What is Karate?

The word ‘Karate’ is a Japanese word that literally translates as ‘empty hand’. It is a method of unarmed combat. Apart from teaching you how to strike, block and kick effectively, karate is great training for both body and mind.

What is Kyokushinkai?

Kyokushinkai is a traditional style of karate. It incorporates punching, striking, blocking and kicking. It is an excellent form of self-defence and a fun way to get/stay fit and strong.
Kyokushinkai first came to Britain in 1965 when Hanshi Steve Arneil (9th dan) began the British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK). He began his karate in Japan with Sosai Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushinkai. In 1991 Hanshi Arneil founded the International Federation of Karate (IFK). The BKK currently has around 70 clubs and the IFK has over 100,000 members in 19 countries worldwide.

First Steps

If you think you would like to start karate, you are welcome to come and watch a training session, and talk to the instructor before or after the training session. If you do decide to do this, please sit quietly on a bench at the side of the dojo (training hall) and do not interrupt the class.
We train every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in Maes Y Coed Community Centre, Jubilee Gardens, off Maes Y Coed Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF14 4PP(opposite Memory Lane Bakery). Follow this link for a map. Training costs £3 per session for seniors (16 years and over) and £2 for juniors (7 - 15 years) but your first lesson is FREE!

What to Expect

When you first start training you will join in with the class, learning the basics of Kyokushinkai Karate. You won’t be expected to know anything but a lot of karate is taught by being shown and watching what others do. You don’t have to be super fit to start as the training will develop your fitness, stamina, co-ordination and strength.
Kyokushinkai is a traditional martial art and etiquette plays an important role in our training, to ensure the safety of everyone in the dojo and to show respect to each other. The etiquette and procedures will be explained to you in your training. The first thing you may notice is the way that the karateka (people practicing karate) line up. The instructor stands at the front of the class. The class make a straight line facing the instructor with the highest graded student on the right side of the dojo (training hall).

What to Bring

When you start you only need some loose clothes to train in. We train with bare feet so it is important to make sure that your toe (and finger) nails are short and clean. Also, bring a bottle of water and something warm to wear after training.
Eventually you will need to buy a gi (white karate suit) but we can recommend suppliers and help you choose the appropriate size when you're ready to buy one.

Next Steps

After training for a minimum for 3 months it may be possible for you attempt your first grading. This is similar to a training session but you are tested on what you have learned in the previous months. Passing your grading will result in you gaining your first coloured belt. The colour of someone’s belt indicates their grade. Beginners wear a white belt and advance through red, blue, yellow, green, brown and finally to a black belt.

Instructors

You will be taught by a number of different instructors, most of whom will be black belts. Black belts have a title which depends on their grade and most of the black belts you will meet initially will be first to fourth dans. You can tell what grade they are by the number of gold stripes on their belt, one stripe for each dan. First and second dans are called Sempai, third and fourth dans are called Sensei. You can see some of our instructors here.

Any Questions?

We hope this has answered most of your questions. Please contact us for more information, by emailing us. We look forward to meeting you soon!