Starting Out
Karate is a form of self defence, it trains you to defend yourself using your own body movement. It is fun to learn and regular training improves your fitness and flexibility as well as your concentration and dexterity.
Our instructors are informal and friendly and trained up to 4th Dan level. As a club we all strive to develop and improve, individually and collectively. We practice four nights a week at venues in Ayr, Alloway and Troon. We find that giving a choice of venues and times makes it easier for people to fit in karate with their otherwise busy schedules.
Gender, age or current level of fitness is no barrier to benefiting and learning from the practice of karate. Everyone is welcome and valued for their contribution.
As well as improving your general level of fitness our style of karate can help you to relax and become more aware of your body and your environment. We do not take part in competitions but concentrate more on self improvement and having a greater understanding of karate in its purist form both spiritually and physically.
Costs
As we believe that it is better for people thinking of trying Shotokai karate to experience a taste of it rather than sitting watching us enjoying ourselves, your first practice session with us will be absolutely free of charge.
Once you have decided to join us, there are two main costs which are depends on the age of the person. The first is a club membership fee( this is paid once a year ) and the normal training fee ( paid at each practice session ). The table below shows the current costs for each of these.
Note: You are a Junior member if you are under 16 years of age.
| Membership | Annual Membership Fee | Practice Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £24.00 | £3.50 |
| Junior | £12.00 | £2.50 |
The only other costs associated with our practice are the purchase of a karate suit ( Gi ), buying a new belt when you change grade and the fee for any weekend course you attend. The suits/belts can be purchased at local sports shops, but the club can obtain discounted equipment for our members and can generally offer these items at a lower price than the shops.
Grades
These coloured belts only refer to the Student (kyu) grades, Master (from 1st dan up to 5th dan) grades all wear black belts whether they are junior or senior. As this is traditional karate, you do not have to "fight for your belt" - simply do your best!
| Novice | 6th Kyu | 5th Kyu | 4th Kyu | 3th Kyu | 2th Kyu | 1st Kyu | 1st Dan+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | Red | Yellow | Orange | Green | Blue | Brown | Black |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I gain from Shotokai Karate?
Whether it is fitness, relaxation, self defence or just a socialising and making friends, you will gain as much from practicing as you put into it.
What level of fitness is required?
If your fit enough to go a brisk walk, you are fit enough to begin practising. As with all physical activities, check with your doctor if you have a known medical condition.
Is there an upper age limit?
No, suitable for all ages.
Should I expect to be punched and kicked?
No, our practices are focused on avoiding being punched or kicked through movement and the correct use of techniques, incorporating timing, balance, breathing etc. No-one is put in a situation where they are expected to practice out of their depth, but through regular practice to increase their proficiency.
Will I be pressured into practising, being graded or attending tournaments?
You are welcome to practice as frequently as you like, everyone learns at different speeds. In addition to our weekly practices we have 3 weekend courses a year, to which everyone is invited.
How long will it take me to master Karate?
There is no set time to gain a high level of proficiency, it is dependent on your willingness to learn and how you apply yourself. It is a life long learning curve. Unlike other more physical martial arts where your skills decline as you age, with Shotokai as your understanding of technique, timing and balance increases you can continue to improve as you get older.
When do I learn the secret techniques?
There is no shortcuts or secrets, dedication, practice and a willingness to learn is all that is required.
What should I wear\ bring to the first class?
Wear loose fitting clothing i.e. tracksuit bottoms and loose T shirt, practice is always in bare feet. It is advisable to bring something to drink, practice can be thirsty work.
How do I tie my belt?
If you have any questions please telephone on 07840311312 or email us at info@kylekarate.com
For those new to karate and martial arts we hold beginners classes on Tuesday evenings. This practice is orientated towards beginners to give them the basic skills before joining the other classes. If however you have difficulty attending on a Tuesday beginners can be easily incorporated into any of our other classes. It is our experience that beginners can sometimes feel awkward practicing with more experienced higher grades, so we have made Tuesday a night for them to learn the basics and reach a level where they do not feel out of place.
As a club, from instructors down we welcome beginners to any practice. But we recognise that some people prefer to practice with other beginners till they become more competent in the basic skills.
Our Tuesday beginners class is at Kyle Academy, off Holmston Road, Ayr. 7.30-9.30pm in the small gym. Please feel free to just turn up, or give us a call first. You are more than welcome to come along to any of our practices to watch and ask any questions you may have. We will be happy to give you any information you require and demonstrate what we are about.
if you are new to Karate and want to know the basics and what to expect, visit the Starting Out section.
To view our practice and course schedule visit the Locations and Schedules section.