FAQ

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.

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.

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: 5:30pm-6:30pm - All Ages/Grades 6:30pm-7:30pm - Senior Grades/Invitational

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.