Frequently Asked Questions

SKR welcomes junior and adult beginners from 4 – 65 years.

Our syllabus is designed so that no previous level of fitness is required to join in.

For your first class, you should wear loose comfortable clothing.

Remember as a beginner that every person in the Dojo has at some point started as a white belt.

Adult and Junior Classes

Is there a waiting list?

There are no waiting lists for the adult and junior lessons. If you are unsure which lesson will be the most suitable for you, please contact Sensei Donna for advice.

How long are the lessons?

Regular lessons are one hour in length. Extended lessons are one and a half hours in length.

How often are the gradings?

Gradings are held quarterly in March, June September and December.

Where will I find the syllabus?

A copy of the grading syllabus can be found on our website here

How are the lessons structured?

The lesson begins with a line-up and kneeling Rei (bow) to the Sensei (instructor). This is followed by a warm-up session to avoid injury or strain and develop flexibility. As part of the syllabus for each Kyu (level), the Karate-Ka (karate student) will practice the following techniques in a karate class:

Kihon (Basics) – consisting of blocks, punches, strikes, kicks, stances and positions.
Kata (formal exercise) – a sequence of moves designed to defend against several ‘imaginary’ attackers
Kumite (sparring) -there are several levels of sparring used in the syllabus, ranging from basic sparring (Kihon Kumite), to semi-freestyle (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) and freestyle sparring (Jiyu Kumite).

Is there a maximum or minimum age?

There is no maximum age. We have a student that started at the age of 55 and achieved his black belt four years later. The minimum age for a junior is five years. However, we do run a bespoke program “Tiger Tots” in which the minimum age is four years. If your child is younger than four, visit the Tiger Tots page and put their name down on the waiting list.

What should I wear for my first lesson?

For your first lesson you should wear loose comfortable clothing. We train in barefoot, so you don’t need to worry about shoewear.

Dojo Etiquette

When you enter or leave the dojo (training hall) you should bow

It is also customary to bow to the Sensei and your seniors upon first seeing them as either you enter or they enter the dojo.

Always address the instructor as “Sensei” whilst in the dojo, never by name.

If you arrive late for class you should:

Change quickly and quietly – without disrupting the rest of the class

Warm up outside the class (failure to warm up because you are late can lead to injury)

On entering the dojo, kneel so the Instructor can see you and wait for the signal to join in

When the Sensei gives you the signal to join the class, bow and move quickly to your place in line.

“Oss” is a Japanese word used in the dojo as a sign of respect to the Sensei or fellow students. “Oss” is also used to confirm understanding.

Karate Gi’s should be kept clean, washed, pressed and in good condition.

On entering the dojo, you should be properly dressed in your Karate-Gi – with belt (obi) already tied.

Students (Karate-Ka) should act with appropriate respect and discipline in the dojo, and should refrain from socializing.

Make sure you are clean – especially feet! Finger and toenails must be kept short to prevent injury.

Long hair should be tied back, so that it does not obscure vision.

All jewellery/watches should be removed prior to training – if jewellery cannot be removed, it should be covered with surgical tape or plaster.

Happy Students

Dojo Locations

Bishops Stortford

Stansted Mountfitchet

Call Us

(01279) 731752

Email Us

skr@skr.org.uk