Start Learning

At Chase Wado Kai your first session is completely free, simply turn up to one of our Thursday or Friday evening beginners sessions and join in. We suggest wearing comfortable sports clothing and bring a drink.

After the first session all training is on a pay-as-you-go basis, just £5 for each one hour session with no commitment, joining fees or monthly membership costs.

New students will be asked to complete a pre training questionnaire which provides you with 4 weeks of free insurance from the national governing body (NAKMAS). After 4 weeks you will be required to purchase an annual licence ( £25 per year ) to continue training.

The annual licence provides each student with insurance cover and personal accident benefits (details can be found here ). The yearly licence is attached to your membership and grading book which also serves as a record of your gradings, training sessions, competition results etc.

Pre training questionnaire

General Questions

FAQ

Is karate suitable for all ages and fitness levels ?

Absolutely! Karate is for everyone — no matter your age, experience, or fitness level. Whether you're a child just starting out, an adult looking to get fit, or a senior wanting to stay active and sharp, karate offers benefits for all.

Our classes are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and adaptable. You’ll build strength, confidence, coordination, and focus at your own pace in a welcoming environment. It's never too early — or too late — to start your karate journey.

Come join us and discover how karate can empower you, one step at a time!

What style of karate do you teach ?

We teach Wado Kai, a traditional Japanese style of karate that blends powerful strikes with smooth, fluid movements and practical self-defense techniques.

Wado Kai emphasizes:

🥋 Speed and precision over brute strength
🧘 Body movement and timing to avoid attacks
🤝 Respect, discipline, and personal growth

It’s a style that’s both effective and accessible — making it perfect for beginners and advanced students alike. Whether you're looking to improve fitness, learn self-defense, or dive into the deeper philosophy of martial arts, Wado Kai offers a well-rounded path.

Come experience the unique balance of strength, skill, and spirit that Wado Kai karate has to offer!

What are the benefits of learning karate ?

Learning karate offers far more than just self-defense — it’s a full mind-and-body experience! Here are just a few of the powerful benefits:

🥋 Physical Fitness – Improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health.
🧠 Mental Focus – Karate sharpens concentration, discipline, and self-control.
💪 Confidence Boost – Achieving new skills and goals builds lasting self-confidence.
😌 Stress Relief – Physical activity and mindful practice help reduce stress and improve well-being.
🛡️ Self-Defense Skills – Learn practical techniques to protect yourself and stay safe.
🤝 Respect & Community – Train in a positive, respectful environment with others who support your growth.

Cost and Commitment

How much does it cost to join ?

There are no joining fees at Chase Wado Kai but after 4 weeks of lessons you will need to apply for a licence issued by the national governing body (NAKMAS) to continue training.

Do I have to commit to a contract ?

Not at all, our training is on a pay as you go basis (just £5 per session) there are no contracts or monthly fees.

Are there membership or grading fees ?

There are no membership fees but there is a cost for gradings to cover the cost of hall hire, belt and certificates etc. See the gradings page for details.

Can I try a class before signing up ?

Yes, everyone is welcome to attend a class to see what it's like before making any decision to join.

Class and Training Questions

What should I expect in my first class ?

In your first session you will begin with a gentle warm up and some stretching exercises. Depending upon class size you may take part in some joint 'line work' or you may start some syllabus work towards your first belt.

What should I wear to my first session ?

Loose fitting, comfortable sports clothing is advised.

Are there beginner only classes ?

Our beginners classes cover students just starting karate to purple belts. The beginners class is often divided into small groups by belt colour so you train with people of similar experience.

How often are classes held ?

There are 5 sessions a week at Chase Wado Kai, 2 beginner, 2 advanced and 1 sparring session.

Do I need to buy a gi (karate uniform) right away ?

No, comfortable sports wear is acceptable for the first few weeks but we would expect students to have their own gi by the time of their first grading. (A karate gi doesn't need to be expensive and can be found online for around £15)

Progression and Grading

How do gradings work ?

Gradings provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the progress they’ve made in their karate journey. These assessments usually take place in small groups, in front of a panel of qualified instructors. During the grading, each group will be asked to perform a set of techniques relevant to their level, as outlined on the Gradings page. Every student is expected to meet the technical and performance standards required for their grade in order to pass.

What's expected to move up a grade ?

To be eligible for grading, students are expected to have attended all the required workshops and sparring sessions relevant to their next grade. They must also hold a valid and up-to-date licence. In addition, students will need to successfully complete a pre-grading assessment, typically held a few weeks before the main grading. This session allows an instructor to assess readiness and provide any final guidance. Once these steps are completed, the student may then attend the formal grading, where they must demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to progress.

How often do gradings take place ?

Gradings take place three times a year in March, July and November. Future grading dates are added to our calendar at the start of each year.

Instructors and Credentials

Who are the instructors ?

Details and a short bio for each of our instructors can be found on our Instructors page.

Are the instructors DBS checked and first aid trained ?

Yes, all of our instructors are DBS checked, insured and hold relevant first aid qualifications.

Competitions and Social Events

Are there opportunities to compete ?

Yes! For students who are interested, we offer opportunities to take part in local, regional, and even international karate competitions.

Competitions are a great way to:

🥇 Test your skills in a fun and supportive environment
🤝 Build confidence and sportsmanship
🥋 Meet and learn from other martial artists
🎯 Set goals and stay motivated in your training

While competition is completely optional, it’s an exciting part of the karate journey for many students. Whether you’re aiming for medals or just want to challenge yourself, we’ll help you prepare and grow every step of the way!

Is there a social aspect to the club ?

Absolutely! Our club is more than just a place to train — it’s a community.

We regularly host social events, training camps, family days, and celebrations that bring students, families, and instructors together outside of the dojo. It’s a great way to build friendships, support each other, and have fun as part of a welcoming, like-minded group.

What Our Members Say

Sara C

"Joining ChaseWadoKai has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our son. The instructors are incredibly supportive and create a welcoming environment for all ages and abilities. We've seen a huge boost in his confidence, focus, and discipline since he started. It's more than just a martial arts class – it’s a community that truly cares about each student's growth, both on and off the mats."