WHAT IS KARATE-DO?
`Kara' is the Japanese word for empty, while `te' means hand. `Do' translates as way or path. So Karate-Do can be interpreted as The Way of The Empty Hand. Karate itself is a weapon less means of defence. Karate is an Asian martial art involving blocking, kicking, punching and throwing techniques.

WHY KARATE?
The hard physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promote overall good health, fitness and well being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident, disciplined and determined character. Karate is also a means of developing friendship and as a self defence it is one of the most effective of all the martial arts.

WHAT DOES KARATE TRAINING INVOLVE?
Karate training is structured into three main categories - Kihon, Kata and Kumite Basic techniques, set combinations and fighting. Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced to you as basic blocking and counter attacking, but will ultimately lead you to freestyle fighting, where you will be taught to attack, and defend against unannounced attacks.

IS KARATE DANGEROUS?
Karate is by definition dangerous, it is a system of kicking and striking in order to defend oneself. However, Karate is based on respect, discipline and awareness. Lessons always begin with a full warm up to reduce any strains and muscular injuries. During classes at Dartford SKC students are closely supervised at all times and taught accordingly to their level and experience. However, occasionally people can get the odd minor bump or bruise.

CAN ANYONE DO IT?
Karate is for everyone and can be practised by men, women and children. Students can range from five years of age upwards. Anyone, who is in reasonable health can train in Karate. Karate improves the student's health, self awareness, confidence and self esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in behaviour and concentration of children who train regularly at the club. Older people have gained their black belts after 60 and have practised the art into their 80s. Everyone receives the same training although the instructor will not demand the same level of endurance. Everyone's training is with oneself and the instructor only expects the best that you can achieve.

HOW GOOD IS KARATE FOR FITNESS?
Karate is one of the most balanced and complete ways of keeping in good physical condition. Karate incorporates the use of the entire body in which legs, hips, spine, shoulders and arms are co-ordinated to develop balance, flexibility, poise, speed, strength and stamina. No other form of training uses as many parts of the body to such an extent. Karate is not seasonal and so one's condition can be maintained throughout the year. Other forms of training, where exercise for the sake of exercise is done, become a chore after the first enthusiasm passes and are invariably dropped. However, Karate becomes more interesting and rewarding as you progress, without any limit. Even after decades of training, students will still be learning and improving their techniques - this is very rare in any sport.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO GET BLACK BELT?
Students can take regular gradings after set periods of training (normally every 3-4 months depending on attendance and effort). Students can generally achieve black belt standard in 4-5 years with regular and correct training. Dartford SKC has a structured grading syllabus to enable measured progression throughout your Karate training.

WHO WILL TEACH ME?
The instructor (sensei) at Dartford SKC is Paul Herbert, a renowned teacher with around 25 years of Karate experience. A full profile can be viewed here. Paul ensures that his students have the most up to date knowledge of Shotokan Karate by training regularly with Sensei Hazard, the chief instructor and chairman of the Academy of Shotokan Karate.

WHAT DO I NEED TO START?
Karate students train in what's known as a Gi (Karate suit). However, for your first half a dozen lessons, tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt will suffice. I.e. loose clothing that enables free movement of your arms and legs. A Karate Gi can be purchased from the club at anytime - visit the DSKC Shotokan Shop.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
At Dartford SKC there are no hidden costs, you simply pay as you go and there are no monthly contracts or direct debits. Karate is a relatively inexpensive pursuit compared to many others, especially when you consider the quality and experience of the instructors teaching you. Juniors train for £4 per evening (up to 3 classes depending on grade) and seniors for £5. The only other fee at Dartford SKC is for the annual membership (£20).

I TRAIN IN ANOTHER MARTIAL ART OR AT A DIFFERENT KARATE CLUB, AM I STILL WELCOME AT DARTFORD SKC?
We welcome everyone - Dartford SKC has no political agenda whatsoever and runs a complete 'open door' policy. We have many regular members at the club but also many casual visitors from clubs all around Europe. All we ask is that visitors respect the dojo and everyone in it. Visitors who have taken advantage in the past have learned a hard lesson.

WHAT ARE THE CLUB'S AND ASSOCIATION'S ADVANTAGES?
As a member of the Academy of Shotokan Karate and Dartford SKC you'll become part of a close Karate forum that will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential through the practice of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do. Not only does the club offer you an excellent training schedule with first class instruction, it also offers you discounted training equipment and a friendly social scene with a variety of annual events.

Benefits include;