A member with a newly earned red belt celebrating with arms raised

入門Join

Your first class is free.

Simply come along to any of our classes and join in. All the people you will train with started out just like you.

Three steps onto the mat.

No forms to fill in before you try it, and no pressure to sign up. Come along, train, and decide for yourself.

  1. A junior class lined up in a sports hall
    1

    Come to any class

    Bring jogging trousers, a t-shirt, training shoes and some water. Your first class is free.

  2. Seniors training in lines in a sports hall
    2

    Train and see how it feels

    The first few classes might feel a bit strange, with new skills and some Japanese terms. Within a few weeks you should notice your fitness, balance and coordination improving.

  3. Laila and Wilf in their gis in front of the Karate-do Shoto Association banner
    3

    Register and get your gi

    If you decide to carry on, register as a member. We will measure you for your first gi, and the association supplies karate suits and training equipment at discounted prices.

Membership fees.

Simple monthly membership, plus a one-off registration with the association.

  • Junior membership

    £20 a month

    Access to all junior classes.

  • Senior membership

    £30 a month

    Access to all senior classes, and you can join junior classes too.

  • Registration

    £15 one off

    Registers you as a member of the association.

礼What we ask of you

Good character comes first.

We take our responsibility as karate teachers very seriously, so we require good character before membership is granted. Bad attitude, ego and arrogance are unwelcome.

Train to the best of your ability and bring a strong, positive attitude. Patience is a must. The more you train, the better you become, and the sooner you can help pass the knowledge on to others.

“Train as if your life depends on it. Someday it will.”

A smiling junior with a new brown belt, his instructor's arm around his shoulder

質問Still wondering?

Ask us anything before you come.

For further information, send a message to our chief instructor Stephen McGlinchey. Or read the questions people usually ask before their first class.

Juniors practising kata together