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BEGINNERS

Just started karate and have a lot of questions?

There is a list of frequently asked questions and their answers on the page that contains our contact details.

If you have any questions that are not covered here please, please send them to us. We'll answer AND post the answers here.

What do I need to bring with me to a training session?

What is the proper name of a karate suit? And how do I wear one?

When will I become a black belt?

What name do I use to address the instructor?

Can you explain why people bow when they enter and leave the training area?

How do I get a coloured belt? What do the colours mean?

What is a licence?

What do I need to bring with me to a training session?
Loose-fitting clothes (preferably a karate suit - see below), a bottle of water and the appropriate fees. Ask your instructor to find out how much that is.

What is the proper name of a karate suit? And how do I wear one?
This is known as a 'gi', which is pronounced 'gee', as in 'geek'. Don't wear anything under your gi except your undergarments. Girls are allowed to wear a t-shirt as well. The belt is known as an 'obi', and is tied like this.

When will I become a black belt?
If you train hard, at least twice a week, you can become a black belt in quite a short period of time. It is possible to reach 1st Dan in three years.

What name do I use to address the instructor?
Some clubs insist that you refer to the teacher as Sensei, which means teacher in Japanese. In our friendly clubs you can call Enzo or his assistant instructors by their first names.

Can you explain why people bow when they enter and leave the training area?
This shows respect to the Dojo, or training area. A school gym or local leisure centre becomes a Dojo during a karate lesson. Other important points of etiquette are pretty obvious, while remaining well worth noting. Don't eat in the Dojo; don't walk across other classes if you are sharing a room; stand still and quietly when an instructor is talking to the class; don't spit, swear or otherwise mess around. But DO have fun.

How do I get a coloured belt? What do the colours mean?
After you've trained for one or two months you will probably be good enough to take your first grading. A grading is a short test during which you perform certain techniques. These include particular kicks, punches and other moves. Although you don't need a gi to grade, it is prefered, but you MUST bring your licence and the fee. You should also bring money to buy your new belt, should you succeed!

You will be allowed to grade if your instructor believes that you'll pass, so don't be nervous when you take your grading. Family and friends are allowed to sit (quietly) and watch.

Gradings will be held every three months, on a Sunday, and at the Malden Centre. Parents of younger karateka (students) will be notified in writing of all details including costs.

The order of belts, or grades, is as follows:

8th kyu	Orange
7th kyu	Yellow
6th kyu	Green
5th kyu	Purple
4th kyu	Blue
3rd kyu	Brown - white stripe
2nd kyu	Brown - 2 white stripes
1st kyu	Brown
1st Dan	Black

What is a licence?
This document registers you with the England KarateKan (Association), and is required whenever you attend a grading. To obtain a licence you must ask your instructor for an application form. EKK is recognised by the English Karate Federation.

The Malden Centre

KarateKan International

European Karate Federation

World Karate Federation
Other friends