Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old to learn Karate?
No, you are never too old to learn Karate.
What do I need to wear?
For your initial lesson you should arrive wearing loose fitting clothing. Training takes place in bare foot, so you will not
need any special footwear. If you decide to take up Shotokan Karate as a regular activity you will need to purchase a
white suite, or a Gi (in Japanese). These can be purchased from your Karate Instructor (Sensei).
Where can I get the kit?
You can purchase all the necessary items from your Sensei when you join the club.
I have never done any exercise before. Will I be able to train?
Yes! Its never too late to start. Shotokan Karate brings many health benefits to all of its participants. The more commitment you show to your training the quicker you will notice improvements and adaptions to your fitness.
Will it hurt?
By the very nature of Shotokan Karate you are stepping into an environment that cannot provide 100% guarantee that there will be no injuries. This is very similar to any other physical activity that you may encounter. Your Sensei will make your safety a priority and at all times will put precautions in place to ensure that a risk of injury is kept to a minimum. Our contact training is done on a "semi contact basis". Learnt techniques should stop just short of actually hitting your opponent and be nothing more than a light touch or tap. If you are not used to physical activity, you may feel some muscle aches after your first few sessions but that will quickly pass.
How long will it take to reach Black Belt?
That depends entirely on you, how intense you train and how hard you work, how much you practice. Commitment, dedication and hard work are the key.
Can I transfer from another club / style and will I keep my grade?
Yes. You will keep your current grade provided you can show the certificates for it. Further grading will take place when your Sensei thinks you are ready and have adapted to any changes in style.
No, you are never too old to learn Karate.
What do I need to wear?
For your initial lesson you should arrive wearing loose fitting clothing. Training takes place in bare foot, so you will not
need any special footwear. If you decide to take up Shotokan Karate as a regular activity you will need to purchase a
white suite, or a Gi (in Japanese). These can be purchased from your Karate Instructor (Sensei).
Where can I get the kit?
You can purchase all the necessary items from your Sensei when you join the club.
I have never done any exercise before. Will I be able to train?
Yes! Its never too late to start. Shotokan Karate brings many health benefits to all of its participants. The more commitment you show to your training the quicker you will notice improvements and adaptions to your fitness.
Will it hurt?
By the very nature of Shotokan Karate you are stepping into an environment that cannot provide 100% guarantee that there will be no injuries. This is very similar to any other physical activity that you may encounter. Your Sensei will make your safety a priority and at all times will put precautions in place to ensure that a risk of injury is kept to a minimum. Our contact training is done on a "semi contact basis". Learnt techniques should stop just short of actually hitting your opponent and be nothing more than a light touch or tap. If you are not used to physical activity, you may feel some muscle aches after your first few sessions but that will quickly pass.
How long will it take to reach Black Belt?
That depends entirely on you, how intense you train and how hard you work, how much you practice. Commitment, dedication and hard work are the key.
Can I transfer from another club / style and will I keep my grade?
Yes. You will keep your current grade provided you can show the certificates for it. Further grading will take place when your Sensei thinks you are ready and have adapted to any changes in style.