Simply call the Sensie Alan on the number listed or message us via the contact us page. I will be pleased to advise you and invite you to come along and either watch or participate in a lesson. There is no need to commit to buying the white Gi during the first few weeks of training - all you need wear is a loose fitting tee-shirt and pair of tracksuit bottoms. Following Japanese tradition we go bare foot in the dojo.
Go and watch a few classes being taught. Observe the state of discipline and the way in which it is applied - as a motivation or as punishment? What are the measures taken by the instructor to prevent possible injuries? Small things such as punctuality, uniformity of dress, discipline on the floor by the instructor etc all add up to a well run school.
Ask about the experience of the instructor. How long has he been training and teaching.
By making a few inquiries about teaching fees of more than one dojo in the area, you can quickly establish what is fair and reasonable. Some charge more than other simply because they offer more.
In the case of teaching children, can the school demonstrate a sufficient level of DBS checking. All instructors at HSGK an enhanced DBS check.
Ask for the qualifications and affiliations of the instructors - are they mere karate grades or has any official sports coaching courses, first aid courses etc, been attended?
Look at the track record of the school - How long has it been in operation etc.
One can start training at any age - we simply adjust your training to your age and/or physical condition. We take students from the age of seven or year three at school. There is no upper limit to an age one can start karate.
The answer is a definite "No". We have many students of various fitness levels. You can train at your rate and at your fitness level. The instructor will always be watching and be there to assist you.
Of course it helps if you are reasonable fit and supple to start with but a lot of karate is about memory training so it does not matter if you are not super fit when you start.
Most students at the start of training only train once a week. The most common amount is twice a week. It is recommended to achieve the best results to train three times per week, but this is not always possible because most people are also juggling karate with work and precious family time.
Most probably yes, but normally the worst you would recieve would be a cut lip or a bloody nose or a finger bent back.
Our style does not involve full contact sparring so that eliminates the more common injuries associated with other styles such as MMA.
We still engage in kumite (free fighting) but you will find that in our club everyone is very sensible, we all have to go to work the next day.
Karate will usually improve most of these conditions if care is taken and good communication exists between the teacher and the student. Persons with handicaps could possibly progress slower than their counterparts, but self-defence training can still take place effectively. If you are not sure, first consult a physician.
An average time to obtain a black belt at our school is about five years if you are training twice a week.
Yes in some clubs you can get a black belt in two years but it is the quality and knowledge karate that counts, not what you have tied around your waist.