Please note we are currently teaching from our private home dojo (see note below).
Classes are by appointment only.
In an effort to address some of the most common questions we are asked, we have provided an extensive FAQ section. The links below have been added so that you may navigate this information more quickly and efficiently.
Who will teach me? | How fit do I have to be? | Am I to old? | Is karate good for kids? | Is karate suitable for women? | What will I learn? | What is the cost? | How often should I train? | What do I wear? | Where are you located? | What do I do next?
It is crucial to start your martial arts journey correctly and choose the right instructor. Chief Instructor Adam Carter holds an 8th Dan black belt with Hanshi certification and has over 50 years of experience. A retired EMT from the UK, Adam began his career in the military and later served with the Police Service. Our Senior Instructor, Noel Carter, holds a 6th Dan black belt and brings over 30 years of experience in the martial arts. When you join the Shuri Dojo, you can be confident in receiving top-class, professional instruction.
You don't. Some of the people who start karate maybe unfit. The instructors know this and will teach you accordingly. If you want all the superb benefits karate has to offer then you will BECOME fitter as you practice.
You're never to old to start. There are many older karate-ka (one who practices karate). This is one of the many benefits of traditional karate practice. Unlike sport orientated karate, you can keep going as long as you want and are able to, some Okinawan and Japanese masters practice well in to their 80's and 90's.
YES! Karate is one of the best activities a child can practice, with the degree of discipline, respect and etiquette taught in the class your child will learn to accept more responsibilities, become more aware and confident. Add to this fitness and the ability to be able to stand up for themselves. You can see why so many parents enroll their children in karate classes. Children from 12 years of age are accepted.
ABSOLUTELY! Karate is perfect for women. It will increase your confidence and awareness, you will learn to use the strong parts of you body against the weaker parts of an attacker, along with ways of using your whole body to defeat an opponent rather than using strength. Karate also exercises and tones up the entire body helping you look and feel great!
You will learn classical Okinawan karate, not Japanese sport karate (Click HERE to learn more about our karate style). You will learn SELF-DEFENCE from the first lesson starting with simple easy to remember techniques and exercises, you will be surprised how quickly you will learn.
Every 3/4 months we hold promotion's and so it's up to you how much you do and how far you go, you will be able to train with other beginners and be allowed to develop at you own rate and without pressure.
We have a structured syllabus, which is designed to take you in easy steps from beginner to black belt and beyond, in a friendly, helpful, and safe atmosphere. You will be treated with respect, courtesy and patience at all times. Everyone in the dojo was once a beginner (even the instructors) so they all know how nerve racking it is when you first start training, because of this everyone tries to help make it as easy and enjoyable as possible to learn.
We have structured lesson fees, where you can pay per lesson, or monthly by cash or check. There are NO contracts. The more often you train the lower the cost of the lesson. Click HERE for our current fees and times)
A minimum of two classes a week are recommended, more classes are required for advanced students and for those that wish to progess faster. Remember that you get out what you put in. As with any sport, hobby or pastime, the more you practice the more proficient you will become.
To start with, anything loose and comfortable, a track suit or jogging bottoms with a tee-shirt or sweat shirt is ideal. A Karate-Gi (karate uniform), must be purchased within a month of starting classes and can be bought from the dojo along with any other equipment. We train in bare feet.
We no longer have a store-front commercial school, we teach from our private home dojo. This way you can be assured of a higher degree of personal tuition. Our dojo follows the older Okinawan (the birthplace of karate) tradition of training from a small home based dojo, which can be challenging at times. What we lack in size, we make up in quality, professionalism and the sincerity of our training. Please contact us for details if you are interested in joining. Please Note: We only accept those students who are dedicated and committed to Karate for the long term.
Classes are by appointment only.
Click HERE to Join Us or for further information.
We do not accept all applications for membership. Our dojo follows the older Okinawan tradition of training from a small home based dojo. We have a selective student intake on a periodic basis. Traditional training is typically limited to small, dedicated groups of students, who are seeking to achieve a high level of disciplined, skills and values. Therefore preserving the culture and foundation of our art.
Note for experienced martial artists: This is a private dojo that is not open to visitors without first gaining permission to train. The dojo exists to take beginners from white belt onwards. It does not cater to experienced martial artists looking for one-off training or transferring from another style.
