If you've never trained in Karate before there'll be many things you are wondering about.

Here we'll try and answer some of the most common ones for you.

Who can train?

Classes are open to anyone - men, women

and children.

Because of the nature of what we teach,

our karate is unsuitable for very young children.

We only accept children from the age of 6.

Do I need any experience?

No, beginners are welcome.

Do I need to be fit?

No, but it helps, your fitness will develop during training.

What do I wear?

To begin, you may train in loose fitting sports clothing, but within a few weeks of starting your training you will have to get yourself a gi (karate-suit).

Is Shukokai karate good for self-defence?

Yes, Shukokai  karate was developed to improve combat capabilities under modern conditions, and has been tried and tested by many professionals in the security industry.

When can I take a grading?

That will be wholly dependant on your ability and dedication to training. Gradings are held three times a year and you will be expected to grade at the appropriate time.

How long will it take to become a black belt?

It depends on your enthusiasm and the thoroughness and consistency in training. The average student could seriously get their shodan (first level black belt) in 4 or 5 years.