NFKA FAQ's

Who can take part?

Generally, anyone over the age of five years of age can benefit from martial arts training.

The only requirement is that you make your instructor aware if you have an illness or a disability. This is purely to ensure that the correct action is taken in the event of illness/injury. All such information will be held in the strictest confidence.

How much will it cost?

There are now several well established clubs within the organisation all based in the North East. Charges per class vary from club to club, depending on the facilities and the charges made by the owners of the property. However, in general, students £3 per session. After three or four lessons, if you decide you wish to continue to practice our art, you will be required to purchase insurance and a license. The insurance and licence is obtained through your club instructor from the AMA and is renewable annually.

The next requirement will be a suit or Gi (pronounced "Gee") which can be obtained from your instructor.

If you purchase your own suit we insist that all manufacturers' badges are removed from suits and belts. This is to prevent the current brand name culture from distracting students. What you do and who you are is more important than what

you wear.

What do you need?

Enthusiasm, open mind and a willingness to learn! We will do the rest as long as you try hard and train regularly with a strong and positive attitude!

No experience is necessary.
You do not need to be fit to join.
Fitness develops through regular training.
You will be taught everything you need to know.
Water bottle

Which Class is for me?

Our classes are structured in such away that we are able to take beginners on a weekly basis. Simply go to our club pages and pick the nearest class that suits you.

Will I get hurt?

Safety is paramount in our classes with all instructors holding a first aid qualification.

The injury rate in Karate is low compared to many other sports however being a contact sport sooner or later one will get some sort of injury, however injuries are often minor.

Do I need to wear protective equipment?

As with most martial arts systems, sparring is included in the syllabus. This involves light touch contact - the emphasis being on safety. Proficiency in sparring is not tested until intermediate grades and therefore the protective equipment necessary is not required in the early stages. You will be informed about the necessary equipment by your instructor.

What can I expect on my first lesson?

You can expect a warm welcome at any of our clubs. No specialised equipment is required initially. Simply wear loose comfortable clothing - for example, track suit bottoms and a T shirt.

Most instructions are in English, there are no foreign terms to learn.

Remember, everyone had a "first lesson" once, so the other students all know how you feel and will endeavour to make you feel comfortable.

How is progress measured?

As with many martial arts, improvement is measured by examinations or "Gradings", which are held every three months. Successfully passing a grading results in progressing to the next belt grade or "kup".

There are nine grades between white belt and Dan (Black Belt) grade, each with a different colour belt to indicate progress through the stages of learning. Your own instructor will decide if you are ready to take each examination.

However, you will be examined by a senior independent instructor from the association on the grading day. In this way we can be sure that standards are maintained and that grades are earned.

At least three months must pass between each grade, and a minimum of three years is required to reach black belt standard.

What about discipline?

In a contact sport discipline is essential to prevent unnecessary injury, and there is a strict code of conduct in the halls.

On entering or leaving the training hall students and instructors are required to bow. This is a greeting to other students and also to show that students recognise they are now in the training hall and ready to abide by its rules. Everyone present in the hall will bow towards black belts entering or leaving the room. This is to show that their status is recognised and as a mutual mark of respect.

Any instruction given by an instructor or black belt will be acknowledged with a bow. This purely indicates that the instruction is accepted and understood.

All students, but in particular juniors, are frequently reminded that the skills they learn must only be practiced in the controlled environment of the training hall, unless used as a last resort to defend themselves or others.