How do I join?
All of our clubs run beginners courses on a regular basis. Our instructors are very experienced people who will put a beginner at ease and help them feel at home from their very first training session. The support and encouragement a beginner also receives from existing members ensures that those "first-night-nerves" are completely unfounded. Check our list of clubs and their training times. Choose one that is convenient for you, then simply call the contact number and have a chat with the instructor. There is no need to have a karate suit during your first few sessions. A tracksuit or even some light loose-fitting clothing will be fine.


Is Kenpo difficult to learn?
The curriculum is divided into stepped modules or "belts" starting at Yellow belt or beginner level, with each subsequent grade taking you to a progressively higher level of co-ordination, speed, reaction time and technically more complex combinations of moves. Kenpo is a physical skill like any other. Think of it as like learning to drive. Some people will go on to be formula one racing drivers, but anyone can get from A to B, and all will derive great enjoyment and fulfillment from the experience.


Can I go at my own pace?
Each belt, from yellow through to black, has its own set of technical moves, drills and exercises to be learned, practiced and perfected. What it does not have is a time limit. Whether a student spends six months or two years perfecting a belt is entirely at their own discretion although they will receive constant tutelage from their instructor and encouragement from their fellow students to help them move up the ranks.


Is it expensive?
On the contrary, The IKKU is not run as a business and instructors give their time out of dedication to promoting the art. The fees charged for year round classes are very much less than one would expect to pay for participation in most other sports and are really designed to cover the costs of running your club and supporting the organisation in its many endeavours.


Is it time consuming?
Most clubs meet for two training evenings per week and members are encouraged to attend as often as possible. Of course, membership of an IKKU club entitles you to visit and train in any of the other clubs in the organisation. So, for the really dedicated, there is ample opportunity to train as often as they wish.


What if I am not very strong or athletic?
The very reason most join a martial arts club is because they wish to attain the physical abilities that they are lacking. So don't feel you have to be an action-man or woman to begin with.


Will I be training with a bunch of "Heavies"?
There are many misconceptions about martial arts and the people who practice tem. One such wrong idea is that everyone in your club will be a Special Forces Commando who will make you feel like a weakling. Nothing could be further from the truth.
When you join a club you will find yourself training alongside people from every walk of life, from housewives to engineers, from bus drivers and nurses to sales reps and civil servants.


I am not very competitive, can I still train?
Certainly. You will be training primarily for self-defence, and for many people, that is their main goal in Kenpo. However, competition is the sporting side of Karate and is an important facility for those who wish to avail of it, but only if that is the direction they feel their training is taking them.


Is Kenpo suitable for young children?
The IKKU has designed a curriculum on 3 levels: Senior (over 15), Junior (10 to 15) and Children (under 10). The children's courses are specifically formulated to teach useful self-defence techniques through the medium of games and play where the child feels under no pressure and where less emphasis is placed on more serious aspects of physical attack. This gives young children a firm foundation for when they graduate to the Junior, and eventually, on to senior courses.


We hope the above helps to answer many of the more commonly asked questions that occur to prospective members. However, when you call one of our instructors, please feel free to ask any questions you wish (next weeks Lotto numbers might be a problem). Good luck! We wish you every success and hope your decision to study the art of Kenpo Karate will be a truly positive, life changing experience.