INSTRUCTORS
 Beginners    Danny Hughes (4th. Dan)
 Advanced   Alan Hughes  (6th. Dan)
Club Secretary Danny Hughes.
 
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF KARATE 
 
To develop character, self defence skills and fitness.
 
WHAT ELSE WILL MY CHILD GAIN FROM KARATE TRAINING ?
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A sense of discipline, increased co-ordination, concentration and confidence.
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WHAT AGE CAN A CHILD BEGIN TO TRAIN AT YOUR CLUB AND CAN GIRLS JOIN ?
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After their eighth birthday or seven if the parent sits in with them. This is for insurance reasons and no exceptions are made. Girls are as welcome as boys.
 
WHAT SCHOOL OF KARATE IS SHOTOKAN ?
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 Shotokan is the most popular school in Britain with the largest number of students. It emphasises low stances, direct movements and natural breathing. It originates from Okinawa off the Japanese mainland.
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WHEN IS THE TRAINING HELD ?
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Juniors times are 6.30 - 7.30pm.Wednesday and Friday and Adults 6.30 - 8.00pm. Wednesday and Friday.
Please make sure your child is 5 mins. early as we start right on time. 13 to 14 year olds can decide whether they feel more comfortable in the juniors or adults after speaking to one of the instructors.
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DO WE NEED TO INFORM YOU IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT FROM TRAINING ?
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No, but it is essential that the student puts in a minimum of 3 months full attendance before they can be entered for a grading.
 
WHAT IS THE GRADING SYSTEM ?
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The grading system is used to mark an increase in the student’s karate ability. Progress is indicated by different coloured belts. Starting at white belt 9th Kyu (orange) 8th Kyu (red) 7th Kyu (yellow) 6th Kyu    (green) 5th Kyu (purple) 4th Kyu (purple and white) 3rd Kyu (brown) 2nd Kyu (brown and 1 stripe) 1st Kyu (brown and 2 stripes) to black belt which is 1st Dan,
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 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY CHILD WHEN TRAINING AND IS THERE ANY INSURANCE ?
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The instructors will take care of your of your child as long as they stay in the training area. They are not responsible for the children in the rest of the building.
The karate club is insured in the unlikely event of your child being injured.
Each student must register with the ENGLISH SHOTOKAN ACADEMY within two weeks of starting training. 
On registering they gain individual insurance and grading licence which must be looked after carefully by the student. The registration costs £35 and is renewable each year.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IN TERMS OF PROVIDING A KARATE UNIFORM ?
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The white training kit is known as a Gi. They come in lightweight or heavyweight material and the prices vary according to size and quality. Gi’s are available by order from Alan.
 
WHAT HAPPENS AT A GRADING AND HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD PREPARE ?
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If your child is considered ready by the instructor (they must have attended a minimum of 3 continual months training) they may be entered for a grading which is held at St. John’s Church Hall.
They will need to undertake a brief series of Karate moves and a kata (a set sequence of karate actions) and kumite (organised sparring).
The Sensei will then judge whether they are up to the required standard or not.
The following must be brought before the grading event - which is normally held during training times.
(1) A current license for the ENGLISH SHOTOKAN ACADEMY.
(2) £25 grading fee.
Parents can watch the grading as long as they remain quiet.
The grading examiners are Alan Hughes (6th Dan) and Danny Hughes (4th Dan)
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CAN I WATCH MY CHILD TRAIN?
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If you so wish and remain uninvolved. It may be as well to ask your child if they would prefer you to come along or not. There is plenty of seating in the hall.
 
WHAT KIND OF DISCIPLINE WILL MY CHILD NEED TO FOLLOW IN TRAINING ?
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Shotokan is very keen to have respectful and attentive students. Consistent misbehaviour means they may  well be asked to leave the session, or if consistently causing problems, asked to leave the club.
This is at the discretion of the instructor.
 The instructors are however, realistic about what behaviour can be expected of younger children.
Important signs of respect required in the ‘dojo’ - the training area are;-
(1) No eating, drinking, shoes or watches, rings or jewellery. (Soft shoes may be worn if there is a foot complaint).
(2) Always kneeling when entering the dojo if turning up late and the class has already started.
(3) Raising the hand if a student wants ask the instructor a question or go to the toilet.
 
HOW DO WE JOIN THE CLUB?
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Call in to the class about 10 minutes before it starts and speak to the black belt in attendance.
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If the above does not answer your questions, please do not hesitate to speak to Alan or Danny preferably 10 mins. before the class starts at 6.30pm.