How do I start?

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Find a venue and time that suits you from this link or contact Sensei Ian Willis on the details at the top of this page.

What should  I wear?

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While all Karateka* wear a Gi* while training. For your first few sessions, you should wear comfortable, loose clothing which does not restrict your movements e.g. jogging pants and a t-shirt. Bare feet are ideal for working on the Dojo* floor. If you are not sure please contact Sensei Ian Willis and ask. Please remove all jewllery prior to all sessions as it can injure you or others.

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*Karateka - A practioner of Karate

*Gi - The loose white clothes worn in Karate

*Dojo - Training hall or area.

Which class is best for me?

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The NKA offers five kinds of sessions:

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Junior grade sessions: Designed to take you from beginner (white belt, through to purple belt.

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Senior grade sessions: Designed to take from purple belt onwards up to blackbelt and dan grades.

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Mixed grade sessions: are open to all ages and abilities.

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One to one: Available on request with any or our qualified instructors. These should be arranged with Sensei Ian WIllis.

What will I learn?

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A typical session will start with a formal bow as a sign of respect to the Sensei and ends with a brief period of quiet meditation and reflection.

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All sessions will comprise some or all of the following elements of Karate:

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  • Warm up session: 10 - 15 minutes, to warm up and stretching.

  • Kihon (basic movements): These are the foundations of Karate, you will be taught to block, punch, kick and improve balance, co-ordination, memory, speed, strength and flexibility.

  • Kata (pre-arranged sequences): There are over twenty Katas to learn, some having in excess fo 50 movements. All have to be mastered as you progress through the grades.

  • Kumite (Sparring): Karate is a martial art and a contact sport. It is designed to build up your ability to spar in a controlled and progressive manner, from basic five step sparring to free-style. Emphasis is placed on speed, power, control and discipline.

  • Bunkai (Application): This is the focus on teh self-defence aspects of Karate with practical application of the techniques taught.

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What will it cost?

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Training sessions last 1-1.5hrs and cost £6.00 (one to one sessions cost on request).

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NKA Club membership: Falls due after one month Seniors/juniors £20.00/£15.00 per year.

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KUGB membership/license: Falls due before any grading and costs £24 - £27 per year depending on status.

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A basic Gi and belt (Obi) will cost about £23.00 - £26.00

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How do I become a blackbelt?

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Your progress is measured by preparing for formal grading exams typically 3-4 times per year. These are conducted by KUGB appointed senior instructors.

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To be ready for a grading you should train regularly to allow you to progress at the pace you wish to commit to.

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Sensei Ian will issue permission to grade slips prior to any grading.

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Depending on your commitment, ability and training frequency it is possible to attain a blackbelt in 3 years. Once you obtain your 1st Dan Blackbelt, you can progress onto the senior dan grades in line with KUGB requirements.

Need to know more?

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Contact Sensei Ian Willis

Tel/sms: 07710790643

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MOVERS & SHAKERS