Do I have to be super fit?
How much does it cost?
Is Karate the right martial art for me?
Will I get hurt?
Are women welcome?
What will I gain from Karate?
Are there any age barriers?

Do I have to be super fit?

Not at all! To compete at the highest level requires an extraordinary level of fitness but this is developed as the student progresses through the grades, so to start training requires nothing but a wish to learn and improve.

How much does it cost?

Initially nothing. The one month beginners course is free (see beginners for details of the next one). After this you will need a Karate suit and a license. A suit (or Gi in Japanese) cost's approximately £20 depending on size and where you get it from. A License is £24 (seniors) and £12 (juniors) for a year. Dojo fees are £3.50 for seniors (2 hours) and £1.75 for juniors (1 hour) and concessions. There are other costs such as new belts when you pass gradings but these come later.

Is Karate the right Martial Art for me?

Difficult to say, everybody is different, the best thing is to come along and have a go.

Will I get hurt?

While there is some risk in any physical activity, training is kept as safe as possible. Training and sparring is tailored to the level and experience of the participants. Knockdown sparring among the black belts may look dangerous but except for a few bruises, no injuries occur.

Are women welcome?

Yes, most definitely. The Club has always encouraged female students, at the moment we have two female black belts training regularly.

What will I gain from Karate?

Many things. Fitness, self-confidence, co-ordination, strength (mental & physical) and a lot of new friends.

Are there any age barriers?

Not really, we take children from age 8 onwards and we have had students of many ages. The head of our parent organisation (the British Karate Kyokushinkai) is still going at over 60.