GENERAL QUESTIONS

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​Q. Is training expensive?

A: The club strives to keep fees/contributions to a minimum, enabling karate to be accessible to all. They are outlined on the CLASSES page. Other minor costs that come over time include gradings(promotional testing) fees and uniforms for which there is no hurry. Fees go towards renting the venue, keeping the club registered with our larger organisations internationally and purchasing training equipment.

 

Q. Who can train?

A: The following restrictions apply depending on age;

• Karate training is open to anyone aged 5 to 60 years old.

• Jujutsu training is open to anyone from the ages of 15 - 60 years old.

• Weapons training is open to anyone from the age of 15 years and older.

• Individuals over the age of 60 but consider themselves to be in good physical condition may request special approval to join unarmed training (karate & jujutsu).

• Other special circumstances such as health conditions or disabilities are assessed on an individual basis. Many times we are able to accommodate. However, there may be some individual circumstances for which we may not be able to provide the right support. It is best to simply get in touch with us to explain the circumstances.

 

Q. What is taught?

A: We have separate classes for karate, jujutsu and weapons. We also run self-defence courses throughout the year. All the unarmed training is focused on self-defence applications. While we have a big emphasis on the culture and traditions of Japanese martial arts, the general theme of our classes involves the practical applications of these in the modern world.

 

We have free-fighting / sparring elements in our training, but we are not a sporting school. That being said, karate students, especially younger ones have the opportunity to participate in sport competitions from time to time. We have one internal karate competition for under 15s every year.

 

Q. How long does it take to get my black belt?

A: The award of the First Degree Black Belt, reflects the level of skill achieved by the students. So naturally, the more you train the faster you will learn and develop, technically, physically and mentally. On average a student may take between 2 1/2 and 4 yrs to achieve their first dan (black belt), but this depends entirely on the individual student.

 

Q. I am not very fit, nor very strong..is this the right class for me?

A: This is exactly the class for you! The beauty of martial arts is that even the weak can overcome the strong. Of course the skill requires a basic level of fitness, so training is highly structured and focuses on developing the necessary physical condition required to supplement technical training. It is all very gradual and facilitates most body types, even in the instance of permanent disability. In such cases however, consulting your physician would be advised.

 

Q. What kind of conditioning do you do? Do you do 'iron body' training in karate?

A: We do many types of physical conditioning for strength and endurance. However it takes much time following the right type of training in order to develop that so-called 'iron body'. Consistency and patience are key!

 

Q. How important is internal energy in this club?

A: Concepts of internal energy are sometimes described by terms such as 'ki' or 'tandem' in Japanese martial arts. It is safe to say that we pay a great deal of attention to principles such as these, which enable us to general power without a great reliance on pure physical strength. In karate principles such as kime, shinkuchi, tandem, and muchimi help us to achieve this goal. In jujutsu and weaponry we tend to pay closer attention to concepts of tandem and kokyu facilitated by being relaxed and supple.

 

Q. How do you spar? Is it point karate for competition, or full contact?

A: We're primarily a self-defence school but competition is possible for karate members. Sport has its place and has many good values to teach students, however many techniques used in sport are not practical in the real world.

 

In regular jujutsu and karate classes we also have free sparring exercises. However, these are just tools for our development, not our ultimate goal.

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Q. Are there still safety precautions taken due to COVID? 

A: The vast majority of COVID restrictions have been relaxed. In general terms, we follow any new guidelines and rules imposed by the government, local authorities and our venues. Additionally, our group specifically requests that individuals presenting COVID symptoms stay at home until they recover. In the dojo hand sanitising is encouraged and individuals are free to wear masks if they so desire.