers of participants per class can vary depending on type, location and time of year etc. However, two things are certain - we never oversubscribe classes and you can be sure of being in the company of friendly, supportive and like-minded people!
Whilst our fitness classes are designed for adults only, our karate classes are family orientated and include a wide range of ages, abilities and characters. Many of our members consider their class-mates as part of an extended family :-)
Whilst our fitness classes are designed for adults only, our karate classes are family orientated and include a wide range of ages, abilities and characters. Many of our members consider their class-mates as part of an extended family :-)
I am not the ATHLETIC type - Does that matter?
Not at all. In fact, we've found that those who are not into sports can often find their passion in martial arts. Furthermore, our fitness classes can be used either on their own, or in conjunction to help support another physical pursuit.
Generally speaking, our classes are suitable for pretty much anyone!
Generally speaking, our classes are suitable for pretty much anyone!
What should I wear to class?
For your first class, please wear some loose fitting clothes (tracksuit bottom and T-shirt for example). Our karate classes and some of our fitness classes do not require any footwear at all, but wear some trainers just in case.
It is standard to wear a traditional white karate suit and belt during our martial arts classes. These are available as part of our student membership package so there is no need to go out and find one - we've got it all covered!
It is standard to wear a traditional white karate suit and belt during our martial arts classes. These are available as part of our student membership package so there is no need to go out and find one - we've got it all covered!
Do I need to bring anything with me?
We recommend you bring along a refreshing drink for hydration and maybe a face towel to dry off during breaks. Apart from that - all you need is yourself :-)
Am I too old to start?
Not at all - Age is just a state of mind!
Our membership includes some individuals pushing the age of sixty and beyond, so there really is no excuse! So long as you have no medical restrictions or injuries that may be agitated when training then you're free to come and try one of our taster classes :-)
Our membership includes some individuals pushing the age of sixty and beyond, so there really is no excuse! So long as you have no medical restrictions or injuries that may be agitated when training then you're free to come and try one of our taster classes :-)
Is my child too young to start?
We start children from 5-years and up. This is to make sure that they have the necessary, balance, motor control and body awareness.
As a general rule of thumb...if your child can do the Hokey Cokey dance then we're good to go!
As a general rule of thumb...if your child can do the Hokey Cokey dance then we're good to go!
Can I attend karate classes with my children?
Of course! - All our karate classes are held within a family orientated environment that caters for everyone. Many prospective members come to us look for a new and exciting hobby to share with their children - karate often fits the bill perfectly!
You can either train alongside your child, or work in the same room with groups of similar ages. We tend to conduct different exercises during each class that have everyone working together before splitting up into pairs or small groups for more detailed instruction.
You can either train alongside your child, or work in the same room with groups of similar ages. We tend to conduct different exercises during each class that have everyone working together before splitting up into pairs or small groups for more detailed instruction.
What are all the coloured belts for?
We use a series of coloured belts in karate to identify the various ranks as progression is made. Beginners start with white belts and then progress to red/yellow/orange/green/blue/purple/brown, before challenging the coveted black belt.
To make the steps more manageable and enjoyable for children to learn, we also adopt a 'stripe' system for juniors only that identifies a 'half step' before they progress to the next rank. In addition, we also have a special achievement badge system in place so that our junior members can work on attaining specific techniques, exercises and knowledge. This is a great incentive and helps to guide them along the 'karate path'.
Members are invited to attend regular gradings, where they may test for their next belt. We currently hold gradings 3 times per year in March, July and November. We make extra efforts to help support members looking to progress through the ranking system, offering guidance and mentor-ship where required.
Achieving a rank in our dojo is always something to be very proud of, as we never award belts that aren't fully deserved!
To make the steps more manageable and enjoyable for children to learn, we also adopt a 'stripe' system for juniors only that identifies a 'half step' before they progress to the next rank. In addition, we also have a special achievement badge system in place so that our junior members can work on attaining specific techniques, exercises and knowledge. This is a great incentive and helps to guide them along the 'karate path'.
Members are invited to attend regular gradings, where they may test for their next belt. We currently hold gradings 3 times per year in March, July and November. We make extra efforts to help support members looking to progress through the ranking system, offering guidance and mentor-ship where required.
Achieving a rank in our dojo is always something to be very proud of, as we never award belts that aren't fully deserved!
When do I get my karate suit?
You will receive a new karate suit and belt within your all-inclusive membership package, which we recommend that you apply for within the first 4-weeks of starting. It's always best to take a couple of sessions with us first, just to make sure that you enjoy the training, teachers, class-mates and environment.
We will normally advise you about membership on your return following your free taster session.
We will normally advise you about membership on your return following your free taster session.
Will martial arts make my child more aggressive?
Certainly not! Karate students at our dojo are much more controlled BECAUSE of their dedicated training.
We emphasise to children how to resolve conflict peacefully and demonstrate self-control under pressure. Aggression is channelled into assertiveness, but never violence.
In addition to instilling this controlled attitude, we also empower all our members with a range of effective self-defence skills, should they ever need to resort to a physical response.
We emphasise to children how to resolve conflict peacefully and demonstrate self-control under pressure. Aggression is channelled into assertiveness, but never violence.
In addition to instilling this controlled attitude, we also empower all our members with a range of effective self-defence skills, should they ever need to resort to a physical response.
Will martial arts improve my fitness too?
Definitely! As you progress in karate, the physical demands gradually increase and this can have a very positive effect on your body. We don't believe that any fitness pursuit should be boring, which is one of the reasons why our classes are popular!
With karate, you can become fitter, stronger and more flexible whilst developing a fantastic new skill and learning more about what is such a fascinating martial art.
With karate, you can become fitter, stronger and more flexible whilst developing a fantastic new skill and learning more about what is such a fascinating martial art.
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