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Martial Arts Students

LEARN KARATE AND SELF DEFENCE


Karate (empty hand) is a fascinating sport that encompasses mind, body, fitness and self defence programme all in one. 

As well as the physical benefits, karate will help develop your confidence and self esteem which help towards achieving a good balance and quality of life. 

Children:
Whilst we don't teach children to be aggressive, Karate training helps to develop a child's confidence and self belief giving them important motor and life skills, helping them to enter society with a confident and enthusiastic outlook. We often have parents telling us how much their child's confidence and attitude has improved as their training progresses.

Adults:
Whatever age or fitness level you are, training will improve your condition, health, flexibility and strength. It also helps to reduce stress levels and has the extra benefit of learning self defence. The human body is designed to function for activity, as we age it is important to keep your body active, which goes a long way to maintaining body systems to function well. Many of our members are in the 40's 50's and some in their 60's, all have reported an increase in their health. Many of our members have joined us with their families, which is a great way to share time and a common interest and reap all the benefits of Karate training.

New to Karate:
People starting Karate may find the thought daunting and do not know what to expect . We are often asked questions such as "will I get hurt", am I fit enough" etc. When you join our club it won't be long before you discover the friendliness, helpfulness and comradeship of our members. Our teaching methods are effective but also safe and in our experience injuries are rare. 

Training is designed for gradual progress in techniques and fitness & you will not be driven to perform beyond your limits.



Questions & Answers:

Will I get injured ?
All classes are strictly controlled to minimise the risk of injury so that there is no more risk of injury from practicing karate than playing other sports such as football or rugby.

Am I fit enough ?
If you are in good health it should be possible to learn. If you have health problems, consult your doctor. Most people who join our club regard themselves as being unfit and join to get fit. Whether you regard yourself fit or not, training is structured towards enjoyable learning at an easy pace giving progressive fitness development.

Am I too old ?
Some of our students are in the 30 + age range, and train successfully, it is a known fact that the flexibility training that karate provides, improves circulation to joints, and can actually improve arthritic and muscular conditions.

My child is shy will they learn to protect themselves ?
Whilst we don't teach children to be aggressive, karate training helps to develop a child's confidence and self esteem giving them important motor and life skills helping them to enter society with confident and enthusiastic outlook.

What do I need to wear ?
For your first few lessons all you need are some loose fitted clothing such as track suit, tee shirt & shorts or anything you feel comfortable in. Once you have decided Karate is for you, then we can order a Karate suit (Gi) which you can purchase from your instructor.

Is the style you teach authentic ?
The style we teach is a traditional Shukokai Karate that originated from Japan, our clubs are affiliated to the official Keikoba Shukokai karate which is 41 years old, and one of the most experienced in Britain which has strict guidelines for instructors to adhere to. The style is recognised worldwide.

Is it expensive ? + Payment  plan
Our fees are very sensible and are not designed to extract the maximum amount of money from you, we have family discounts available. Your four lessons are free without any obligation. After your second lesson, you will receive an application form and club rules, then we will explain your monthly fee structure. Prices will be explained after your trial lessons.

 

 Training is based up on four lessons a month, with a monthly fee paid by standing order.  (FAMILY RATES APPLY)    


Students tuition fees are paid each month and run, from 1st January until December 31st .Which includes any student holidays, sickness or injuries. All are factored into the 52 weeks payment plan, students  that miss any sessions can use the flexi option and make up their missed training at any of our two clubs.( Visit club locations) .

Can I get to black belt level ?
Yes, we teach from beginner to black belt and beyond, with your dedication and our teaching methods you can achieve black belt status, which in our style is recognised worldwide.

I have trained in a different style, will you recognise my grade ?
Normally we will recognise the grade, and would advise which level would be best to enter our style after a few lessons with us. Black belt grade's would still be advised, however you would still be able to train wearing your well earned belt.

I would like to start, what do I do from here ?
Give us a call for further information and to arrange your FOUR free lessons. Alternatively you can call and see us at one of our two venues Whitmore village hall  also Wychwood village hall.

What is the time limit between gradings  ?
Your  first grade would be red, you could obtain this grade after just 12 lessons. Then the experience required  for your next  five gradings is a minimum  3 months with 20 lessons. Depending on how often you train. After this you would be grading  towards the next 3 brown belts  for  a higher standard, experience needed would be 6 months and minimum 40 lessons. between each grade. Your training for 1st degree black belt would be 12 months experience required.

Our team of instructors are required to keep a very high standard of karate that Keikoba demands. You have to meet certain criteria before they can be qualified.
Guidelines are set out below.

*Require a black or brown grade, ages from 12 years old.
*Require a current up to date Keikoba licence, which is renewed every twelve months.
*Require a current DBS disclosure & barring service check. From 18 years old and above.
*Require a current emergency first aid certificate which is renewed every three years.
*Require Instructor's professional indemnity insurance, from 18 years old and above, renewed every twelve months.
*Be up to date with our instructor procedures and child protection policies.
*Should attend  at least two of our four compulsory kyu grades and instructor's courses each year. 

Keikoba first aider's : Dave Bowler, Nick Browning, Jordan Bowler, Geoff Colclough, Sally Goldstraw, Amelia Taylor, Lennon Steel, Isaac Colclough, Emily Cartlidge.

Instructors : Sensei Dave Bowler 8th Dan, Chief Instructor and founder with 51 years service, kyu and black belt Chief grading officer , head of technical committee, instructor assessor.

Sensei Nick Browning 6th Dan, assistant Chief Instructor with over 23 years service ,red licence holder,          senior kumite and kata referee, kyu and  black belt grading officer, grading assessor.

Sensei Jordan Bowler 5th Dan  with over 22 years service, red licence holder, senior kumite and kata referee,
kyu and black belt grading officer, grading assessor.    

Sensei Geoff Colclough 5th Dan with over 23 years service, red licence holder, senior kumite and kata referee,
kyu and black belt grading officer, grading assessor.

Club instructor's  Amelia Taylor, Scarlett Taylor, Lennon Steele, Sally Goldstraw - 3rd Dan's                              
Issac Colclough - 2nd Dan.                                                                           
Trainee junior instructor  Emily Cartlidge - 2nd kyu brown grade.
Trainee cadet instructor  Henry Hinton - 1st Dan.
When you choose our clubs to train with, you can be assured that you will learn a truly traditional Shukokai style, taught by our instructor's whom have proven and continue to do so, effectively, safely, responsibly to a very high standard.

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