Why would anyone want to learn Karate?

As long as a student has an honest teacher of good character, and they learn from the training that is given, then a good karate student will gain:-

Consideration: A student of karate must learn courtesy and respect for their fellow students and teachers. A student who only thinks of themselves and is inconsiderate to others is not worthy of karate training. Generally a considerate and courteous student will be more positive in their outlook.

Courtesy: In a dojo (training hall) every member and teacher alike must show courtesy to one another. This courtesy is not, however, limited to just the dojo but should be a part of all karate students' nature. Karate is not just a mastery of the skills they are taught but of developing into a good and honest member of society. A courteous person will find it easy to make friends and difficult to make enemies.

Discipline: Karate is a very disciplined martial art, especially at the beginning. Discipline has to be instilled to prevent injury to one's self and others. By their very nature, karate techniques are extremely dangerous so the karate exponent is disciplined in the skills they are taught to prevent injury during training. It is through the disciplined training that a student also learns not to show off or brag of their abilities, qualities that a true martial artist does not have. A karate exponent is required to bow when entering and leaving the dojo, address their teacher as "Sir/Miss", and show no ill feeling or bad temper whilst practicing their art.

Health: A karate student will, in time, develop a stronger body and a more positive frame of mind. If a physically weak student starts training, gradually becomes stronger, braver and more confident then a great deal will have been accomplished. Co-ordination through the physical training will also be improved. Many karate techniques seem quite complicated at first, but with diligent practice they become easier as physical abilities and knowledge increase. As a student becomes fitter and stronger, concentration levels will improve which has added benefits for children in school, or for adults in the workplace. It is not unknown for successful karate students to be successful in their life.

Self Defence: Karate (literally translated as "empty hand") does not need the use of weapons. Men and women of any age can apply karate and can protect themselves effectively with little natural strength. Karate as a self defence system is without equal, and a karate exponent will develop courage and fortitude.

True karate strives internally to train the mind, and develop a clear conscience enabling one to face the world truthfully, while externally developing strength. Courtesy is of prime importance and a conceited person is not suitable to learn karate. A student must be prepared to accept honest criticism from others and be prepared to readily admit any lack of knowledge, rather than pretending to know what they do not know.

Who can take part?

Generally, anyone over the age of five years of age can benefit from martial arts training. There is no maximum age limit. Size, shape, weight, sex, or colour have no bearing on a students ability, and all will be made welcome.

The only requirement is that you make your instructor aware if you have an illness or a disability. This is purely to ensure that the correct action is taken in the event of illness/injury. All such information will be held in the strictest confidence.

How much will it cost?

There are now several well established clubs within the organisation all based in the North East. Charges per class vary from club to club, depending on the facilities and the charges made by the owners of the property. However, in general, students under 17 years of age pay £2.00, and those over 17 years of age pay £3.00 per session.   After three or four lessons, if you decide you wish to continue to practice our art, you will be required to purchase insurance and a license. The insurance and licence is obtained through your club instructor from the AMA and is renewable annually.

The next requirement will be a suit or Gi (pronounced "Gee") which can be obtained from any good sports store or from your instructor.

We insist that all manufacturers' badges are removed from suits and belts. This is to prevent the current brand name culture from distracting students. What you do and who you are is more important than what you wear.

Do I need to wear protective equipment?

As with most martial arts systems, sparring is included in the syllabus. This involves light touch contact - the emphasis being on safety. Proficiency in sparring is not tested until intermediate grades and therefore the protective equipment necessary is not required in the early stages. You will be informed about the necessary equipment by your instructor.

What can I expect on my first lesson?

You can expect a warm welcome at any of our clubs. No specialised equipment is required initially. Simply wear loose comfortable clothing - for example, track suit bottoms and a T shirt.

Most instructions are in English, there are no foreign terms to learn.

Remember, everyone had a "first lesson" once, so the other students all know how you feel and will endeavour to make you feel comfortable.

How is progress measured?

As with many martial arts, improvement is measured by examinations or "Gradings", which are held every three months. Successfully passing a grading results in progressing to the next belt grade or "kup".

There are nine Kup grades between white belt and Dan (Black Belt) grade, each with a different colour belt to indicate progress through the stages of learning. Your own instructor will decide if you are ready to take each examination. However, you will be examined by a senior independent instructor from the association on the grading day. In this way we can be sure that standards are maintained and that grades are earned.

At least three months must pass between each kup, and a minimum of three years is required to reach black belt standard.

What about discipline?

In a contact sport discipline is essential to prevent unnecessary injury, and there is a strict code of conduct in the halls. On entering or leaving the training hall students and instructors are required to bow. This is a greeting to other students and also to show that students recognise they are now in the training hall and ready to abide by its rules. Everyone present in the hall will bow towards black belts entering or leaving the room. This is to show that their status is recognised and as a mutual mark of respect.

Any instruction given by an instructor or black belt will be acknowledged with a bow. This purely indicates that the instruction is accepted and understood.

All students, but in particular juniors, are frequently reminded that the skills they learn must only be practiced in the controlled environment of the training hall, unless used as a last resort to defend themselves or others.