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Who is Karate for?<\/h3>\nWho is Karate for?<\/h3>\nEveryone! We teach children and adults together, and we encourage parents to train with their children.<\/p>\n
As with many martial arts, a belt system is used in KUGB Shotokan Karate to show the progress and proficiency of students.\u00a0 Belts are earned through their proven dedication to training in combination with an examination (grading).\u00a0 Students progress from Novice through the coloured Kyu grades (9th to 1st Kyu) to Black Belt (1st Dan).\u00a0 Learning Karate is unlimited and 1st Dan Black Belt is only the first in a series of Black Belt grades.\u00a0 Gradings under the KUGB take place under a senior KUGB instructor\u00a0every 3 months (or more depending on grade).<\/p>\n
KUGB students (karateka) will be eligible to grade providing they have fulfilled all technical requirements, hold a current KUGB licence and record book and have appropriate permission.<\/p>\n
When you first begin Karate, you should wear loose-fitting clothes e.g. T-shirt and jogging trousers. We train in bare feet. Once you\u2019ve decided Karate is for you, you can purchase a Karate suit (Gi)<\/p>\n
The minimum age we can teach is 4 years old, but 6 and above is better as we find younger children find it difficult to concentrate for the entire lesson. There is no upper age limit.<\/p>\n
For your first grading you will need to have attended a minimum of 16 training sessions over a minimum two-month period. After that, gradings take place every three months (or more depending on grade) providing you have attended classes regularly (i.e. minimum of 24 classes in each 3 month period).<\/p>\n
Karate training involves:<\/p>\n
If a student trains twice a week, it normally takes around 3-4 years depending on the aptitude of the individual. We focus on quality learning and high standards such that when you reach black belt level you can feel proud of your skill and achievement rather than fast-tracking students to a meaningless black belt.<\/p>\n
KUGB Shotokan Karate is a semi-contact sport, which means students are trained to stop their attacks at the point of contact with the opponent, hitting without excessive force or injury. This requires far more skill, control and precision than just beating the other person to a pulp! At beginner level, contact is very light. As grade, skill and confidence grows moves become more dynamic.<\/p>\n
No \u2013 the opposite! Karate teaches confidence, respect and self-control. Students are more assertive and able to prevent fights before they happen as potential bullies or attackers will feel students are not easy targets. Learning Karate is wonderful for stress-relief and any latent aggression is channelled and released in a positive and controlled manner. Students understand fully that their skills are to be used for self-defence.<\/p>\n
No. You are welcome to come back to training wearing the belt you have earned. Your instructor will help you return to the standard of knowledge and fitness and build on it in a safe manner.<\/p>\n
The licence provides member to member, public liability and professional liability cover. A copy of the insurance synopsis is held by the club.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Who is Karate for? Everyone! We teach children and adults together, and we encourage parents to train with their children. How do Belts & Gradings Work? As with many martial arts, a belt system is used in KUGB Shotokan Karate to show the progress and proficiency of students.\u00a0 Belts are earned through their proven dedication … Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions<\/span>