Information for new starters

A few questions we are asked regularly so we’ve put them all together here. If there’s anything you want to know that isn’t covered here feel free to ask.

How far can I go?

Your progress in is your own hands; it is literally up to you. When you first start training, you will probably be content to train once or twice per week. As you progress to a higher standard, you may want to increase your training and karate commitment. As far as your club instructors are concerned, everyone is a potential Black Belt: the only person who can decide how far you wish to go is yourself.

How do I know this is a good club?

The club you will train with is part of the respected Anglo Traditional Karate Association (ATKA), affiliated to the Federation of English Karate Organisation (FEKO) and Karate England. The standard of instruction you will receive is acknowledged to be the highest in the country. You will be taught the traditional Okinawan and Japanese syllabus in order to successfully pass each grading examination and you will receive authentic recognised certificates on attaining each of your belts.

How long does it take to grade?

There are no specific timescales to follow for grading but as a rule, at least 24 lessons between each examination will enable the average student to reach 5th Kyu green belt. This equates to 2 lessons a week for 3 months, or 1 lesson a week for 6 months. To obtain higher grades, the number of lessons and time between each grading will obviously increase.

Belt system at the
Yid-Ga-Ling

9th Kyu: White Belt, Red Stripe

8th Kyu: White Belt, Black Stripe

7th Kyu: Yellow Belt

6th Kyu: Orange Belt

5th Kyu: Green Belt

4th Kyu: Blue Belt

3rd Kyu: Purple Belt

2nd Kyu: Brown Belt

1st Kyu: Brown Belt, Black Stripe

Followed by the coveted: 1st Dan Black Belt

Every person is designed in a different way so some students may progress a little faster than others, but, as previously mentioned, any Martial Art needs many years of constant dedication to master fully. Remember, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. A copy of the grading syllabus is available from the club Secretary, as well as karate Gi and all Martial Arts Equipment, club badges, magazines, books etc.

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