Frequently asked questions
Here we try to answer some of the most common questions we are asked.
DO I NEED TO BOOK MY FIRST LESSON?
No. Just turn up 10 minutes early and have a chat with the class instructor or give us a call. You’re welcome to stay to watch a class before taking part or you can join straight in, the first lesson is FREE.
CAN I JUST COME AND WATCH A CLASS?
Yes, that's absolutely fine, though we ask you to be quiet and respectful while you do so. Many people like to watch a session before deciding to join in and it's a good way to get a feel for what the training is all about, particularly if you are new to karate.
WHAT SHALL I WEAR?
Jogging trousers and a T-shirt will be fine for your first few weeks. Once you have attended a few lessons, you should start thinking about purchasing a karate suit. We can advise you on the most appropriate choice.
ARE YOUR INSTRUCTORS QUALIFIED?
Yes. Instruction at Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-Do is thorough and carried out by highly qualified black belts who have been disclosure checked and are licensed to coach karate. At Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-Do you can be assured of top notch instruction.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE?
All students need to be aged at least 6 years old before they can start training with us, because of what we teach, children under the age of six will struggle with the technicality and concentration required for karate training.
WHAT STYLE OF KARATE DO YOU TEACH?
The style of karate we practice is "SHUKOKAI" (修交会) which translated from Japanese means "Way for All".
The Shukokai techniques we use are based on the teachings of Shigeru Kimura to teach you the ability to hit VERY HARD when you need to in a self-defence situation.
The Shukokai techniques we use are based on the teachings of Shigeru Kimura to teach you the ability to hit VERY HARD when you need to in a self-defence situation.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME TO CLASS?
The more you train, the faster you will improve. We recommend training twice a week, but if that isn't possible then once a week is a good minimum with home practice between sessions. This is necessary if you would like to improve your skills and progress consistently through the grades.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BLACK-BELT?
It can typically take between 4-7 years to reach the required standard to achieve black-belt. The variation in the time it takes between students mainly depends upon how regularly they have practised, and their individual levels of effort and aptitude.
With regular attendance and hard work, achieving your black belt takes around four years. Please note though, Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-Do does not award black belt rank on attendance alone. We will guide you and support you every step of the way, but it takes discipline and determination. Anyone that achieves a Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-Do black belt should be extremely proud.
With regular attendance and hard work, achieving your black belt takes around four years. Please note though, Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-Do does not award black belt rank on attendance alone. We will guide you and support you every step of the way, but it takes discipline and determination. Anyone that achieves a Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-Do black belt should be extremely proud.
CAN I COME AND TRAIN BUT NOT JOIN AS A MEMBER?
No. After your Free Trial Lesson you need to decide if you wish to train with us on a regular basis by becoming an official member and take out a karate licence with us. This will allow you to take gradings and be insured for our karate activities.
HOW OFTEN ARE GRADINGS HELD?
Progressing through the beginner level grades ( red, yellow, orange, green, blue and purple) takes a minimum of three months each. After this there are three brown belt ranks at intermediate level taking a minimum of 6 months each to complete. After successfully achieving your final brown belt, you are then at advanced level and are entitled to take your black belt grading. It takes at least twelve months from final brown belt to attempt black belt.
As far as Renshinkan Shukokai Karate-do is concerned, Shukokai really is the "Way for All"
