Frequently Asked Questions
Not really, all of our classes are family classes of mixed ability. We always make sure that we have enough Sensei's (instructors) at every session so that during the class we are able to split students into smaller groups of 6 - 10 by ability and / or age. Beginners then get to see other more experienced students training alongside them. Kyudokan Karate students are all very friendly & helpful (everybody says so after their 1st class), so there's no need to be nervous. Alternatively why not bring a friend or another member of your family to try with you for moral support!
All standard Kyudokan Karate classes are Family classes and have Kids from age 6 to adults up to 86. For the kids we focus on discipline, respect, fitness, confidence and FUN! All based around a traditional yet innovative and progressive karate syllabus that rewards effort and personal achievements.
Let’s start with the big question. Can older people, including those who are over the age of 65, start learning martial arts?
The answer is yes. Anybody, at any age, can become a martial artist with the proper training. A lot of older people like taking Karate classes to make them feel strong and confident in any situation.
Older people who learn Karate reap significant benefits in terms of their physical health, mental health, and even their emotional health. You can start Karate training at any age, even if you’ve never taken a martial arts class before.
Physical Benefits of Karate for Older People
The physical aspects of Karate can be challenging but that doesn’t mean that seniors are too old to start Karate classes. In fact, Karate can help older people combat aging, keeping their bodies strong and healthy. Here are some of the key physical benefits of Karate for older people.
- Greater muscle mass
- Improved flexibility
- Better balance
- More physical stamina
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
- Better coordination
- Improved bone density through impact and jumping
Studying Karate will help you enjoy the physical benefits of building a strong body.
Mental Benefits of Karate for Seniors
In addition to the physical benefits of Karate classes, you can also reap mental benefits if you start Karate training as a senior. Here are some of the most important mental health benefits to consider.
- Better memory
- Increased brain capacity
- Mind-body connection
Learning something new encourages the brain to form new neuron’s and connections and can even add gray matter! You’re never too old to start martial arts training, especially when you know that it’s keeping your brain young and healthy.
Emotional Benefits of Karate for Older People
There are certain aspects of getting older that can make people vulnerable to emotional issues. For example, loneliness can be an issue and so can depression and anxiety. The good news is that seniors who learn martial arts can reap these emotional benefits.
- Decreased risk of depression
- Elevated mood
- Lower risk of anxiety
- Increased socialisation & opportunities to meet new people
The reason for most of these benefits is that learning Karate and taking classes provides a full-body workout that triggers the release of endorphins, mood-elevating hormones that we all have. Endorphins can help to minimise feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety. The classes themselves offer an opportunity for socialisation and the chance to make new friends.
Is There a Risk of Injury for Seniors Who Learn Karate?
With older people, it’s important to be mindful of the risk for physical injury. As flexibility decreases along with bone mass, the chance of an injury may increase.
As with anyone, there is always a risk of injury with Martial arts, however experienced Sensei's, small group supervision and a respectful culture allows students to develop and increase fitness at their own pace, thereby greatly reducing risks.
Karate training can make injuries less likely outside the dojo by improving muscle tone and building muscle mass while increasing flexibility and improving balance.
Seniors can start Karate at a beginner level and increase difficulty as they build strength and confidence.
The first class is free, after that there is a monthly fee of £50 which entitles you to train at all our dojo's (a maximum of 1 class a day) and also includes any future grading fees as well as insurance. Family discounted memberships are also available. This is paid by debit or credit card.
- Single Membership (Junior or Senior) £50
- Combined Family Membership for 2 members (juniors or seniors) £90 (£45 each saving £10 a month)
- Combined Family Membership for 3 members (juniors or seniors) £120 (£40 each saving £30 a month)
- Combined Family Membership for 4 members (juniors or seniors) £140 (£35 each saving £60 a month)
- Combined Family Membership for 5 or more members (juniors or seniors) £150 (£30 each saving £100 a month)
Monthly training fees include unlimited* training sessions per month at any of the following venues: Bitterne Leisure Centre, Holly Hill Leisure Centre, Chamberlayne Leisure Centre and Places Leisure Centre in Eastleigh
*Maximum one Training session per available day.
The method Kyudokan Karate use to award grades is actually the most traditional way and one that the majority of Karate clubs in England now no longer use. Although traditional, Kyudokan Karate will be using technology to help communicate progress to students and parents through the app.
The amount of months since your last grade is only be used as a guide line, at Kyudokan Karate we believe it is the amount of hours that a student trains and how the student has improved in that time, not just the duration since the last grade.
Each week / month when a student has completed the guideline amount of hours training since their last grade or has shown outstanding performance, Kyudokan Karate Sensei's will then assess that students progress over several lessons. The higher the grade the longer the assessment. A student will not be notified they are being assessed.
When a student is eligible and continues to perform in lessons to the standard for their next grade, they will be shortly be awarded their grade in a lesson. There will not be a formal grading day where we have found that some students can become very nervous and their performance on that day doesn’t reflect their usual standard. Similarly students that only perform well on the day but do not consistently work hard in the lessons will not be able to have one good session every so often and get through their grades.
The amount of time it takes to get your Black Belt very much depends on the student....A Kyudokan Karate membership gives every student access to train 5 times a week, if a student then also studies in their own time out side the dojo it is possible that you could complete the journey to your 1st Dan Black Belt quicker than the typical timeline of 7 - 12 years.
This usually takes little longer for a Junior student. The typical timeline for a Junior Student to achieve a black belt with hard study is between 9 and 12 years.
While the black belt grade is a sense of personal achievement it must be remembered that it is just another milestone moving forward. It is generally accepted that it is the number of years a student has been studying. It is better to consider the hours of study. It is similar to being a student at school, If you study (homework) an extra hour each day, progression and understanding will be attainable. PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Karate is not an easy journey just like the path of life it has many highs and lows. It is about the study of nature and perfection of character and diligent study to name but a few.
Once you become a member of Kyudokan Karate , your monthly membership fee automatically enrols you into our group public liability insurance scheme. In addition all our instructors are fully insured to teach martial arts and have current Enhanced DBS check certifications.
