How Do I Enrol Myself/My Child?

Simple. Just come along in loose clothing, fill out a registration form and join in. If you're an adult it would also be worthwhile bringing a bottle of water. If you'd like to come along with a registration form already completed, please click here.

What age do you accept students from?

5 is the minimum age accepted. This is for two main reasons:

The first reason is the attention span of children under 5 is usually not good enough to cope with the pace of a karate class.  Even if your 4 year old may seem quite mature you have to take into consideration the average age of a junior student is around 8 years old.

The second reason is our association (and most of the major associations) will not insure children under the age of 5. Even though the likelihood of an injury in a karate class is almost nil all of our students must be insured.

 Can I stay and watch while my child trains?

Some clubs do not allow this but that rule doesn't apply at Kernow Karate club. We actively encourage every parent, especially those of beginners, to stay and watch. It's important you understand how the clubs work and that you're comfortable leaving your little one(s) with us. As a parent myself I certainly wouldn't leave my child in the hands of a stranger for an hour without checking them out first. After that, if you're happy with us, by all means give yourself an hour off!

Will you be able to show my child how to deal with bullies?

Yes, we'll teach you child how to deal with bullies and, if need be, defend themselves. What we won't do is teach your child how to beat someone up. However you'll find as your child continues to train, their self-confidence will increase. The more self-confidence you have, the more the bullies will leave you alone.

 Will I/my child get hurt?

We're using our feet and fists so we can't promise anything. However, you're more likely to be injured playing football or fishing on a riverbank than you are in a karate class - this is a statistical fact. People very rarely get more than a knock - even the accident prone ones. Kernow Karate is a semi-contact club which means that only light contact is allowed. Black belts do not have a free licence to beat you up - it really doesn't work like that.

What age do the adults start from?

We actively encourage new and exisiting members to be taking part in the seniors class from the age of 12 upwards. The junior classes are tailored to the attention spans of young children and as such students in their early/mid teens will find the lessons somewhat restrictive after a while. Students under the age of 16 that train with the seniors class are not matched up against inexperienced  adults so you can be certain they will not be hurt

Do I have to enter competitions?

No. The clubs main aim is fitness and self defence so we're not particularly interested in the sport element of karate. If the idea of gold medals and trophies appeals, then we're not the club for you. All we're interested in is looking after ourselves, not being world champions. 

I've heard about having to do gradings and don't like the idea. Do I have to do them?

Not if you don't want to, but they're really not as bad as you might think or have heard. Especially when you first start.   

Do I have to know Japanese?

No. The odd term is used but you certainly won't be able to learn how to ask for directions when you're next in Tokyo! 

How many women do you have in the club?

Compared to most clubs we have a good percentage of female students of all ages that make up 33% of the club.  

I'm not very fit, will I be able to cope?

Don't worry you'll get fit over time. Most people are unfit when they join the club. If you're an adult the chances are you're looking to take up karate because you want to keep fit, learn self defence and/or find a new hobby.

So far no one has ever joined the club because it's their first step to becoming a samurai warrior or a world champion. A general interest in karate, it's history and its principles is something people become interested in as a result of taking up karate. Most just want their clothing to fit like it used to! 

I think I might be too old to start.

You're never too old! The beauty of karate is that you can be doing it well into your eighties provided you look after your joints. Our club believes in adjusting the way that you practice karate to suit your body so you're not expected to perform like a 21 year old if you're in your fifties - and our club does have members in this age group who cope perfectly well so you won't be on your own.