FAQ

• What are the age groups for your sessions?

Our sessions are divided into separate age groups: This allows us to tailor our instruction to the specific needs and abilities of each group. Please look at our timetable of sessions which detail the ages allowed to partake in them.

• Do I need to have prior experience in martial arts to join?

No prior experience is necessary! We welcome students of all levels, from beginners to advanced martial artists.

• What should I wear?

For your first few sessions we recommend wearing comfortable, athletic clothing to class. Bare feet are needed, so we recommend shorts rather than jogging bottoms. Once you have been awarded your first belt you will be required to wear a dogi (karate suite

• What happens if I miss a session?

We understand that life can get busy, so we charge a monthly dojo fee, to keep costs as low as possible and give flexibility for members to attend as often as possible.

• What age can my child start?

We have taken children as young as 4, but experience tells us that 6 is the earliest to get the most out of our sessions. We therefore only accept children aged 6 and older.

• Do I need to be fit?

No!! The whole point of the structure of karate training through the coloured belts is that it will build your fitness in preparation for being a black belt. Even those who are fit will be pushed as martial arts fitness is different to that of a runner or cyclist.

• How quickly can my first belt?  How long to black belt?

We train for personal progression. Belts are purely there to organise the dojo and ensure you are training safely with people who understand your capabilities. That said… we know you want to get to black belt!! Typically 3 months consistent training at least once per week with full effort will see you attain your first belt promotion. With black belt achievable in 4-5 years if you are attending 3 hours per week consistently.

• Is it safe?

Walking down the street is not safe, being unfit is not safe, being unprepared to defend yourself is unsafe. However, our karate sessions are run under experienced instructors who maintain rules and etiquette that create safety within our training. We see more injuries from the football pitch than in the dojo, and on balance the improved safety gained from your additional fitness and preparation for self defence outway any inherent risks.