Frequently asked questions by newcomers
I'm a complete beginner. Can I join your Karate or Tai Chi club?
Yes, of course! We welcome beginners to the club all the time. There are all levels in the class, so don't worry.
I'm 40. Am I too old for Karate?
No, you are nowhere near too old! We currently have students between around 18 and 58. Karate is an art in which you can train to your own capabilities. The art is to help you improve, not to compete with other people.
Isn't Karate just for kids? I don't want to break bits of wood or do silly flying kicks?
No. While it is true that many clubs teach children, we do not and so our classes are tailored towards realistic adult self defence. Breaking wood and doing flying kicks are interesting party tricks but not fundamental to the syllabus.
Isn't Tai Chi only for old people? Why is it so slow?
No, Tai Chi is for any age. Some of our Tai Chi students have studied Karate, Jujutsu or Kung Fu to black belt level and appreciate Tai Chi for what it is - a very intricate martial art, that utilises slow movement for precision.
Why should I study Karate rather than another martial art?
It comes down to personal preference, just like some people prefer Thai food to Japanese food, some will prefer Thai Boxing to Karate and vice versa. Personally I (instructor Simon) have found Karate to be the martial art I like best because it is completely self defence orientated, utilises all types of techniques and enables me to adapt the art to my needs. Karate uses strikes, locks, throws, paired drills, solo forms and weapons - there's something for everybody! Whereas with a martial art that is designed for sport (such as Taekwondo, Kendo or Judo) you are governed by a set of rules and regulations.
What will it cost me?
Karate lessons are £6 (for 90 minutes), Tai Chi classes are £5 (for an hour) - or you can train in both for £9 (save £2). Annual membership and insurance costs £30 for the first year, and £25 the following year to renew. Membership includes membership to Bushinkai, TEMAA, UKBF, and ITJF and full member-member insurance as well as your license book in which your grades are stamped. For a training suit (Budogi or gi for short) we recommend the black heavyweight gi by Hakutora, available exclusively from Van Dang at a special price for Bushinkai students. You are quite welcome to buy your suit from anywhere though if you prefer an alternative.
How long will it take me to get my black belt?
Just like driving lessons, it depends on the inidividual. A good average may be between four and six years, but the answer is "you get your black belt when you are ready"
I already have a purple belt in another style. Will this be recognised?
Probably not. Just as being able to speak French does not mean one can speak Italian, holding a purple belt in one martial art does not automatically translate to another. If you have experience in another martial art, we will assess your level as is appropriate towards our syllabus. We respect your past achievements, but we have to make sure your grade is appropriate to the content of our particular syllabus.
Yes, of course! We welcome beginners to the club all the time. There are all levels in the class, so don't worry.
I'm 40. Am I too old for Karate?
No, you are nowhere near too old! We currently have students between around 18 and 58. Karate is an art in which you can train to your own capabilities. The art is to help you improve, not to compete with other people.
Isn't Karate just for kids? I don't want to break bits of wood or do silly flying kicks?
No. While it is true that many clubs teach children, we do not and so our classes are tailored towards realistic adult self defence. Breaking wood and doing flying kicks are interesting party tricks but not fundamental to the syllabus.
Isn't Tai Chi only for old people? Why is it so slow?
No, Tai Chi is for any age. Some of our Tai Chi students have studied Karate, Jujutsu or Kung Fu to black belt level and appreciate Tai Chi for what it is - a very intricate martial art, that utilises slow movement for precision.
Why should I study Karate rather than another martial art?
It comes down to personal preference, just like some people prefer Thai food to Japanese food, some will prefer Thai Boxing to Karate and vice versa. Personally I (instructor Simon) have found Karate to be the martial art I like best because it is completely self defence orientated, utilises all types of techniques and enables me to adapt the art to my needs. Karate uses strikes, locks, throws, paired drills, solo forms and weapons - there's something for everybody! Whereas with a martial art that is designed for sport (such as Taekwondo, Kendo or Judo) you are governed by a set of rules and regulations.
What will it cost me?
Karate lessons are £6 (for 90 minutes), Tai Chi classes are £5 (for an hour) - or you can train in both for £9 (save £2). Annual membership and insurance costs £30 for the first year, and £25 the following year to renew. Membership includes membership to Bushinkai, TEMAA, UKBF, and ITJF and full member-member insurance as well as your license book in which your grades are stamped. For a training suit (Budogi or gi for short) we recommend the black heavyweight gi by Hakutora, available exclusively from Van Dang at a special price for Bushinkai students. You are quite welcome to buy your suit from anywhere though if you prefer an alternative.
How long will it take me to get my black belt?
Just like driving lessons, it depends on the inidividual. A good average may be between four and six years, but the answer is "you get your black belt when you are ready"
I already have a purple belt in another style. Will this be recognised?
Probably not. Just as being able to speak French does not mean one can speak Italian, holding a purple belt in one martial art does not automatically translate to another. If you have experience in another martial art, we will assess your level as is appropriate towards our syllabus. We respect your past achievements, but we have to make sure your grade is appropriate to the content of our particular syllabus.