Welcome to Kenshinkai Shotokan Karate Club
We hope the information contained on this page will help you decide whether you wish to start your Karate training, and if this is the right club for you.
Enquiries
Should this page not contain the information that you require then please call 01284 810446. If the enquiry is administration then please ask for Julie the club Secretary. If the enquiry is regarding training then please ask for Sensei (teacher) this is pronounced "sen-say".
What is Karate?
Karate is a system of self defence and physical culture originally developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. The word Karate is formed from the Japanese words Kara (empty) and Te (hand), symbolising that its practitioners - Karateka - are unarmed, but use their hands and feet for blocking and striking.
Training is conducted within an environment based on certain Japanese cultural practices.
Why do people do Karate?
There are many reasons, however, the majority of people feel that with an ever-increasing violent society, the need to be able to protect themselves and their families becomes the most important.
With bullying still present at school, the self-confidence gained from Karate can make a big difference to a child´s school life.
What are the benefits of Karate training?
The physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and well-being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There is a "Dojo Kun", or training code, which not only ensures a disciplined training environment, but also serves as a tool for improving behaviour, so that a true Karateka will only use their fighting skills as a last resort.
Can anyone do Karate?
In general, YES. Men, women and children can practice karate. Our students range from the very young to senior citizens. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train at karate, you do not have to be fit or flexible.
Before entering the dojo, please remove your socks and shoes. All training is in bare feet and without mats. Please remove all jewellery. This should be placed in a safe location.
Wedding rings should also be removed. It this causes a personal problem, they should be taped over to prevent injury to fellow students. Stud earrings are permitted but all other should be removed. If you are unsure about an item of jewellery please ask the dojo Secretary.
Please note, that the club accepts no responsibility for items of clothing/jewellery etc lost during the duration of the classes.
Entering the Dojo
Shotokan Karate is very traditional and is based upon many years of history and tradition, which is maintained above all. Etiquette and respect is paramount. All students must bow from the waist upon entering and leaving the dojo. The bow (rei) should be in the direction of Sensei.
All commands at the club are in Japanese; please don't worry, as you will learn these over a period of time. You are not expected to know anything to begin, even if you have trained elsewhere. You will be allocated an Instructor who will be your guide for the first few weeks. In this short time you will learn most of the Japanese terms used.
The class will then line up to start the lesson facing Sensei. Beginners will be at one end and the most senior Black Belts at the other. The formal kneeling ceremony will then commence followed by the lesson.
The Training
You are not required to have any level of fitness to start training as long as you are in good health. Many people believe you have to be fit or flexible to do Karate, this is not so. The training is designed to improve these qualities over the years. Is all we ask is that you give 100% effort when training and enjoy the class.
Karate students will improve their health, self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly at Kenshinkai clubs. This is because of our disciplined training structure and the emphasis placed on good etiquette.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to the Dojo Secretary or the Instructors.
Training Times
The times and locations of Kenshinkai classes can be found here.
What is involved in Karate training?
Training is structured into three main sections - Kihon (fundamental basic techniques) consisting of blocks, strikes, punches and kicks. Kata, (formal exercises), involving the fighting of multiple opponents at the same time, and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will progress at a later stage to free sparring which develops the timing, reflexes and co-ordination necessary for self defence and competition. Close supervision of children is strict when doing all forms of fighting.
What is SHOTOKAN Karate?
There are several fundamental styles of Karate which all conform to the above definition, but use slightly different training methods and place varying degrees of emphasis on issues such as the speed, strength and range of techniques - thus you will hear some described as "fast" styles, others as "strong" styles.
Shotokan is a style of Karate, which emphasises a balanced development of all these aspects, taught within a system, which instils confidence and self-control. The Shotokan style was originated by an Okinawan teacher of physical education, Gichin Funakoshi (below) who introduced it to Japan in 1922, where the Japanese Master Masatoshi Nakayama developed it extensively.
Shotokan has spread to become the most widely practiced style of Karate throughout the world.
Grading Examinations
Kenshinkai students are entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of training. The gradings are conducted by Senior Examiners, and there is a grading syllabus for all levels. Coloured belts are used to denote grades.
There are 9 grades below Black Belt. These are known as Kyu grades with 9th Kyu, red belt, being the lowest and 1st Kyu, brown and white, the highest. More information about exams will be explained as you progress in your training.
What is KENSHINKAI?
This is the name of the club, which was formed in 1972 by the late Eddie Whitcher 5th Dan. The club trains at The Academy Health & Fitness Centre in Barrow, Suffolk which is owned by Sensei Moulds . Students are encouraged to train at all clubs should they wish. More information about class locations and training times can be found here.
SENSEI
More information about Sensei Moulds can be found here.
How often should I train?
This is totally dependant on what you wish to gain from Karate, obviously the more you practice the faster you learn. As a general rule, training twice a week will keep you in pace with the rest of the class. Less than this and you need to be questioning yourself whether you are serious enough to learn a Martial Art. More than twice and the growth will be accelerated.
How much does it cost?
Karate is a reasonably inexpensive pursuit. The Kenshinkai club fees are low compared to many other sports and hobbies. The main equipment needed is a Karate suit and belt. Members also need to purchase an annual KWF licence. New students pay per lesson for the first two lessons. Thereafter, students should enrol on the monthly membership scheme which is paid at the beginning of each calendar month. Some months this will be 9 lessons and therefore the cheaper way to pay. Payment monthly also lessens the work of the dojo Secretary. Standing Order forms are available for your convenience.
How can I join the club?
New students are permitted to take 2 lessons without applying to join the club. This will ensure they have given it a good try before committing to paying the joining fee. After the second lesson students should complete an application form and pay a joining fee of £25. This covers first year's membership and insurance. Hand this to the dojo Secretary and you will receive your Gi at the next lesson you attend. Please note, this fee is in addition to the monthly training fees. More details on costs can be found at the bottom of this page.
You can download a copy of the application form (PDF).
First time attending the club for training
The hardest thing about attending a Karate class is walking into the dojo (hall). If you have already done that, then congratulations, if you are unsure or nervous about entering on your own don't worry, ask the dojo secretary to guide you in. It's quite natural to feel nervous.
Costs
You can have two trial lessons for just £5.00 per lesson, with no other costs or obligation.
JOINING FEE: £25 Including licence, 1st years membership and insurance. Note that licences are renewable on January 1st every year, so your first licence payment may cover a shorter period that one year.
ANNUAL FEE: £25 Membership & Insurance (Payable after your 1st year)
Lessons
£35.00 per month whether you train once per month or every day
£25.00 per month for once per week members
£5.00 For first two trial lessons
TRAINING FEES HAVE BEEN CALCULATED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HOLIDAYS IN THE SUMMER AND AT CHRISTMAS.
FEES MUST BE PAID CONTINUALLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO MAINTAIN YOUR PLACE AT THE CLUB, THIS INCLUDES THROUGH THE HOLIDAY PERIODS.
TRAINING FEES WILL BE COLLECTED FOR ANY MONTHS WHEN YOU ARE NOT TRAINING. THIS WILL NOT INCLUDE WHERE YOU TAKE A MINIMUM OF 3 MONTHS BREAK.
Please complete Standing Order forms for Monthly Memberships.
All classes have a limit to the number permitted to train in them, once this number is reached, a waiting list will operate. This is for new beginners and current members who have not paid their monthly membership. To rejoin the class you must wait for someone to drop out
GRADING EXAMINATIONS £20.00
KARATE SUITS
JUNIORS £18.00
ADULT (size 170cm upwards) £20
MITTS £6 Soft hand mitts, women and children. £6.00
GUM SHIELD £1.50
Kenshinkai has a range of both Adult and Children's sports clothing, please ask the Secretary for a full price list.