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1. What is the Renseikan-Dojo’s
common training scheme?
Our 3 dojos have different training times on different days. To see
which dojo times suit you, click
here. Each runs for one hour, and usually begins with a short warm
up exercise, followed by training of basic techniques (Kihon). There
is a brief break in between the training. This is followed by face to
face sparring training (kumite), and the class is concluded usually
with the practice of formal exercise of Kata.
2. What would I benefit from
training?
We teach many self-defensive moves and techniques. As our training scheme
can be physically demanding, you will gradually develop a good athletic
stamina and strength. You will also be rewarded with learning a way
of discipline, commitment and confidence.
3. I have no previous experience
of karate. What support can I expect?
We are all beginners when we first start. Our dojo provides a friendly
support to those who are starting out. You will be looked after by one
of the instructors or senior students whilst training.
4. Can I just come and watch
your club?
Yes. You, your friends and families are welcome to watch through our
training as there is a plenty of seating space. Just show your face
up and we are happy to answer any inquiry in regards to our club.
5. What should I wear to the
training? And what else should I bring to the training?
As you may know already, we normally wear a white karate suits (karate-gi)
for the training. However, most beginners are free to wear any comfortable
outfit, such as T-shirts and tracksuit bottoms. We ask all students
to take off any accessories such as wrist watches or earrings as they
can be dangerous during the training. We also train with bear feet as
this is necessary for the nature of our exercise. You are recommended
to bring some water and a towel, as you will find them helpful after
the training!
6. I am a female. Does this
matter?
Do not worry if you are female - our Dojo’s chief instructor, Ms Tomiko
Mitsuoka (7th Dan) herself is a female karate master. Although the majority
of our students are male, we also have several female students from
all age group. There is a karate class for Ladies only, this is every
Tuesday at 20:00-21:00 at the Farnham Common Dojo.
7. Can I come and train but
not join as a member?
You can start training with us before deciding on becoming an official
member of our federation. You will be paying a visitors fee of 7 pounds
for a class. Once you have decided to train with us on a regular basis,
you are recommended to become a member of W.S.K.F, as this will also
allow you to take official gradings and be insured under the federation’s
name.
8. Do I need to understand the
Japanese language to train?
Although many of the terminologies of karate are spoken in Japanese
words during the training, the class itself is taught with English language.
We usually translate the meaning of these words as we mention them so
that you will be familier with them. But we recommend you to understand
and say all the Japanese that we say because to pass a grading you need
to know the Dojo-Kun
and the numbers up to 10 in Japanese.
9. My children are under the
age of 6. Can they still train?
It is advised that your children should be at least 6 years old to join
our class, as children under this age may find many of our exercise
to be too complex to follow.
10. How long do I have to train
to become a black belt?
It takes normally a minimum of 3 to 5 years of regular trainings to
become a black belt. To earn a black belt, you would have to pass a
grading test for “1st Dan”. Dan grade comes after 10 “Kyu” grades, which
means that you will need pass 10 grading test before achieving a Dan
grade. To look at all this click
here.
11. What if I get injured? Is
there any insurance?
The number of physical injuries during normal training sessions in our
dojo is surprisingly low, as the Shotokan karate style is primarily
a non-contact karate. If in the case of a small injury, our instructors
will have a first aid kit to help. Once you become a member of our dojo,
you will be insured under the federation’s name.
12. How often should I come
to the training?
You are recommended to train with us ideally two times a week for Senior
grades or once a week for Junior grades. This is necessary if you would
like to improve on your skills on a consistent pace.
13. Does age, racial or religious
background matter?
Not unless it is a problem with you. We are friendly to any ethnic or
age group as we have wide range of members. If you need to wear a certain
accessories for your religious reason, please talk to our instructors
as they are open for arranging a special exception.
14. Do you do any weapon training?
The literal translation of “Karate” means “empty hand”. Altough some
karate styles include weapon training, World Shotokan is strictly a
non-weapon based style.
15. I am trained for other martial
arts in the past. Would this matter?
It depends on each individual, but it is usually beneficial to have
some martial arts experience in terms of your physical stamina and flexibilities.
Also, many martial arts share similar codes and disciplines towards
training. However, you may find the difference of training style and
techniques to be difficult to get used to, in this case please talk
to our instructors for more advice.
16. I used to train karate a
long time ago - do I have to start from a white belt when I join?
If you are still a member of W.S.K.F or other Shotokan Federations,
such as J.K.A (Japan Karate Association) and S.K.I (Shotokan Karate-Do
International), you are entitled to re-start training from your current
grade. If you were trained for other karate styles and want to keep
your grade, you may be asked to take a test grading in front of our
instructor. Otherwise it is entirely your decision if you would like
to start as a white belt.
17. Would it help to practice
on my own at home? If so, what is recommended?
It is generally helpful to train by yourself. There are many books and
video tapes to guide your personal training in your own spare time.
There is also the Kata Videos page of
this website to help with the main Katas. It is especially advisable
to practice Kata exercise in between the classes to refresh your memory.
Please keep coming back to our instructors for proper guidance so you
do not develop unnecessary habits whilst training on your own.
18. Can I train with other clubs
as well as with your dojo?
We do not advise you to train under multiple Dojos. This is because
every Dojo has a certain way of the teaching process and attitude, and
you may end up confusing yourself on which advice to follow.
19. Can I take a jump skip a
grading if I’m any good?
Unless under special circumstances, it is not our policy to let our
student skip forward their grading.
20. Would you teach me using
1 to 1 tuition for a special fee?
It is unlikely for an instructor to teach a student outside of our normal
training times. However you are welcome to ask our instructors to arrange
a short extra training time before or after the classes.
