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"Do I need to be fit?"
Only a basic level of fitness is required. Fitness will improve with time. If you feel particularly concerned, maybe due to heart condition, blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc. then we recommend that you speak to your doctor before starting any training. Any serious conditions will need to be declared to the chief instructor (Lee) before you start training. Your training may need to be altered accordingly.
"Can I try it out before deciding to join?"
We offer your first month's training completely free of charge with no obligation. You do not hand over any money during the 'trial month'. Upon the elapse of the 'trial month' and should you decide to join, you will be required to apply for a martial-arts licence (please see below for current prices).
"What should I wear?"
Initially, all you'll need is loose fitting clothing. Once you've decided to stay, you'll be required to purchase & train in a gi ("gee" - 'karate suit') .
"What equipment do I need?"
Once you have purchased your licence you will then need to buy PPE (Personal Protective Equipment - a set of hand-mitts & leg shields) and then after a couple of months, a gi ("gee"). Equipment can be bought through the club. Please check with Sensei Lee as to any particular item's suitability prior to purchase if you intend to buy equipment from a source other than via the club. E.g. Hand mitts and leg shields must meet particular safety requirements.
"Do you make those funny noises? ...it would make me feel self-conscious!"
In short, "no". ...but yes. The 'kiai' or 'karate-shout' as colloquially known, performed during an activity, kicking, punching or kata, etc. is an an important aspect of the technique. The kiai is a focus on the combination of correct breathing method, body position and intent at the appropriate time and does not need to be particularly audible. Students are taught correct breathing especially during kata and striking/impact training but are not encouraged to merely 'shout'.
"Will I get injured?" Despite being a fighting art, injuries are surprisingly rare. Techniques are controlled, whether it is a throw, a kick or a punch. There are strict rules governing attacking particular areas of the body during training & sparring. Techniques are 'pulled' rather than impacted. We always use appropriate equipment such as hand-mitts or specially designed floor mats. Impact techniques are practiced on pads not directly on people.
Instructors are trained as Risk Assessment assessors (click to see) and will not intentionally allow dangerous situations.
Students must be aware that although all reasonable care is taken, as with any activity, there will always be an element of associated risk.
Lee Batchelor Sensei has been trained in 1st Aid and holds a current and valid certificate (click to see).
"What traceable teaching qualification does the instructor hold?"
"I've heard that martial-art instructors now need to have a UKCC qualification."
This is actually not quite true...
Click here to read the related statement released by CMAA
Click here to read how CMAA MAIUK training programme compares to UKCC.
"What age can I start from?"
For insurance reasons, we cannot teach students that are under five years of age.
"How often are gradings?"
There is no single grading 'event'. Students are evaluated during lessons as to their level of competence in respect of each grade.
Students are awarded a grade *(free of charge) as a direct reflection of their training ability. Students are not notified of when they are being assessed (although if I emphasise a specific area which to work on, it’s a pretty good indication that one is looming…). Every lesson is in essence, a grading.
Students are not required to accrue a specific amount of ‘training hours’ between each grading.
*Please note that there is no charge for the grading.
"Why do I need a licence? What does the fee include?"
Your licence fee includes more than just insurance...
Please click here to read the downloadable attachment.
“I’m a ‘x-colour-belt' in a different style, will my grade be honoured in Sankujitsu?”
Not necessarily. Students transferring from a different style will be allowed to wear the belt that they attained within their previous system for a maximum of a year, upon which time, if they haven’t already received a Sankujitsu grade, they will be assessed as to an appropriate grade to hold within this style.
“When, and where are the lessons?”
If you haven't done so already, please see the 'Locate' page. It gives details of the lesson times and training venue (including a map link).
“How much does all this cost?”
Initial outlay is around £60 to £70, then depending on training frequency, up to £25 per month (see below).
Annual licence fees:
Once a student decides to join, then initial licence issue, and renewal is free.
Equipment:
Gi, dependent on size & thickness, c. £15 to £25 (a typical 5' 9" adults' 14oz gi is £20).
PPE (mandatory):
Hand-mitts (pair) £5
Shin guards (pair) £8.50
Foot Protector (pair) £9
Martial-art shoes* £15 (*optional)
Groin guard* (male) £3 (*optional)
Postage and packing** <£10 (** a maximum of £10 is applied to all orders – if other students also require items at the same time then this will be divided equally)
Lessons prices:
£5 Adult, £2.50 under 16yrs, per lesson or…
£20 Adult, £10 under 16yrs, per month* (one session/week).
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FAQ
