How much do classes cost?

The first four weeks will cost £20 for the beginners introductory course, after that an individual will pay only £27.50 per month for their four lessons.

All classes are taught by fully insured and qualified instructors that have also been security cleared with enhanced DBS checks.

Can older adults practice karate?

Karate is practiced at any age, all over the world there are people who are practicing Karate in their eighties and nineties. As long as a person is relatively healthy there is no reason to not practice Karate.  A physical exam and doctor’s OK is a good idea for anyone older than age 40.  Older people may not be as strong, fast or flexible as someone in their 20’s, but they can still practice karate at their own pace and derive great physical and emotional benefit from it.

Do I need a good level of fitness and flexibility to train?

Not especially. As long as you enjoy a reasonable level of fitness, regular training at your own pace will gradually improve your fitness levels and flexibility. If you have concerns about your health and suitability for Karate classes, seek the advice of your doctor before commencing training.

How often should I train?

We recommend twice a week, though many students start their martial arts journey to black belt with just one class per week. Typically it takes between 5 to 7 years to reach black belt, so it stands to reason that the more you train the quicker the journey takes, but remember it’s not a race.

How long must I train before I can defend myself?

The ability to defend yourself from attack is dependent on many factors. Certainly, the longer you train, the more proficient you will become.  The chances of success is relative to the strength and ability of the defender compared to that of the attacker.  It is important to realise; however, that there are no guarantees!  Beyond all that, a beginner should think about years as opposed to weeks or months before they begins to become proficient at Karate.

Do we have to do competitions?

We focus primarily on traditional Shotokan Karate with an emphasis on self-development. Those who wish to take part regularly in competitions can do so, and there are opportunities to compete at small, local events to international level.

How often do students test for belts?

We hold quarterly gradings to attain you next belt, these are held in March, June, September and December

How will I know if karate is for me?

You won’t until you try it, so take advantage of one of our Four Week Beginners Courses this will give you a basic understanding of what Karate is about.

As the old Japanese proverb says, “It is impossible to explain the taste of blow fish to one who has never eaten it”