frequently asked questions
Q: What do I need to start?
A: The first thing you need to start at Crouching Tiger Karate is enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
Everyone is welcome to train at Crouching Tiger Karate; there are classes available for all ages and abilities.
You do not need any special clothes or equipment. Just come along in loose, comfortable clothing such as a tracksuit and t-shirt.
Lastly, it will help if you have patience and perseverance. If you find some things difficult at first it is important to keep trying and not give up. Try to think of karate training as an individual progression, and do not compare yourself to other people.
Remember, everyone was once a beginner!
Q: What is the minimum age to start Karate?
A: Tiger Cubs Karate classes are open to girls and boys from four years old. The classes run for half an hour or forty five minutes and are tailor-made to suit the physical ability and concentration span of children from four years.
Crouching Tiger Shotokan Karate classes are open to girls and boys from six years right through to adulthood. The classes run for at least forty five minutes each week and are more technically advanced than the classes at Tiger Cubs Karate.
Q: What are the benefits of practising Karate?
A: There are many pressures and temptations for children in modern day society, and Karate does help to provide focus, diminish stress and gain a greater level of self-confidence. The confidence and self-control that evolves from Karate training can help to avoid confrontation and gives students the ability to resolve problematic situations calmly and effectively while refraining from violent behaviour.
Karate training also helps to develop the character through teaching discipline, respect and the importance of good etiquette. Karate classes are also an excellent form of physical exercise and helps to improve all aspects of fitness. Karate improves the balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and automotive skills of its participants even while they are mastering basic Karate techniques and exercises.
It is a very efficient way to keep the body in good shape and condition. Karate promotes the maxim of 'Healthy Body - Healthy Mind'. Students are encouraged to discuss and consider issues such as diet, exercise and activity as well as life skills and responsibilities.
Q: Will my child take part in Gradings?
A: Tiger Cubs Karate classes offer a grading at the end of each term. The children will receive a merit badge and certificate to reward them for their effort during the term. These gradings are fun, and not designed to put pressure on the children. The gradings are also a great opportunity for the parents to see their children doing Karate, and the children enjoy the benefit of demonstrating their skills to an audience.
Crouching Tiger Shotokan Karate Gradings are more formal events as the children must demonstrate their syllabus to an examiner, who will decide whether they are ready to be promoted to the next Colour Belt. If the children are successful they will receive a English Karate Federation (EKF) Certificate to go with their Colour Belt. The ranks achieved in Crouching Tiger Shotokan Karate will be recorded in a Record Book, and the grades are recognised worldwide.
Q: Will my child take part in Tournaments?
A: Taking part in Karate Tournaments can be a very empowering and confidence-building experience. We never insist, but we do encourage and support students who feel ready to participate in competition.
We also do our research very carefully and select only the Tournaments that are compatible with our teaching and Club culture.
Competing can often complement ongoing development, but it is our opinion that competing at the wrong time, or in the wrong environment can also be unhelpful. In our view, Karate is not a sport, but a Martial Art. Therefore, it is possible for competition to be a part of the Martial Art but the real essence of Karate lies in the traditional teachings and these teachings do not emphasise competition.
Q: Is Karate dangerous?
A: Karate has an excellent record for having very few accidents and injuries. Many precautions are taken in order to maintain this record of good safety in Karate. The instructor always checks the floor before the class to make sure it is safe and clean, as Karate is always done in bare feet. All instructors are certified in First Aid training, and have up to date medical records of all the students, as well as emergency contact details. All venues are equipped with first-aid packs.
On rare occasions, it is possible that minor injuries such as cuts or bruises may occur as a result of a fall or contact with another student. Therefore, the students must respect and obey the Dojo rules which include: no running, no experimenting new techniques without being advised or supervised by an instructor, keep finger and toe nails short and clean, tie long hair securely, wear no jewellery, wear proper safety equipment for the relevant drills and please warm up properly before attempting any advanced techniques.
Q: Will Karate make my child more violent?
A: It has been universally recognised worldwide that training in Martial Arts results in energy being channelled in a positive and constructive way.
Karate teaches self control and responsibility. Although your child will be taught how to gain strength and hit hard, statistics show that it is very unlikely that this will be used in situations where it is not absolutely necessary.
All Crouching Tiger Shotokan Karate participants must also sign the Student Declaration in their Budo Pass, which helps them understand the true principles and Code of Conduct for all Karate practitioners.
