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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
What is Karate?
Sometimes referred to as “Karate-do”, or “The way of Empty Hand”, Karate is a Japanese system of self-defence, utilising the arms and legs for blocking and striking techniques.
Karate is also a beneficial form of exercise and good for self-discipline.
What is the Shotokan style of Karate?
There are many different modern-day styles of Karate - Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wadu-Ryu, Shukokai, Shotokai, Shito-Ryu to name a few.
Karate originated in the Okinawan Islands, off the Japanese coast. There were three main schools - Naha-te, Shuri-te and Tomari-te. Gichin Funakoshi, a student of Masters Azato and Itosu, demonstrated the Okinawan art to mainland Japan in 1917 and again in 1921. In 1922, Karate was formerly introduced into the education system of Japan under Funakoshi as “Shotokan”, or “Shoto’s club” - “Shoto” being Funakoshi’s pen-name.
Some of the other styles were developed by Funakoshi’s students (e.g. Wadu-Ryu by Ohtsuka; Shotokai by Egami).
Fundamentally, many of these styles are similar, differing in height of stances, speed and power of techniques.
Do I have to be fit?
Whilst being fit will help, it is not essential.
Karate training will develop at your own pace and with your physical capabilities.
Overtime your fitness and capabilities will improve.
Karate uses different muscle groups to those used in many other sports, so even being fit, you are likely to experience muscle stiffness a day or two after the first few sessions.
If you have any doubt about any medical conditions you may have and the suitability of Karate training, then we suggest you consult your GP.
How old (or young) do I have to be?
Karate is practiced by students through a wide spectrum of ages.
The youngest age depends upon the capabilities of the child - whilst the youngest age that F.E.K.O. will insure a child is 5 years, we recommend a starting age of around 7 years (we will accept a student between 5 and 7, though they are unlikely to be able to grade until later on).
There is generally no upper age limit, with some students starting in their 70’s and beyond. For the older student we would recommend consulting with your GP initially.
Will I get hurt?
Karate is a combative / self-defence system, so over time small injuries are likely.
Training in the club is structured and supervised, and the aspect of safety always considered.
For a beginner, partner work begins with a form of sparring called “Gohon Kumite”. Some students will get bruises around their wrists initially, as the opponents strikes are blocked. You are unlikely to be ‘hit’ in this initial form of sparring as a beginner.
As your training progresses and you become a higher grade, then the forms of sparring become more difficult, and so different body areas are blocked (e.g. legs) and may initially bruise.
Training will be tougher for higher-graded adults, and as Kumite forms become more advanced then you can expect to be occasionally hit (though this will be with control - we are not talking about full-contact).
Other forms of injuries usually occur if the student hasn’t warmed up thoroughly at the start of the class (e.g. strained, pulled muscles).
The club has trained First Aiders available.
Am I insured?
Once you have become a member and have taken out your S.K.I. licence, then this includes 3rd party insurance taken out with F.E.K.O.
This covers you, should you injure another student whilst practicing Karate.
All students must have an S.K.I. licence in order to train.
The club Instructor also has Professional Indemnity Insurance and the club has Civil Liability Insurance.
What should I wear?
We practice Karate bare-foot.
Everything else should be loose-fitting, such as Jogging bottoms and a T-shirt.
Belts, watches, ear-rings (jewellery) should be removed prior to training.
Once you have been training for a few weeks and you are sure you want to continue, then you should purchase a Karate Gi (suit).
How much will it cost?
Karate is relatively cheap compared to many sports.
Training at the Kyoto club costs just £2.00 per evening.
Each student has to take out annual membership to the S.K.I. at £25 per annum, which includes your F.E.K.O. insurance.
Initially, you will need to purchase a Karate suit (or Gi) - expect to pay around £10 - £20 for a lightweight beginners suit, depending on size. These are available from sports shops (e.g. JJB) and some dedicated Martial Arts shops or on-line retailers. The club offers “Shogun” Karate-Gi’s at competitive prices.
Gradings are the highest expenditure - costing £50 (includes a £10 training fee). Gradings occur every 3 months if you are eligible - typically a student might only grade 2-3 times in a year.
For more advanced students, there is the option of Competition entries and national courses, which vary in cost.
For a beginner, training twice a week and taking 4 gradings a year, this still works out at less than £10 per week.
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