Frequently Asked Questions

 Our lessons usually cover one or all of three different elements. 

• Kihon – This is basic or techniques in Karate that underpin the art.
• Kata – These are patterns of movements that are learned that are done solo and in some cases in a group, especially in competition.
• Kumite – This is sparring in competition using a range of offensive and defensive techniques.

We are affiliated with the KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) which has a progressive syllabus that gradually builds up your skill and range of techniques on these 3 elements. When you reach a certain level of proficiency you will be able to take your grading at which point you will be awarded your next colour belt.

Karate promotes overall fitness, good health, and wellbeing. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, assist in the development of a strong character, confidence, and determination. Karate provides a disciplined training environment that moulds positive behaviour.

Our two instructors Sensei Tony Raggett, Sensei Lauren Raggett have decades of experience between them as well as extensive competition experiences and honours. 

We train twice as week; you came weekly though but to grade members must be regularly training twice per week as per KUGB guidance and to make sure you are ready!

Karate is a martial art and therefore does involve contact, but it’s done in a safe and controlled environment. With the progress you make through the syllabus your Kumite skills will be developed incrementally so you can spar with control and in line with your ability.

We also recommend sparring gloves and gumshield and do pad work which is very enjoyable. Finally, as part of the KUGB you will need to have a license which also provides additional insurances given the nature of Karate.

Not at all. Our instructors are all unpaid volunteers giving freely of their time because they love Karate. Whilst we do have certain running costs to cover, our club is a non-profit making organisation. This is reflected by our low training fees for adults and FREE lessons for under 16s and Students 16-18!

You will need a Karate Licence, issued by the KUGB. It is renewable annually and provides you with insurance cover while training at a KUGB. The annual Licence is £30 for adults and £25 for children. There is also usually a fee for grading when you take them which includes certificate and belt.

No! For your early lessons we recommend, comfortable sports clothing. Once you are settled in, we can help recommend different stockists of Karate Suit for all budgets, which are called Gi

No, you don’t however we do you use traditional Japanese terms and dojo etiquette; however you will learn this and pick it up naturally very quickly and everything is taught and explained

Children under 7 need to have a parent training with them or be accompanied class as a spectator (there is space to sit, and we welcome spectators)We recommend that with 

Children 7-11 if you are not training with them then you spectate for the initial weeks to ensure you and your child / children are comfortable and familiar with the structure of the lessons. After this point we will accept unaccompanied children.

Children over 12 can be left unaccompanied.

All our instructors are DBS checked and adhere to the KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) safeguarding policy https://kugb.org/kugb-safeguarding/

We are delighted to provide training for disabled and able-bodied members. What is crucial is that we ensure your safety at all times. Should you have any particular requirements due to disability, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with our Chief Instructor in complete confidence.

 Yes! We have various KUGB competitions throughout the year and they are organised by age and grade meaning you should have the ability to enjoy and participate regularly. All members are encouraged but it isn’t a requirement. We hope you will help bring the medals home! However it is purely optional!

Gradings, where you have a formal assessment to pass to the next level (Kyu Grade) are usually between 3 and 4 months apart. So, it will depend on when you start but if you train regularly and show the right spirit you should expect to progress well.

The gradings are held by one of the KUGBs technical committee which are all internationally renowned 8th Dan Black Belts with decades of experience. They are a great experience, and we will prepare you thoroughly!

This requires strong focus, commitment, and desire to improve, but with regular training it is possible to look to take your Black Belt (Shodan) grading in approximately 3 to 4 years.

Remember even the most experience black belt had to start somewhere. We have all had to take that 1st lesson and your fellow students know this and have had the same experience. The whole club will support and help you in your Karate Journey!