New Students
New students are welcome to come along for a free trial lesson to one of our venues for children before committing to the classes. You can also take a look at our frequently asked questions, below.
Lessons are paid for by monthly direct debit. Please contact us for more information.
Please click the button below to view our welcome pack.
What To Expect At Your First Lesson
Trying karate for the first time is straightforward, and there's nothing to prepare in advance beyond comfortable clothing.
Children should wear comfortable clothing such as tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. All lessons are practised barefoot, so there's no need for trainers or special footwear.
Lessons run for either 30 or 45 minutes, depending on the venue. Parents don't stay to watch trials or regular lessons, but you're welcome to drop off and collect your child.
We recommend getting in touch before your visit so we know to expect you, though you're welcome to simply turn up on the day.
The minimum age to start is 4 years old. Classes are generally grouped by age and ability: typically 4-7 years, 8-11 years, and older students training alongside higher belts. Some venues also run a separate advanced class for higher belts, depending on numbers.
Fees and Joining
We keep our fees simple and transparent.
Karate lessons cost £132 per term, paid monthly by direct debit at £33 a month. There are three terms a year: Autumn (September to December), Spring (January to April), and Summer (May to August). Please note that classes don't run in mid-July and August, but the direct debit continues over this period as it covers lessons already taken earlier in the term.
There's an annual licence fee of £50, which every student needs in order to take belt exams. Beyond this, there are no other hidden costs.
If you'd like to stop lessons, we ask for one month's notice.
We're pleased to offer a 10% sibling discount for a second child joining, as well as a discount for students attending more than one class a week.
Kit and Equipment
Getting kitted out for karate is simple, and there's no need to buy anything before your first lesson.
We recommend waiting a couple of sessions before purchasing a karate suit, just to make sure your child settles in and enjoys their classes, as suits can't be refunded once ordered.
When you're ready, karate suits are ordered through our Karate Kit shop and delivered directly to class by your child's instructor. We're unable to post suits directly to your home. Junior suits cost £29 and senior suits cost £33.
No further equipment is needed in the early stages of training. Once your child progresses through a few belts and begins sparring, they'll need mitts and shin pads, which are also available through the kit shop.
Our Style and Approach
London Karate teaches Shukokai Karate, a traditional Japanese style that focuses on technique, discipline, and personal development rather than sport competition.
Good manners, discipline, and respect for others sit at the heart of everything we teach, values reflected in our club crest and central to traditional martial arts training.
Attendance is important. We expect students to attend all lessons, unless there is a valid reason for not being able to (illness, etc.). Attendance is a key part of the Discipline we teach through Shukokai karate.
Grading and Progression
Students have the opportunity to grade for their next belt at the end of each term. Instructors let students know after half-term if they're ready to take their belt exam, and issue a grading form; students shouldn't book a grading without first being given one, as we only put students forward when we're confident they'll pass.
As students progress through the higher belts, gradings become less frequent, typically every six months from purple belt onwards, alongside additional training courses. There's no separate grading fee. Courses are optional and booked separately through the website.