FAQ:

WHAT IS KARATE?
Karate is a striking martial art which originated in Japan. Karate literally means "the way of the empty hand."

WHAT STYLE OF KARATE WILL I BE DOING?
The style of karate we do is called ‘Shukokai,’ which means "way for all." We are members of Seishin-Do Shukokai Karate (SSK) which has clubs all over the North of England and WUKF (The World Union of Karate Federations).

WHAT DO I WEAR ON MY FIRST LESSON?
Just something loose fitting like a tee-shirt and jogging bottoms.

WHO IS THE INSTRUCTOR?
Lessons are taken by Sensei David Moon, 3rd Dan Black Belt. David is a fully qualified, registered and CRB-checked karate instructor who has been training for close to twenty years now and teaching in clubs for over a decade. You will notice that the club is a family-orientated club and David is assisted by a team of experienced Senior and Junior Instructors.

CAN I GRADE FOR NEW BELTS?
Certainly. We grade every three months, usually in March, June, September and December. If you attend lessons regularly and have a minimum of 20 lessons* (40 lessons and 6 months for purple belts onwards) you will be eligible to do the test. All you need are the lessons, an up-to-date karate licence and a good understanding of the relevant syllabus which is obviously taught in lesson and available for download on the Seishin-Do Karate website. *Please note, the larger proportion of our students regularly attend twice a week. This means they grade every quarter (every 14 weeks approximately) whereas those who come once a week cannot get 20 lessons in during this time and consequently grade every six months.

IS KARATE AN EXPENSIVE SPORT?
No. We never rush our students into buying things, however, once you have bought all your basic items such as a "gi" (karate suit) and sparring mitts (essential for safety) only the lesson fees, quarterly grading fees and annual association membership is needed. Basics such as punching pads and mats will be provided at the lessons. For those who want to compete in tournaments, they are not expensive to enter and are usually only around £8 to £12.

DO I HAVE TO SPEND STRAIGHT AWAY?
No. Unlike some other clubs, we don't make you sign direct debits or buy lessons in advance, You pay as you go. Furthermore, it is essential to stress that it isn’t necessary to buy ANYTHING until you are comfortable that karate is the right sport for you. We even give you your first lesson for free - it's simple! It's pointless buying items straight away if you aren't going to stick at the sport. Once you are happy to stay with us, any items, e.g. a suit can be ordered from Sensei in club.

WILL I GET HURT?
Karate is a contact sport, but it is no more dangerous than any other sport. Our Instructors are first aid trained and we have never had any serious injuries in club.

WHY SHOULD I TRY KARATE?
Karate is a fun place to meet new people. The sport gives you positive physical attributes (speed, power and flexibility etc.) but it assists in the development of self-confidence and discipline. If you wish to try a new sport, karate could be the sport for you!