Q.What is a club training session like ?
A. There is usually a light warm up and stretching session that lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
We then normally practice basic karate movements ( kihon ) for about 20 minutes. Then practice set patterns of these movements ( kata ). Then we may practice the application of these movements ( kumite ).
Q. Is it physically demanding ?
A. Not at first. New or returning students are not expected to over exert themselves. Students should find that they adapt to the movements and demands of karate over time and are able to keep up with the class. It is no more demanding than a keep fit class or playing squash, badminton etc.
Q. Do i have to buy a karate suit ?
A. Not until you have been training regularly for a month or so. Until then tracksuit trousers and a tee shirt is fine. We normally train in bare feet.
Q. How often do i have to train ?
A. Everyone is encouraged to train twice a week in order to progress. However, it is understood that this is not always possible. Its up to you.
Q. What about gradings ?
A. These are normally held at the club 3 times a year by visiting instructors. Everyone is encouraged to take these gradings as they are an aid to building karate ability and experience. Its purely voluntary though. Students are normally encouraged to take a grading if they have attended at least 25 sessions since their last grading and have shown some improvement.
Q. Competitions ?
A. The national association ( JKA England ) holds 2 national competitions per year. Anyone can take part if they wish. There is a national JKAE squad that trains regularly together. If a young student shows promise and is keen then he or she can attend competitions and may be invited to attend squad sessions. Competition karate is only a part of the whole karate picture though. It is not an obligation for anyone to take part. A student can attain high skills in karate without ever taking part in competitions.
Q. How long until i get my blackbelt ?
A. It normally takes 3 to 5 years of regular training before being ready to take a black belt grading.
A. There is usually a light warm up and stretching session that lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
We then normally practice basic karate movements ( kihon ) for about 20 minutes. Then practice set patterns of these movements ( kata ). Then we may practice the application of these movements ( kumite ).
Q. Is it physically demanding ?
A. Not at first. New or returning students are not expected to over exert themselves. Students should find that they adapt to the movements and demands of karate over time and are able to keep up with the class. It is no more demanding than a keep fit class or playing squash, badminton etc.
Q. Do i have to buy a karate suit ?
A. Not until you have been training regularly for a month or so. Until then tracksuit trousers and a tee shirt is fine. We normally train in bare feet.
Q. How often do i have to train ?
A. Everyone is encouraged to train twice a week in order to progress. However, it is understood that this is not always possible. Its up to you.
Q. What about gradings ?
A. These are normally held at the club 3 times a year by visiting instructors. Everyone is encouraged to take these gradings as they are an aid to building karate ability and experience. Its purely voluntary though. Students are normally encouraged to take a grading if they have attended at least 25 sessions since their last grading and have shown some improvement.
Q. Competitions ?
A. The national association ( JKA England ) holds 2 national competitions per year. Anyone can take part if they wish. There is a national JKAE squad that trains regularly together. If a young student shows promise and is keen then he or she can attend competitions and may be invited to attend squad sessions. Competition karate is only a part of the whole karate picture though. It is not an obligation for anyone to take part. A student can attain high skills in karate without ever taking part in competitions.
Q. How long until i get my blackbelt ?
A. It normally takes 3 to 5 years of regular training before being ready to take a black belt grading.