What are the days & times for the classes?
Normally classes are run on a Tuesday and Friday evening, split over Little Dragons (5-7 years), juniors (from 8 years) and teens, and adults. Full schedule and locations detailed on the homepage.
Please note that we train all through the year, including school holidays, but we do have two weeks off over Christmas.
Is the club a bona fide organisation?
The British Karate-Do Chojinkai (BKC) is the association to which the Kendal Chojinkai Karate club belongs to and is a full member of the English Karate National Governing Body (EKF). The EKF is recognised as the official governing body for karate in England by the British Karate Federation (BKF), European Karate Federation (EKF) and the World Karate Federation (WKF).
What is ‘Chojinkai Karate’?
‘Chojinkai’ means super force or powerful group and is the name of the Wado Ryu based Karate founded by our President & Chief Instructor Doug James, 9th Dan Black Belt. Karate is an excellent method of achieving and maintaining physical fitness, improving self-control and a dynamic self defence discipline.
Do I have to attend twice a week?
Ideally yes, but not essential, by committing yourself to train on average twice a week, you will be well on your way to achieving your goals, and together with your hard work, advancing towards the coveted Black Belt – we boast many Black Belts – you could be one of them!
If you can only train once a week, this is OK, but it will take you longer to achieve your goals. If your circumstances change, just attend more classes and increase your monthly payment (if you choose this payment method).
When a student has reached the standard to progress to the next belt &/or move class, the student/parent will be notified of the grading exam by the Instructor.
Who will be teaching the Classes?
Kendal Chojinkai Karate is run by a group of volunteer black belts with a wealth of experience at club and national level. It is supported periodically by visiting instructors from the association Senior Grading Panel, headed by Chojinkai President & Chief Instructor, Doug James 9th Dan. All of the instructors are enhanced DBS checked and first-aid trained.
View the instructors at www.kendalchojinkai.co.uk/instructors/
What should I wear & can I try it out before I join the club?
We always provide free come and try classes. Just wear loose clothing, t-shirt, shorts or track suit etc. If you decide to join, you will receive your starter pack.
What is included in the starter pack?
The standard starter pack includes a new Karate suit, a set of Karate hand mitts and a gum shield, a Club Handbook, your ‘Karate Passport’ with your first years Karate Licence, which includes basic accident insurance (for Little Dragons it’s the Little Dragons Handbook, a Karate Licence is not needed). The starter pack is a one off payment of £35 and you will receive it at the earliest opportunity.
What is the monthly payment/subscription?
The monthly subscription is made by bank Standing Order and is £30 per month for an individual member. This payment entitles you to attend any of the normal classes at Kendal Chojinkai Karate Club. The Standing Order can be cancelled at any time, however one month’s notice would be appreciated. This monthly amount includes your class fees and renewal of your Karate Licence after 12 months (See BKC Karate Licence below). There is also a family discount, £40 for 2, £50 for 3 or more. Little Dragons are just ‘Pay As You Go’ only.
What if I can only attend one class per week?
The monthly payment is £20 per month for each member attending one class per week. Also included is renewal of your Karate Licence after 12 months (See BKC Association Karate Licence below). There is also a family discount, £30 for 2 and £40 for 3 or more. Little Dragons are just ‘Pay As You Go’ only.
Do I still have to pay the monthly fee, when on holiday or possibly ill?
Yes, the classes are available for you to attend at least 48 weeks of the year. We have allowed for certain closures during the year when calculating the monthly fee, such as Christmas, New Year and grading days, plus an allowance for your annual holiday and occasional sickness.
Can I pay per class attended?
Yes, we offer a ‘Pay As You Go’ option, just £5 per class attended. There is also a family discount of £1 per family member when all training together – £8 for 2 and £12 for 3. If you opt for ‘Pay As You Go’, the BKC Karate Licence needs to be renewed yourself (See BKC Association Karate Licence below). ‘Little Dragons’ is £3 per class attended and do not need a BKC Association Karate Licence.
What is a BKC Association Karate Licence?
The BKC Association Karate Licence is your ‘Lifetime Karate Passport’ and is also a grading record book that carries basic accident insurance. The first years BKC Association Karate Licence is included in your Starter Pack and renewed yearly within the monthly payment scheme, but not if you choose the ‘Pay As You Go’ option. If you opt for ‘Pay As You Go’, the BKC Karate Licence needs to be renewed by yourself, after the first year at a yearly cost of £10pa. No reminders are sent out however; please request a licence renewal form when your renewal is due.
How do I Join?
If you’ve completed your free trial classes and would like to become a member, just follow these simple steps:
- Complete the Online Membership Form
Fill in your details and let us know how you’d like to pay. - Set up a Standing Order (if paying monthly)
Use your online banking to set up a standing order. The first payment should leave your account on the 1st of the following month. - Pay Your Starter Pack Fee
You’ll also need to pay for your starter pack, which includes your suit, belt. Please include your first month’s training fee (or a part-month amount, if applicable).
Bank details for payments and standing orders will be automatically emailed to you once you complete the form. Or, if you prefer, you can bring cash to your next class.
Further Queries?
Please speak to Elaine Wilkinson at the club or phone 07974 088959.
