Dedicated to the true art of Shotokan Karate-Do

Est: 1999

JOINING A REPUTABLE KARATE CLUB

There are so many different kinds of activities to choose from, but if one chooses Karate, then there is a few things one needs to do. Firstly, it is important not to learn from a book. This will take years to get any sort of grip on the techniques alone and then there is a very good chance you are doing them incorrectly. Books are only ok for refreshing the mind once you have learnt a technique from a reputable instructor. Hopefully, you will not choose this path. If you do choose to join a Karate club it is also important to understand the difference between Karate & Karate-Do. Karate is the mere Martial Art were as Karate-Do is a way of life. There is a big difference between them. We at the M.S.K.C teach Karate-Do including all of its principles as a way (Do).

The first thing to do when joining a club is to contact us. We will usually invite you to come along to a class after a short telephone conversation in which we will explain any questions you would like to know and meet you in person. We will after answering all of you questions invite you to take part in the class free of charge to TEST DRIVE Karate-Do to see if it is for you. If you like what you see and experience, simply pick up a form at the end of the class and again ask any questions that you are unsure about and then you can join up. Simply as that. The most important part to always remember is that after TESTING OUT the club, you should feel happy with everything. Sensei will always discuss anything that you are unsure about and do his best to help. Another thing to remember is to make sure that the club you are visiting is a reputable one. Are they a member of a Karate board or body. Are they qualified and is there a register through the clubs body were you can check this information. One of the most upsetting things for Sensei are the amount of clubs that play on the fact that many of the public do not understand what Karate or Karate-Do is, so therefore land up being taken for a ride because the club takes advantage of this. The quality of the Maidstone Shotokan Karate Clubs can be verified through the C.M.A.A (Cobra Martial Arts Association), but more importantly, we can verify everything at the class. We actually carry our portfolios with us at all times so that you can view everything from our insurance, qualifications and membership to the C.M.A.A before even starting your TEST DRIVE class.

Whether or not you join the M.S.K.C or decide to take up another activity, please take it upon yourself to check out the club that you are thinking of joining. There are some great clubs and instructors out there, but there are also some that are not so great. Check that they have the following documentation before you join any Martial Art Club.

They are:

1. Evidence of Black Belt Grade issued by a known and more importantly traceable source within the United Kingdom. Evidence from outside of the U.K. cannot always be relied upon as some can actually be purchased!

2. Evidence of training as an Instructor, again from a known and traceable source. This training should include Child Protection and Health & Safety.

3. Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure. Police Checks are NOT acceptable.

4. A current First Aid certificate issued by a HSE approved Training Provider. If the Training Provider is not a known one then it should be checked out before accepting the cert’.

5. Proffesional Indemnity. This should be the original document NOT one on a Martial Arts Group letterhead.

Any reputable club or organization will produce the above documentation when asked. Don’t take their word for it. If they do not produce it, then the chances are they haven’t got it.

The Maidstone Shotokan Karate Clubs have passed all the requirements to teach Shotokan Karate-Do as laid down by

Martial Arts Instructor UK

Martial Arts Standards Agency