I don't have a Karate uniform, what should i wear?
If you are joining the KEFW Class then your indoor PE kit will be fine, if not make sure you wear loose, light clothing such as a t-shirt and jogging bottoms.
Will i get hurt or injured as i don't have the training other have?
No you will not be hurt, you will not be expected to fight or spar with anyone on your first lesson unless you want to, if you do choose to you will be looked after by a black belt and paired with someone who has control and experience enough to guide you. the speed and learning curve will be based on what you think you can handle.
What do i need to start training?
All you need is the will to learn... once you have decided you like the class and want to continue, the only thing you are required to have is a licence. This is a licence to practice karate. it cost around £12 and makes sure that you are insured and your grades can be officially recorded by the English Karate Organization Governing Body.
Once you take your first grading (red belt) you will be expected to get yourself a Karate Gi (uniform) as you will need to wear your new belt to show your grade. This can be done yourself or you can purchase through the Anzen Dojo. If you or your parents cannot afford to purchase these items, there are scheme in place to help you out. Contact Sensei Dan Pereira for more information on this.
Am i fit enough to do karate, i don't think i will cope with the exercise
If you can jog on the spot for 2 minuets then you will not struggle with the exersize or physical activity, the exercise is tailored to the type of students in the class, if you are struggling allot with the exercise you can sit out and catch your breath, we realize that everyone has a different level of stamina, Anzen dojo has taught student from all walks of life from army privets to over 60's pensioners and all of them loved every minute
Where do i get changed?
If you are joining the KEFW class then the normal Indoor PE changing room will be available for you to use.
Am i expected to know basics of what to do?
No all beginners unless you are coming from another karate class are taught from scratch, you will be walked slowly through everything. you do not need any prior knowledge of martial arts whatsoever
What do i need to do at the start of the lesson
2 Minutes before the lesson starts the whole class will line up, highest ranks on the back line and lowest on the front, if there is a low turn out everyone will be in one line highest at the right hand side lowest on the left.
At the start of the lesson student line up and and kneel facing the front of the dojo and wait for instruction from Sensei. SIMPLE!
I am 17 years old will i be taught in the same way as younger students?
No for the first part of the lesson everyone does the same, warm-ups, stretching, and line techniques.
Older students will partners with students the same age and will be treated as adults, this means your training is of a more serious nature and you will not feel patronized, as some clubs tend to do this.
There is also an adults class for student over the age of 15 which you are welcome to attend, ask Sensei Dan for more details on this class.
what will be expected of me in my first lesson.
You will join in on a typical lesson if you part of a large group of beginners then the class pace will be adapted for a beginners lessons, if you are starting as a brininess you will be able to follow the other student in the class for the start and ends, and an instructor will walk your through everything until you get the hang of it.