"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).
"Can I sit and watch before joining in?"
Yes of course. You are free to come and watch as much as you want and it won't count as part of the trial month. ...In fact, I encourage people to watch first as it gives a broader view as to what goes on during lessons.
Parents/carers of students below 10 years of age are required by club rules (Ofsted guidelines) to stay at the club for the duration of the lesson.
"What should I wear?"
Initially, all you'll need is loose fitting clothing - normally, tracksuit bottoms (shorts for summer [your personal preference]) and T-shirt is the favourite but it's whatever you feel comfortable in.
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, foot protectors & 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"... 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 here to see) and will not intentionally allow dangerous situations.
Sensei Lee also holds a current 1st Aid certificate (click here to see).
Students must be aware that although all reasonable care is taken, as with any activity, there will always be an element of associated risk.
I personally will vouch for the integrity of the students. They're a cracking bunch, there's no egos or attitudes in the club. There's a definite affinity and unity within the club. Everyone gets along and helps each other.
Sankujitsu Karate Budokai's Constitution and Equalities policy
Sankujitsu Karate Budokai operates within the remit of the Cobra Martial Arts Association Child Protection policy
Sankujitsu Karate Budokai code of Ethics
"What traceable teaching qualification does the instructor hold?"
Sensei Lee is certificated with a level 1 Martial Arts Instructor UK training programme accreditation
"I've heard that martial-art instructors now need to have a UKCC qualification."
This is actually not quite true...
Click here to read how CMAA MAIUK training programme compares to UKCC
"What age can I start from?"
Due to the nature and content of the classes, Sankujitsu Karate Budokai regards the format of the training unsuitable for children under seven 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 although must have an up-to-date and valid licence.
*Please note that there is no charge for the grading.
The successful candidate will be awarded a grading certificate issued by the instructor. The grade will be recorded locally with the club instructor and (when the licence is sent to CMAA for renewal) with our 'parent organisation' Cobra Martial Arts Association.
The coloured grading belt:
The belt will only be chargeable if the student wants one to KEEP. The club operates a sort of 'belt share system' - we have a 'belt box' from which a student may borrow one on the premise that they put their old one in - like a 'belt swap'. The reason for this is to keep costs down for the student and generally most people don't have any inclination to keep their old belt. ...The only person that ever wanted to keep his old belts ended up giving them to me when he got to brown-belt anyway...
"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.
"What do I need to know/be able to do to pass a grading?”
“When, and where are the lessons?”
If you haven't done so already, please see the 'Lesson details' page. It gives details of the lesson times and training venue (including a map link).
“Do I have to sign a contract?”
Absolutely not! You will need a licence though (see "Why do I need a licence? What does the fee include?" below)... Students either pay per lesson or calendar month for lessons attended (see 'Training fees' below for cost). Fees paid in advance, if for any reason a student does not attend, are refunded or 'rolled-over' to cover a future session.
“How much does all this cost?”
Initial outlay is around £60 to £70, then depending on training frequency, up to £20 per month (see below).
Annual licence fees:
Once a student has committed to join, then initial licence issue will be charged at £15. This includes a free club badge.
Renewal is free provided that a student has attended an average of 50% of available lessons over the elapsed year.
Students who do not attend regularly will be charged the licence fee for renewal.
"Why do I need a licence? What does the fee include?"
Your licence fee includes more than just insurance...
Equipment [(click links)]:
Gi ('karate suit'), dependent on size & thickness, can vary greatly in price from approximately £10 to £40
Hand-mitts (pair) - Note: they don't need to be these exact ones but clubs rules stipulate that knuckles and fingertips must be covered. ie. light boxing gloves
Foot protectors (pair) - Note: they don't need to be these exact ones but clubs rules stipulate that the whole foot & toes/toenails must be covered. 'Shin & instep' type are not allowed.
PPE (optional [but strongly advised for the males...])
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)
Additional Sankujitsu Karate Budokai club badges: £4
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