Beginners Start Here!

Beginners are welcome to join at any time, but if you've never done Karate before, it is best to come along to one of our special beginners' courses, where there will be lots of new members and we can more easily get you started.

Next beginners' course:
From the first week of the Autumn Term 2008 first lesson: Monday 6th October, 8pm-10pm - Wolfenden Sports Centre next lesson: Wednesday 8th October, 8pm-10pm - Wolfenden Sports Centre ... then each following Monday/Wednesday

Just turn up with some baggy clothes and an open mind to any of the lessons and introduce yourself to us. If you have missed the first few lessons, don't panic! It isn't essential to go to every lesson, but, obviously, the more you train the better off you will be.

If you've never done Karate or any other martial art before, you're at the right club to start! Whether you are in it for fitness (developing strength, stamina, balance and flexibility), self-defence, self-confidence, entering competitions, experiencing something new or just developing an interesting hobby, you will fit in here! There is room for everyone to develop at their own speed and how much you participate and what you get out of training and the club is entirely up to you. If you are naturally strong or fast, you can develop your style to suit your strengths; if you don't think you have any strengths, you will develop some after training for a while!

The club has the use of an excellent purpose-built martial arts studio (Dojo) and is equipped with plenty of training aids. Our Club Instructor, Sensei Tanya Page (4th Dan) was a student at the University. Sensei Tanya has been training for many moons and, along with the Assistant Instructors Sensei Jim Hall (3rd Dan) and Sensei Neil White (2nd Dan), provide an excellent level of teaching, whilst bringing their own style to the lessons, so life is never dull in the Dojo!

Any of our current members will tell you, it isn't necessary to be naturally athletic, strong and coordinated to do Karate. As a beginner you will not be thrown it at the deep end and have to go 12 rounds with a black belt; you will probably start with a group of other complete beginners so you won't be alone. Besides, everybody else in the club was a beginner at some point and will be more than willing to help you out with any difficulties. Strength, technique and co-ordination in Karate will come with time and dedication.

In addition to the training, the club has an excellent social life, with regular pub slots, meals and other occasions. Last year, we arranged a Gasshuku - a Karate holiday of training and social activities.

This is your club and you can make of it whatever you want; the committee and senior belts are always willing to listen to suggestions and are looking forward to meeting you.

See you in the Dojo!

"Shotokan Karate is for everyone." - Sensei Tanya

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