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.

Register and book your FREE TRIAL online via our club website.

One of our team will then contact you and discuss the joining process and answer any questions that you may have. Please note that due to the high level of demand for our classes we operate a class waiting list so as not to oversubscribe our classes. Our waiting lists operate by age group, class, and location. If you are offered a class that does not suit, you will then remain at the top of the list for the next available space.

On your first lesson – you should arrive at the venue ten minutes before the start of class. You should then check-in and register with the class instructor.

It is important that you inform the class instructor of any special health needs or injuries that you have before the start of class.

You will also need to wear loose sports type clothing such as jogger bottoms and plain t-shirts (no football tops or slogans) and bring a bottle of water with you. Footwear is not required as you will be training in your bare feet.

For the first few months you will be learning the fundamental blocking, punching, and kicking techniques of Karate, along with the Dojo rules and etiquette.

You will also be introduced to various fitness and flexibility exercises to help increase your overall fitness, wellbeing, and performance.

Please note that it is highly recommended that you should train a minimum of twice per week. This will keep you in pace with the rest of the class and allow you to develop your new skills.

Training twice per week is a mandatory requirement once you have achieved Red Belt level.

You can train in a maximum of two classes before you need to apply for membership and licence.

Our membership year runs from 1st January – 31st December.

Payment of membership fees are calculated both annually and pro-rata depending on when you join our club. Membership fees are renewable annually and are collected between 1st December and 15th January. If payment is not received by 31st January, you will no longer be entitled to train with Shoshin Karate Centres.

All club members taking part in Karate training must obtain a licence to practice Karate from the association representing the club and its members at national level. This must be done upon enrolment to the club and renewed annually by the member.

All students must hold a current valid Karate licence to participate in any of our classes, gradings and activities. If you do not hold or are unable to present a current up to date Karate licence you will not be permitted to participate in any of our classes and activities.

Membership and licences are renewable annually and are the responsibility of the student. However, reminders will be issued.

Members must ensure that they renew their licence on or before the expiry date each year.

We request that class training fees are paid monthly in advance by standing order on the 1st of each calendar month.

You simply choose how often you would like to train and select your relevant payment plan. Attendance is monitored and if for any reason lessons are missed, we allow for these lessons to be made up at any other suitable class or venue, two weeks either side of your missed class.

For your first month’s payment you can either pay by cash or card until the standing order is processed by your bank. If you join in the middle of a month you can pay per class. After your first month of training we do not accept payment on a class to class basis.

The standing order payment is controlled by the student and is simply cancelled if training stops.

After a maximum of one month’s training has elapsed you will need to wear a Karate Gi during training.

Karate Gi’s embroidered with the club badge can be ordered from the class instructor.

Sparring safety equipment is a compulsory requirement for all members.

Equipment and uniforms can be purchased either as an individual product or as a complete set from your instructor or our club website.

Sparring equipment is not required upon enrolment, but it will be a necessary future purchase as your skills progress, and you are introduced to partner training.

Once you have completed the necessary training requirements and your instructor agrees you have reached the required standard you will be invited to attempt your first and subsequent grading examinations (Grading fees apply).

All subsequent belts vary in the minimum number of lessons and additional requirements. These will be shown in your members app and digital membership account. Students must have trained consistently for a minimum number of lessons since their last grading and their instructor must confirm the required standard has been reached before an invitation to grade.

Grading examinations are held three times per year.

Please note that it is highly recommended that you should train a minimum of twice per week. This will keep you in pace with the rest of the class and allow you to develop your new skills.

Attendance is monitored and if for any reason lessons are missed, we allow for these lessons to be made up at any other suitable class or venue, two weeks either side of your missed class.

Training twice per week is a mandatory requirement once you have achieved Red Belt level.