Karate is a system of self-defence and physical culture originally developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. The word Karate is formed from the Japanese words Kara (empty) and Te (hand), symbolising that its practitioners Karate-Ka are unarmed, but use their hands and feet for blocking and striking. Training is conducted within an environment based on certain Japanese cultural practices.

There are many reasons; however, the majority of people feel that with an ever-increasing violent society, the need to be able to protect themselves and their families becomes the most important. With bullying still present at school, the self-confidence gained from Karate can make a big difference to a child’s school life.

The physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and wellbeing. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There is a “Dojo Kun”, or training code, which not only ensures a disciplined training environment, but also serves as a tool for improving behaviour, so that a true Karate-Ka will only use their fighting skills as a last resort.

You are not required to have any level of fitness to start training as long as you are in good health. Many people believe you have to be fit or flexible to do Karate, this is not so. The training is designed to improve these qualities over the years. All we ask is that you give 100% effort when training and enjoy the class. Karate students will improve their health, self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly at our Karate class. This is because of our disciplined training structure and the emphasis placed on good etiquette.

Training is structured into three main sections – Kihon (fundamental basic techniques) consisting of blocks, strikes, punches and kicks. Kata, (formal exercises), involving the fighting of multiple opponents at the same time, and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced as basic blocking and counter-attacking but will progress at a later stage to free sparring which develops the timing, reflexes and co-ordination necessary for self-defence and competition. Close supervision of children is strict when doing all forms of fighting.

This is totally dependent on what you wish to gain from Karate, obviously the more you practice the faster you learn. As a general rule, training twice a week will keep you in pace with the rest of the class. Less than this and you need to be questioning yourself whether you are serious enough to learn a Martial Art. More than twice and the growth will be accelerated.

The hardest thing about attending a Karate class is walking into the Dojo (training hall). If you have already done that, then congratulations, if you are unsure or nervous about entering on your own don’t worry, ask the dojo secretary to guide you in. It’s quite natural to feel nervous.

We understand that people like to try things before making a commitment. We offer the chance of a FREE TRIAL, so you can come along and train in our classes for free before you decide if you wish to join. This gives you the option to try Karate before purchasing the equipment needed and paying for classes.