From the list below choose one of our FAQs topics, then select an FAQ to read. If you have a question which is not in this section, please contact us.
How old do I have to be to start training:If you are between 5 to 105, you can start training anytime you want. Your current fitness level doesn’t matter as it will improve gradually, as you progress.Come and see for yourself. First lesson is free.
Sports Karate / Healthy Life Style:Karate help in maintaining a healthy mind and body. You can join us if you just want some light training or want to loose few pounds or may be looking for something to do as a family.All the lessons begin with a very comrehensive warm-up to increase fitness and flexibility and to make sure that the body is now ready for physical training.Karate is one of the most balanced and complete ways of keeping in good physical condition. Karate uses every part of the body and is an excellant activity for conditioning the muscles. Karate helps to develop balance, poise, flexibility, strength, speed and stamina. Most important, especially for older students and sedentary workers, is the strengthening of heart and lung action, the legs are exercised particularly well in Karate practice and any doctor will confirm that this is essential in circulatory health. Karate is not seasonal, so condition can be maintained throughout the year.
Injury Risks:
The injury risk in Karate is minimal. All the instructors in our club are properly trained in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all the students. Kids are supervised all the time. Normally its the adults who end with an occasional lump or a bruise 🙂
Cost (1 Hour Lesson):
First lesson is free
Child (5 to 15)…………………………………..£3.5
Adult (16 to 75)…………………………………£5
Family (1 Adult 2 Children)……………….£10
Family (1 Adult 3 Children)……………….£12
Family (3 Children)………………………….£9
Note: There is no joining fee.
Karate Gi /Uniform:
Gi(karate uniform) is free and will be given to you by your Sensei after completing five (5) paying lessons.
Dojos:We train at the following locations Hatfield Swim Centre Birchwood Leisure Centre Codicote Sports and Social Centre.
Please check our “Training Times” page for full address, maps and training times.
Instructors:
Sensei John Gillespie is a 5th Dan Black Belt.Sensei Ian Ramsden is a 4th Dan Black Belt. Both instructors are qualified and CRB checked.
How often should I train:
It is recommended that you train at least twice a week to make sure a consistent progress and to improve fitness and flexibility.
Training:
Karate training is broken down into 3 areas, Kihon (basics), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring), collectively known as the “3 K’s”.
Kihon (basics) is the practice of the individual blocks, strikes and kicks within karate. Kata (forms) is the practice of fixed routines or sequences of techniques against several imaginary opponents. Kumite (sparring) is the practice of techniques with real opponents.
Training within ESKA involves all 3 of these elements from beginner through to black belt and beyond. However as the student progresses a different emphasis is given to the training to improve the students karate
0-6 months is concentrated on learning the basic blocks, strikes and kicks and improving fitness and flexibility whilst installing the basics of etiquette and discipline, especially in the junior grades.6-18 months, the emphasis is on making the techniques much stronger and improving technical detail whilst balance, suppleness and strength are improved.18-36 months is concerned with learning more complex techniques, making the techniques quicker and more powerful and developing the karate spirit and installing effort alongside courage and character.36 months onwards is preparation for black belt with recognition of and understanding the non-physical aspects of karate concerned with character and truth.
These timescales should be expended by 50% for junior grades.
Gradings:
Kyu gradings (pre-black belt) are held every three months starting in March and usually occur on the second Sunday of the month.Although it is common that students do grade every 3 months, they are not expected to do so and are only encouraged to when their instructor feels they have reach the necessary ability to obtain the next grade. A simple guideline for the lower grades is that with frequent training it should be possible to achieve the next grade after 20 lessons or more. A guideline of 30 lessons is used once the grade of brown belt is reachedThe gradings are held at the Stevenage Dojo, with parents and relatives welcome to come and watch.