FAQs
What style of Karate will i learn at Iruka Karate Club?
We teach Wado-Ryu which is traditional Japanese Karate
How old do I have to be to do karate?
We take Children from as young as four years old and welcome Parents too in the 9+ class if you would like to train with your Child. Remember you are never too old to try something new.
I am an Adult, can i start or come to the club to train?
We no longer have adult places available unless your Child is an active member or wants to become a member where you can train with them in the 9+ class. (not PeeWee class).
Membership.
It is our policy to never ask you to sign a contract, set up a direct debit or pay for membership, you simply pay as you train; if you can't make training for any reason then you don't pay.
Karate suits (Gi)
We recommend that when you start at the club you don’t get a Gi until four weeks have passed so that you aren’t spending money unnecessarily should you decide that karate is not for you. Tracksuit bottoms (no zips in the legs) and t-shirt are fine to begin with. Football shirts are not allowed.
If I have an illness or disability will that stop me from doing karate?
No; if you have an illness or disability and can't do certain things (i.e. kick) then we will teach you other things that you would be able to do.
Will I get hurt?
Karate is very physical but because of the controlled way it is practised injuries are very rare. Every black belt at Iruka Karate Club is certified in first aid and our adult instructors are fully CRB/DBS cleared. After your first four weeks of training you will need your own insurance, which comes with your karate licence provided by NAKMAS, the UK martials arts governing body, and WYSOK (West Yorkshire Schools of Karate and Oriental Arts).
How often do I have to train?
We encourage everyone, especially high grades, to train twice a week so that you are completely ready for your gradings or tournaments.
How long does the class last?
Each session is for 1hr. We ask you to get down a little early to help be ready for an on time start.
Would I be able to enter competitions?
We have two tournaments a year in the association, one in April and one in November. You can enter as many categories as you want to, from kata, sparring, ground fighting, weapons, to creative and team kata.
How do I get my next belt?
Coloured belt gradings are held every three months. To get your next belt you have to perform katas, techniques, defences and know some Japanese terminology but sometimes this will take longer than 3 months to learn. Once you reach black belt you wait at least three years to obtain your 2nd Dan, in that three years you will teach students and pass on your knowledge to the coloured belts.