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Qu. Why
take up Karate ?
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Ans
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Karate offers different
things to different people. Some train in Karate to keep
fit, or just to keep themselves active. Some join to meet
people and develop an interest outside of work or home
life. Others aspire to be the highest grade or be the
best in their chosen sport.
Whatever your reason for
taking part, Karate is a safe, enjoyable and rewarding
activity that you can practice at your own pace under
the instruction and guidance of trained and understanding
instructors. You'll also be with like minded individuals
of all ages who have taken up Karate for the same reasons
as you.
Karate
is not only a great workout and stress-reliever. Specific
benefits of karate training include improvement of cardiovascular
endurance, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and
coordination. Adults of all ages and experience levels
are encouraged to join.
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Qu. Why
Silversprings Karate Club ?
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Ans
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Sensei Paul Allan (7th
Dan) possesses a high level of knowledge and capability.
Most importantly, he is distinguished from most karate
instructors in two respects: firstly, he is a qualified
teacher, and secondly, he has a background in medical
training. The Dojo
(training gym) is top class and perfect for martial arts
training. There is a good balance of students in terms
of age, gender and experience. Finally, there is
a good atmosphere and good standards.
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Qu. Do
I have to be fit to do Karate ?
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Ans
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No. In Shotokan Karate,
everyone works to their own capabilities. As long as you
do your best, you'll see a steady improvement as your
training progresses.(Obviously if you have any health
problems you should consult your doctor and inform Sensei
Allan before commencing training.)
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Qu. What
if I have never been good at sports generally ?
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Ans
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There are no prerequisites
in beginning Karate training. It is assumed that you can
walk, but seriously, that is about it. You will start
with the very basics and you will find that your balance,
co-ordination, level of fitness and general feeling of
well-being will improve.
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Qu. Am
I the right age ?
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Ans
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Whatever your age, you
can get a lot out of Karate. Unlike other sports, the
emphasis is on personal improvement rather than absolute
achievement. And some of our members are already older
than they'd like to admit.
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Qu. Will
I have to fight or break blocks - is it safe ?
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Ans
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Pre-arranged sparring
or "kumite" forms a part of the grading syllabus, but
this is more an exercise in concentration, timing and
physical precision - a chance to practice your techniques
and get feedback from a partner. Competitions involve
a less structured form of sparring, but these are entirely
optional. Of course, if you do have an interest in this
aspect of karate you'll be able to draw on the wealth
of competition experience held by the club's instructors.
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Qu. Can
I just come and watch a class first ?
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Ans
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Of course! You're always
welcome to come along and watch one of the classes, free
of charge. Just ask for directions to the training hall
from the sports centre's service desk. Please try to avoid
arriving after the start of a class however, to avoid
any disruption to training.
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Qu. OK
I'll give it a go - what do I need to wear ?
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Ans
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Make sure you're wearing
something comfortable that doesn't inhibit free movement
- such as jogging bottoms/shorts and a T-shirt.
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Qu. What
can expect in my first lesson ?
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Ans
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Each lesson starts with
a brief warm-up designed to get muscles moving and increase
flexibility, in preparation for training. After this,
there is normally a session on basic techniques followed
by kata, however the format of the class does vary.
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Qu. How
much does it cost ?
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Ans
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Karate is not expensive
compared to most other sports. There is an annual fee
which may be paid monthly. If you attend the club regularly,
you'll also need to buy a white cotton suit (called a
"gi") and obtain a licence - Sensei Allan will advise
about this. There are generally three gradings each year
for which there is a small fee.
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Qu. When
will I get my Black Belt ?
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Ans
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All students in Karate
start with a white belt grade which is called 10th Kyu.
Gradings take place roughly every four months and at each
grading, a student can progress, subject to learning and
passing the grading syllabus, to the next grade 9th Kyu
(Orange). Then 8th Kyu (Red), 7th Kyu (Yellow), 6th Kyu
(Green), 5th Kyu (1st Purple), 4th Kyu (2nd Purple), 3rd
Kyu (1st Brown), 2nd Kyu (2nd Brown) and 1st Kyu (3rd
Brown). A 1st Kyu (3rd Brown) can then progress to their
Black Belt, 1st Dan, the first dan grade.
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Qu. Is
Karate a male preserve ?
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Most definitely not. Karate
is increasingly attracting ladies and there are ladies
training at all levels in our club. Indeed, ladies tend
to have an advantage in terms of suppleness.
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Qu. I
have some experience - can I keep my rank ?
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Ans
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It can be difficult to
compare ranks from different Shotokan karate schools (let
alone different karate styles). Students of other Shotokan
schools who join the Gin Sen club may or may not be able
to keep their ranks, depending on their standard. Such
students generally remain ungraded until the next club
grading at which stage a decision will be made by Sensei
Allan. Other arrangements may be made for Dan grades (black
belt level).
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