How do I join a local club?

We have a network of local clubs across England. To join one, click here to select the nearest dojo to you. Then simply call the instructor listed. He or she will be pleased to advise you and invite you to come along and either watch or participate in a lesson. Most dojos do not charge you for attending the first few lessons, and there is no need to commit to buying the white Gi during the first few weeks of training – all you need wear is a loose fitting tee-shirt and pair of tracksuit bottoms. Following Japanese tradition we go bare foot in the dojo.

How does one choose a good school of Karate?

Go and watch a few classes being taught. Observe the state of discipline and the way in which it is applied – as a motivation or as punishment? What are the measures taken by the instructor to prevent possible injuries? Small things such as punctuality, uniformity of dress, discipline on the floor by the instructor etc all add up to a well run school.

Some schools in other styles send their senior instructor around at the beginning of a term or year to impress new members, but, thereafter, junior instructors teach the classes. Ask the head instructor about this.

By making a few inquiries about teaching fees of more than one dojo in the area, you can quickly establish what is fair and reasonable. Some charge more than other simply because they offer more.

In the case of teaching children, can the school demonstrate a sufficient level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) of their instructors? All EGKA dojos take this aspect very seriously.

Ask for the qualifications and affiliations of the instructors – are they mere karate grades or has any official sports coaching courses, first aid courses etc, been attended?

Look at the track record of the school – How long has it been in operation etc. Trophies on the wall are no guarantee of a good school, but they certainly indicate a successful approach if they are legitimate and recent.