Frequently asked questions
• Introduction
• What age can I start?
• How do I join?
• Beginner's Class times
• Dojo locations
• What should I wear?
• How often should I train?
• How much will I pay?
• Do you offer Student discounts?
• I've studied Shotokan before?
• I need further information
• Useful site page links
Introduction
This page answers the most frequent questions received about learning Shotokan karate at WSKC.
Worcester Shotokan Karate Club (WSKC) beginner's classes start on a regular basis throughout the year during the first week of every month.
This allows students to progress in their study of Shotokan karate as a group when several people start in the same month's class.
However, we will never turn anyone away who wishes to join the club part way through a month.
The first lesson at WSKC is always FREE and WSKC do not charge any joining fees.
You will be given detailed and sympathetic instruction, carried out in a systematic manner with due regard to the student's physical ability, placing maximum emphasis on student welfare to avoid injury.
Beginners will be taught the fundamental Kihon techniques from their first lesson at the club. Having attained a degree of proficiency with the basic Kihon techniques, beginners will be taught their first kata.
A beginner's progression from first lesson to first kata will generally cover a timescale of around 7-8 weeks. Learning will advance from first principles in a steady progressive ‘step by step' format ensuring students fully understand each technique with respect to body mechanics and application.
What age can I start?
We accept anyone aged 12 or above, regardless of previous karate experience, or gender.
Students below this age are generally not sufficiently mentally developed to cope with the demands of Shotokan karate which is a disiplined martial art.
However, we are flexible to a small degree on this club rule and, this will depend on the individual concerned.
Please visit our Dojo for an informal discussion if your child has shown a personal interest in karate.
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How do I join?
Just turn up, preferably on Monday or Thursday during the first week in the month and enjoy your first lesson FREE.
On the second lesson you will be given a membership form to fill in which will ask for personal details.
These will include:-
- Contact details (Address, e-mail and telephone number)
- Medical history
- Age
WSKC respect that the above details are confidential and these will only be used for the sole purpose of:-
- Contacting members in the event of unexpected changes to our scheduled training days/times.
- Ensuring that members do not have any medical conditions that would prohibit their participation in a physically demanding martial art and, that no medical doctor has ever advised against their participation in regular strenuous exercise.
- IJKA Karate license applications.
You will also receive a free copy of our 'Welcome to Worcester Shotokan Karate Club' publication which gives a brief insight into Shotokan karate and, the Japanese language used in the Dojo.
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Beginner's Class Times
6:30 - 7:30 Monday and Thursday with beginners and intermediates (9th-6th Kyu) training together.
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Dojo locations
For full details of where we train in Worcester please visit the Home page.
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What should I wear?
Loose fitting clothing such as tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt or similar will be perfectly adequate for the first few weeks.
A Keikogi (Karate training suit) should be acquired after a student has completed several weeks of regular training. We can assist our students in obtaining Keikogi at very reasonable prices.
Keikogi for Shotokan karate are white in colour so that in the Dojo (place of training) everyone is equal.
The only distinction between students will be the colour of belt they wear around their waist signifying a particular level of achievement.
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How often should I train?
To make good quality progress in Shotokan, students are encouraged to train twice each week.
Training only once per week will greatly reduce the progress of any student.
However, karateka who can only train once each week will still be welcome at WSKC.
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How much will I pay?
The first lesson at WSKC is FREE.
Please visit our Training costs page for full details of our modest fees
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Student discount
WSKC offer special rates to students. Please visit our Training costs page for full details of our modest fees.
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I've studied Shotokan before?
Karateka who want to restart or continue their Shotokan training by joining WSKC are welcomed at the club.
Many of our past and present students have fallen into this categary and, karateka will be eligible to wear the appropriate colour belt for their existing grade.
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I need further information
We have tried to cover every aspect of Shotokan training within our website pages. However, if there is further information you require, why not visit our dojo to discuss your needs. You will find an open and friendly welcome awaits.
Alternatively, you can also use the contact us form.
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Useful site page links
Home
Glossary
Basics
Training
Kata
Training costs
Welfare
Training schedule changes