information for beginners
SENIOR BEGINNERS
Welcome to our dojo!
If you are interested in joining our club as a senior (over 16) student, then it is important that you understand everything about us.
Briefly we have been in existence for 40 years and have been at the present premises since 1976. All our instructors are Black Belts with masses of experience, of all aspects of Karate (some over 20 years). We try to run our Dojo on traditional Japanese lines, yet hopefully retain a friendly, hard-working atmosphere for all students to enjoy. As a member of the Club, we hope you will become part of our 'family' and treat the Dojo as your place for learning the martial art of karate. We practice the Kyokushin style founded by Sosai Mas. Oyama in Japan, which is recognised world-wide as the 'Strongest Karate'.
As a beginner you will train on THURSDAY evenings from 6.15pm UNTIL 7.30pm for a period of three months, before attempting your first grading to RED belt (10th Kyu). Gradings are held at three monthly intervals.
N.B. STAMINA TRAINING - SUNDAYS 10am until 11am is open to all STUDENTS wishing to attend. (no extra cost)
Your beginners' class is made up entirely of people like yourself, all novices and completely new to Karate. As you progress the classes are kept to red/blue and yellow belts, so you keep training with students of your own calibre, yet have the benefit of training with different instructors. The training sessions cover the practice and repetiton of karate techniques using all parts of the body, developing speed, strength, stamina, and reaction. Discipline is strict and Dojo etiquette respected by all.
How Far Can I Go?
Well literally, its up to you! When you start training you will probably be content to train once or twice per week. As you progress to a higher standard you may want to increase your training and karate commitment, attending regional and National courses, specialised sessions and extra training. You may develop an interest in competition against other exponents, either in technique or fighting tournaments at local, area or National level. If you are good enough you might be selected to compete at International level - but everything depends on you!
As far as we are concerned everyone is a potential Black Belt the only person who can decide how far you wish to go is yourself!
What Do I Need to Start?
The club secretary will explain how and when you can start your training and what you need to wear. To keep expenses to a minimum you do not need to purchase a karate suit (gi) immediately, not until you are sure Kyokushin karate is what you want to do
Karate Clothing, Equipment and Goods
Whatever you may require, Karate suits (gi), protective wear (pads, mitts), syllabus etc., your club secretary will be able to assist.
