What to expect at your first karate class
A step-by-step walk through a first Shotokan karate class, from what to wear and when to arrive to what you will actually do on the floor.
Karate articles
Plain answers for beginners, parents and people coming back to training.
October 2026
September 2026
Starting karate as an adult
You are not too old, too stiff or too unfit. What adult beginners can realistically expect from karate training in the first year.
Is karate good for kids?
What children get from karate training, what age they can start, how it fits around school and other sport, and what parents should look for in a club.
August 2026
Shotokan compared with other karate styles
How Shotokan differs from Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu and Kyokushin, and how to choose a karate style and club that suits you.
Come and try a class
Send us a message on Facebook and tell us who the class is for. We'll reply with what to bring and which night to come.