Frequently Asked Questions
There are certain questions which come up repeatedly, so we thought it would be helpful for you to have this section to glance through before deciding to call!
What are the age limits for Karate?
The minimum age at most British Wadokai clubs is 7 years old, but this may vary from club to club so be sure to check details on the websites/pages and Club Lists (some of our clubs allow 5-year olds). There is no maximum age limit provided you are of a suitable level of fitness.
I have never trained in Karate - can I try before deciding to commit?
Yes. The first lesson is free at most British Wadokai Clubs. Subsequent lessons are chargeable and you are required to purchase a licence, which is your club membership, club passport, grade record book and your insurance. We ask that you take away your licence application on the first lesson to complete and return. Most people know after a couple of lessons if Karate is for them.
How much does a licence cost?
£30.00. This is an annual charge, which also covers your insurance premiums to indemnify you against injuring others, and being injured yourself, whilst practising Karate in a Dojo either in training classes or regulated competitions.
I have a disability - can I still learn Karate?
Yes. Our first priority is the safety of all class members. Our second priority is to ensure all students are getting the most out of their tuition, therefore there may be situations where we can only offer private tuition. However, we have a track record of ensuring we accommodate people of all abilities and helping them to achieve their best in Karate.
How much does a lesson cost?
Training sessions are £5.00 each. A session lasts for 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the club. The fee is payable on the night. We don't operate a monthly charge system because it can get complicated to account for missed lessons, plus we believe you should only pay if you attend. Additionally, if you train more than once a week, at any of our Plymouth Karate Schools, your subsequent training session/s fee/s for that week will be just £3 per session.
How do I know the instructor is legitimate?
First check the safety factors. Items he can/should show you: Does he have an Enhanced CRB? Does he have a 1st Aid Certificate? Can he show you his Instructor Insurance Certificate? Can he show you his Club Liability insurance? Does he have an Instructor/Coach Certificate signed by a National Governing Body? Can he show you his Licence with his grades?
If he is reluctant to show you any of these, or hasn't got any credentials at all, the best advice would be to leave the premises for your own safety.
What is commercial karate?
Commercial karate refers to the commercially-motivated karate clubs that are only out there to make money. Glitzy advertising, quick-result promises, big posters with a 'something for everyone' theme, this is usually the first indication of a commercially-motivated karate club. Commercial clubs tend to be run by individuals and instructors who move from area to area to start clubs then close them down when memberships start to drop then move on to more lucrative areas. Beware of clubs that only display mobile-phone numbers and email address, as opposed to the inclusion of a landline contact. Many of these clubs may also tend to ask for monthly payments by direct debit, charge exorbitant membership fees, expect you to purchase totally through them for all your equipment and services (without giving you a choice), charge expensive grade fees, charge for belts and certificates, etc. Additionally, commercial clubs will rarely have legitimate National Governing Body membership of any kind (due to the expected membership criteria and operating procedures and standards required by National Governing Bodies).
They will tend to go 'cold-calling' and 'door-knocking' to get you to sign up on a 'training-programme' of some sort and tie you up financially. If you join a commercial club, then decided you wanted to leave the area (or, more likely, if the club closed), the likelihood of being able to continue in the 'style' of karate you have been introduced to anywhere else may be virtually impossible. Before trying ANY karate style you must first 'investigate' to see if the club has 'validation' and is a member of a legitimate National and International Governing Body for your own protection. Also, check to make sure that the style of karate is practised nation-wide.
And, if someone knocks on your door to sign you up for karate classes, ask them for their National Governing Body membership! Also, if you want traditional and/or authentic karate, can they prove their authenticity and lineage?
What are traditional karate styles?
Karate styles refer to the classical type of system being taught; and are not 'mixed' with anything else, such as weapons and kick-boxing, etc.
In Japan the traditional styles were originally created by famous Karate Masters who taught their systems with individual specific functions and tactics. The creator of Wadoryu, Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982), for example, was a man of small stature who was also a master of Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jutsu. He combined karate with ju-jutsu and created the system of Wadoryu in 1938, which he stated should be suitable for all ages and genders.
The most popular styles of karate include Wadoryu, Shitoryu, Gojuryu, Shorinryu, Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, etc. Each style has its own methods and merits, so check the club out to see if the style will suit you.
How long will it take to get a black-belt?
This is probably the most asked question by many people, and our usual reply would be "how long is a piece of string?" To get what traditionalists consider an 'authentic' black-belt level takes many years of practice. Also, the minimum age to attain this level would be 11 years of age; although very few at this age accomplish this due to the demanding requirements. However, if you train twice or more a week, pass all the progression (coloured belt) grades, it is possible to be able to attain black-belt level after three years dedicated practise. Realistically though, if you are there to only achieve a black-belt then 'traditional' karate may not be for you. As the traditionalist trains he focuses on what's in front of him and attempts to overcome the immediate challenges ahead. We have had students who have achieved black-belt after three years of dedicated training and we have those who have taken longer, but this is all down to the individual and choice along the way. For example, the Chief Instructor of British Wadokai, Gary Swift Kyoshi, started Martial-arts in 1966 and achieved his 1st Dan Black-belt in 1978 (taking 12-years) as the training was more important to him than the achievement of grades.
Do I need to be fit to start Karate?
You don't need to be super fit - flexibility and speed come with training - it's one of the objects of doing Karate. All we ask is that if you are 40 years old or above and have not been physically active for some time then you should consider a medical check-up before starting training. This is in keeping with advice given by all active pastimes & sports.
I am over 65 and very fit - will the licence insurance cover me?
Yes, our insurance liability covers all ages.
How much do Kyu (student) Grading Examinations cost?
As you reach progressively higher standards you will be offered the chance to 'grade' - this is process of moving up through the belt colour system until you reach Black Belt. Kyu gradings cost £15.00 and include your new belt, your certificate and registration with British Wadokai.
What equipment do I need to buy?
Initially you can train in track pants and t-shirts, however once you decide to formally join you will need a Gi (a white Karate Uniform) to train in. We can provide these from around £12.00 (club price), though you are not restricted to purchasing from us. After about 3 months when you progress onto sparing (fighting or Kumite) you will need mitts and leg/foot protectors which we can supply for around £12.00 for the full-set. Again, you are not restricted to buying from us. You will also need a gum-shield, which are around £2.00 to £5.00.
If you move into the competition circuit you may need heavier grade approved Gi's - one for Kata (forms) and one for Kumite (fighting). These are not particularly expensive. Compared with most sports of activities Karate is not expensive for kit. Even at national competition level the quality of equipment is standardised so there are no run-away costs in this area and most 'club level' equipment would be accepted within many competitions.
What are the age limits for Karate?
The minimum age at most British Wadokai clubs is 7 years old, but this may vary from club to club so be sure to check details on the websites/pages and Club Lists (some of our clubs allow 5-year olds). There is no maximum age limit provided you are of a suitable level of fitness.
I have never trained in Karate - can I try before deciding to commit?
Yes. The first lesson is free at most British Wadokai Clubs. Subsequent lessons are chargeable and you are required to purchase a licence, which is your club membership, club passport, grade record book and your insurance. We ask that you take away your licence application on the first lesson to complete and return. Most people know after a couple of lessons if Karate is for them.
How much does a licence cost?
£30.00. This is an annual charge, which also covers your insurance premiums to indemnify you against injuring others, and being injured yourself, whilst practising Karate in a Dojo either in training classes or regulated competitions.
I have a disability - can I still learn Karate?
Yes. Our first priority is the safety of all class members. Our second priority is to ensure all students are getting the most out of their tuition, therefore there may be situations where we can only offer private tuition. However, we have a track record of ensuring we accommodate people of all abilities and helping them to achieve their best in Karate.
How much does a lesson cost?
Training sessions are £5.00 each. A session lasts for 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the club. The fee is payable on the night. We don't operate a monthly charge system because it can get complicated to account for missed lessons, plus we believe you should only pay if you attend. Additionally, if you train more than once a week, at any of our Plymouth Karate Schools, your subsequent training session/s fee/s for that week will be just £3 per session.
How do I know the instructor is legitimate?
First check the safety factors. Items he can/should show you: Does he have an Enhanced CRB? Does he have a 1st Aid Certificate? Can he show you his Instructor Insurance Certificate? Can he show you his Club Liability insurance? Does he have an Instructor/Coach Certificate signed by a National Governing Body? Can he show you his Licence with his grades?
If he is reluctant to show you any of these, or hasn't got any credentials at all, the best advice would be to leave the premises for your own safety.
What is commercial karate?
Commercial karate refers to the commercially-motivated karate clubs that are only out there to make money. Glitzy advertising, quick-result promises, big posters with a 'something for everyone' theme, this is usually the first indication of a commercially-motivated karate club. Commercial clubs tend to be run by individuals and instructors who move from area to area to start clubs then close them down when memberships start to drop then move on to more lucrative areas. Beware of clubs that only display mobile-phone numbers and email address, as opposed to the inclusion of a landline contact. Many of these clubs may also tend to ask for monthly payments by direct debit, charge exorbitant membership fees, expect you to purchase totally through them for all your equipment and services (without giving you a choice), charge expensive grade fees, charge for belts and certificates, etc. Additionally, commercial clubs will rarely have legitimate National Governing Body membership of any kind (due to the expected membership criteria and operating procedures and standards required by National Governing Bodies).
They will tend to go 'cold-calling' and 'door-knocking' to get you to sign up on a 'training-programme' of some sort and tie you up financially. If you join a commercial club, then decided you wanted to leave the area (or, more likely, if the club closed), the likelihood of being able to continue in the 'style' of karate you have been introduced to anywhere else may be virtually impossible. Before trying ANY karate style you must first 'investigate' to see if the club has 'validation' and is a member of a legitimate National and International Governing Body for your own protection. Also, check to make sure that the style of karate is practised nation-wide.
And, if someone knocks on your door to sign you up for karate classes, ask them for their National Governing Body membership! Also, if you want traditional and/or authentic karate, can they prove their authenticity and lineage?
What are traditional karate styles?
Karate styles refer to the classical type of system being taught; and are not 'mixed' with anything else, such as weapons and kick-boxing, etc.
In Japan the traditional styles were originally created by famous Karate Masters who taught their systems with individual specific functions and tactics. The creator of Wadoryu, Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982), for example, was a man of small stature who was also a master of Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jutsu. He combined karate with ju-jutsu and created the system of Wadoryu in 1938, which he stated should be suitable for all ages and genders.
The most popular styles of karate include Wadoryu, Shitoryu, Gojuryu, Shorinryu, Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, etc. Each style has its own methods and merits, so check the club out to see if the style will suit you.
How long will it take to get a black-belt?
This is probably the most asked question by many people, and our usual reply would be "how long is a piece of string?" To get what traditionalists consider an 'authentic' black-belt level takes many years of practice. Also, the minimum age to attain this level would be 11 years of age; although very few at this age accomplish this due to the demanding requirements. However, if you train twice or more a week, pass all the progression (coloured belt) grades, it is possible to be able to attain black-belt level after three years dedicated practise. Realistically though, if you are there to only achieve a black-belt then 'traditional' karate may not be for you. As the traditionalist trains he focuses on what's in front of him and attempts to overcome the immediate challenges ahead. We have had students who have achieved black-belt after three years of dedicated training and we have those who have taken longer, but this is all down to the individual and choice along the way. For example, the Chief Instructor of British Wadokai, Gary Swift Kyoshi, started Martial-arts in 1966 and achieved his 1st Dan Black-belt in 1978 (taking 12-years) as the training was more important to him than the achievement of grades.
Do I need to be fit to start Karate?
You don't need to be super fit - flexibility and speed come with training - it's one of the objects of doing Karate. All we ask is that if you are 40 years old or above and have not been physically active for some time then you should consider a medical check-up before starting training. This is in keeping with advice given by all active pastimes & sports.
I am over 65 and very fit - will the licence insurance cover me?
Yes, our insurance liability covers all ages.
How much do Kyu (student) Grading Examinations cost?
As you reach progressively higher standards you will be offered the chance to 'grade' - this is process of moving up through the belt colour system until you reach Black Belt. Kyu gradings cost £15.00 and include your new belt, your certificate and registration with British Wadokai.
What equipment do I need to buy?
Initially you can train in track pants and t-shirts, however once you decide to formally join you will need a Gi (a white Karate Uniform) to train in. We can provide these from around £12.00 (club price), though you are not restricted to purchasing from us. After about 3 months when you progress onto sparing (fighting or Kumite) you will need mitts and leg/foot protectors which we can supply for around £12.00 for the full-set. Again, you are not restricted to buying from us. You will also need a gum-shield, which are around £2.00 to £5.00.
If you move into the competition circuit you may need heavier grade approved Gi's - one for Kata (forms) and one for Kumite (fighting). These are not particularly expensive. Compared with most sports of activities Karate is not expensive for kit. Even at national competition level the quality of equipment is standardised so there are no run-away costs in this area and most 'club level' equipment would be accepted within many competitions.
Need some more information?
See below to download the 'Introduction for Parents and Children' booklet.
| introduction_for_parents_and_children.pdf |
