Shogun Karate Club
Loose casual clothing will be perfectly adequate for your first few weeks of training. After which a karate suit is available through the club if you wish. Training is always done bare foot.
Karate is a system of self defence and martial art developed over thousands of years. The word Karate is formed from the Japanese words Kara (Empty) and te (hand) symbolising that the practitioners (karateka) are unarmed, but use their hands and feet as striking weapons. There are many different styles of karate, of these Shotokan is the most commonly practiced throughout the world.
Shotokan is a style of karate, which emphasises a balanced development of speed, strength and a range of techniques within a system which instills confidence and self-control. The Shotokan style was developed by Gichin Funakoshi in Okinawa (an island south of Japan). Gichin Funakoshi developed the style which adopted his training halls name – Shoto (pine waves) Funakoshi's pen name and Kan (training shall)
Karate is a formidable method of self defense. In training one will gain a good level of personal fitness, increased confidence and discipline. Karate is suitable to all people of any sex, build or age.
Once the basic principles have been learnt they will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The club is a friendly non-profit making organisation. With a philosophy of learning through enjoyment.
No. Compared to other sports karate is good value Training costing only £3.50 a session for Children, £4 for adults (discount available). There is no membership fee. A karate suit doesn't need to be purchased until you are sure that karate is for you.
Karate is by its definition dangerous. It is a system of kicking and striking in order to defend ones self, lessons always begin with a fall warm up to eliminate strain and muscular injury.
All students are closely supervised at all times and taught according to their level and experience. Occasionally people get a few minor lumps and bumps, more often than not from other beginners. Paying attention at all times is very important.An average time for a typical student is 3-4 years. This is based on someone who trains twice a week.
For a student to grade, all instructors at the club must be satisfied that they are at the level required to grade.
Getting your black belt isn't everything, you can go to some clubs abd take a black belt in two years. It's not what you have on it's how you feel and no matter what is tied around your waist, continual training makes progress and should be your ultimate goal.
Gradings are the practical examination students undertake to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise of the syllabus in order to determine whether they are ready for the next grade.
The grading is split into 3 areas: Kata; Kihon; and Kumite.
Gradings are normally held every 4 months.See the Karate training page for more information on Kata, Kihon and Kumite.