Question 1

How old do you have to be to join?

Accepted Answer

We teach karate to children, adults and families, with our minimum starting age being 5.

Through experience we have found that children under this age find it hard to concentrate and may become overwhelmed.

We enjoy seeing parents, children and siblings training together as a shared family activity.

Question 2

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

All of our Blyth classes take place at the Isabella Community Centre, and all of our Cramlington classes take place at East Hartford Community Centre.

Question 3

What are your training times?

Accepted Answer

Mondays - Blyth Isabella Centre:
5:30pm-6:30pm - All Ages/Grades
6:30pm-7:30pm - Senior Grades/Invitational

Tuesdays - East Hartford Community Centre:
5:00pm-6:00pm - All Ages/Grades

Wednesdays - Blyth Isabella Centre:
5:15pm-6:15pm - All Ages/Grades

Thursdays - East Hartford Community Centre:
5:30pm-6:30pm - All Ages/Grades

Fridays - Blyth Isabella Centre:
5:00pm-6:00pm - All Ages/Grades
6:00pm-7:00pm - Senior Grades/Invitational

Question 4

What can I expect from a typical karate lesson?

Accepted Answer

Karate is made up of three main areas:

Kihon (basic techniques including punches, blocks and kicks)

Kata (set forms/a routine made up of a combination of techniques and steps)

Kumite (partner work, sparring and fighting).

Our typical classes include a mix of all three areas that are appropriate to grade and ability level.

Question 5

Who will my instructors be?

Accepted Answer

Our family run karate club is taught by brother and sister Sensei Dylan Gibson and Sensei Gemma Gibson, who were both long standing members of the KUGB England Squad up until 2022, when they stepped down to focus on running the club. You can read more about them here:

Sensei Dylan:
https://www.blyth-cramlington-karate.com/sensei-dylan-gibson

Sensei Gemma:
https://www.blyth-cramlington-karate.com/sensei-gemma-gibson

Sensei Dylan and Sensei Gemma are supported by other instructors and young leaders who you may also be taught by.

Question 6

How much are lessons?

Accepted Answer

Classes cost £6 pay as you go cost or we have special monthly deals available, which can be paid at the start of each month and provide a saving on the pay as you go rate:
£22 one class a week
£40 for two classes a week (recommended)
£50 for unlimited training

We also offer a special family deal for families of three or more in the same household who are all training together.

Question 7

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

We give members the option to pay via cash, bank transfer or pay pal to make payment options as accessible as possible. It is completely your choice how you decide to pay.

Question 8

What other costs are involved?

Accepted Answer

There is an annual fee for a Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) licence, which covers membership to our National Governing Body and all insurance costs. Currently, this costs £27 for children (under 16) and £33 for adults (16+)
 
A gi (uniform) costs £25 for sizes 150cm and below and £30 for sizes 160cm and above and comes embroidered with the club badge on.
 
KUGB Approved Mitts (hand gloves) cost £18 and gumshields cost £4. You can buy these in a package deal together for £20.

Question 9

What do I wear?

Accepted Answer

For your first few classes, you can wear loose clothing such as a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. Once you know you are going to stick with Karate, you can purchase your gi (uniform) from the club.

Question 10

Do I stay with my child during the lesson?

Accepted Answer

We do not require parents to stay during our classes. However, sometimes it can be quite daunting for younger children to be left during their first couple of classes so we encourage parents to stay during the first couple of weeks. Both our Blyth and Cramlington dojos have designated waiting areas for parents who wish to stay.

Karate can also become a shared family activity, so why not join in with your child rather than waiting around?

Question 11

Do I need to bring anything else with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please bring a drink with you - preferably water but juice is okay too.

Question 12

My child has Autism/ADHD. Will karate training be helpful for them?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have had and do have many students within the club who have autsim, ADHD, and other learning difficulties and disabilities.

Karate lessons have a clear structure and routine, and provide many benefits including increased confidence, resilience and respect.

Our karate classes provide an environment where everyone can learn at their own pace and progress when they are ready and able to.

Every student is their own individual, and we will do what we can to support them. The best thing you can do, is come along and give it a go!

Question 13

How many lessons should I attend per week?

Accepted Answer

Training at least twice a week is recommended based on the KUGB grading rules. We have classes five nights a week, which gives everyone multiple nights to choose from.

If you are unable to commit to training twice a week, this is okay, but you may not progress as fast as those who train more regularly.

Question 14

If I miss my regular class, can I attend a different one?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This is something we always recommend.

We understand that sometimes members may miss due to illness, family committments or other priortities, but one of the benefits of having classes five nights a week, is that if you ever miss your regular class, you can always attend a different class instead.

This is helpful for those who pay monthly, and who will not lose out on the classes they have pre-paid for.

Question 15

How do I grade?

Accepted Answer

We hold gradings within the club three times a year with the most senior examiners from the KUGB.

The minimum number of classes expected between gradings is 18.

Question 16

Can I take part in competitions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Competitions are a great way to build confidence and push yourself out of your comfort zone, and also boost team spirit between club members.

Competitions take place throughout the year starting with our own club competition, and members have the opportunity to attend competitions locally, regionally and nationally.

FAQ

Below you can find some questions we are frequently asked about training at Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club.

We hope that the FAQ's below answer any questions you may have, but if not, please dont hesitate to get in touch via the contact form on the bottom of this page.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to join?

Where are you based?

What are your training times?

What can I expect from a typical karate lesson?

Who will my instructors be?

How much are lessons?

How do I pay?

What other costs are involved?

What do I wear?

Do I stay with my child during the lesson?

Do I need to bring anything else with me?

My child has Autism/ADHD. Will karate training be helpful for them?

How many lessons should I attend per week?

If I miss my regular class, can I attend a different one?

How do I grade?

Can I take part in competitions?

FAQ

Below you can find some questions we are frequently asked about training at Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club. We hope that the FAQ's below answer any questions you may have, but if not, please dont hesitate to get in touch via the contact form on the bottom of this page.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to join?

Where are you based?

What are your training times?

What can I expect from a typical karate lesson?

Who will my instructors be?

How much are lessons?

How do I pay?

What other costs are involved?

What do I wear?

Do I stay with my child during the lesson?

Do I need to bring anything else with me?

My child has Autism/ADHD. Will karate training be helpful for them?

How many lessons should I attend per week?

If I miss my regular class, can I attend a different one?

How do I grade?

Can I take part in competitions?

Below you can find some questions we are frequently asked about training at Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club.

We hope that the FAQ's below answer any questions you may have, but if not, please dont hesitate to get in touch via the contact form on the bottom of this page.