Frequently Asked Questions
What books should I be reading
Karate is mainly training based although books are a good way to get a head start!
The Beginner's Guide to Shotokan Karate
John Van Weenen
Best Beginners book on the market.! Often referred to as the Bible of Karate by many students. This is one of the first books any beginner should buy. Especially those training with TSKR. It contains most of the syllabus up to Black Belt.
Karate-do: My Way of Life
Gichin Funakoshi
Any Funakoshi book is essential reading for any Shotokan Karate-ka.
More so for those of 3rd Kyu and above.
Karate-do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text
Gichin Funakoshi,
John Teramoto (Translator)
Karate-do Kyohan: The Master Text
Gichin Funakoshi,
Tsutomu Ohshima (Translator)
Dynamic Karate
Masatoshi Nakayama,
Herman Kauz (Translator),
John Teramoto (Translator)
Excellent technical book for all students, in depth with good photographs.
Karate Fighting Techniques: The Complete Kumite
Hirokazu Kanazawa
Kanazawa is ultimately one of the finest karate-ka alive and these books are an excellent aid for those wish to achieve high technical ability and knowledge.
Shotokan Karate International Kumite Kyohan
Hirokazu Kanazawa,
K. Nakaichi (Translator)
These are a must have. Again! An excellent aid to all those training and teaching.
Shotokan Karate International Kata: Volume 1
Hirokazu Kanazawa,
Miguel Vandenburg (Translator),
Shotokan Karate International Kata: Volume 2
Hirokazu Kanazawa,
Miguel Vandenburg (Translator),
In Funakoshi's Footsteps: The Autobiography of John Van Weenen 8th Dan
John Van Weenen
An insight to the philospophy of Karate-do. Truly a great karate-ka and an inspiration to all those following the way.
These are books for those attaining an in depth knowledge surrounding the history of karate.
Okinawan Karate
Mark Bishop
The Bible of Karate: The Bubishi
Patrick McCarthy
Q. How do I know which club to choose?
A. There are many clubs that are ran to high standards by professional Instructors. Ask to see there credentials. They should have Insurance Cover and be fully licenced with a National Governing Body, such as TSKR is with NAKMAS. Instructors will also be hold CRB enhanced checks to work with children and vunerable adults.
TSKR and NAKMAS have many Clubs in the area. This gives you freedom of choice to a lot of top uk Instructors.
Q. I am not very fit and haven`t done any exercise for many years?
A. Instructors with TSKR are professional & will not expect students to go beyond there capabilities. Training starts at your pace and is gradually built up over time. Many students come for fitness training. Over the year students have commented that the can cycle or walk for further without getting out of breath. This is gained through a gradual process of increasing your fitness.
Q.What is the age limit?
A.Students can start as early as 4yrs and there is no limit to how old you are. Often Karate can enhance mobility, awareness and keep the mind active. There are selected TSKR Clubs that teach Kids Karate from 4yrs onwards. These are only with Sensei Wittkopp. Most Clubs take in from 7yrs upwards.
Q. Is karate expensive will it cost me a lot of money?
A. Karate like many other sports and hobbies has initial setting up fees. Beginners will only have to pay for lessons. Once they have completed a beginners course, students will then have to become a member and apply for a licence which are kept to a minimal annual fee. Students will only need to wear loose clothing to start with. Suits are available from different sources and can range from £ 12.50 for a junior suit up to the Instructor Adult Suit of a £100. Most beginner Adult suits average £20.
Q. Is Karate dangerous or aggressive.?
Like most sports, if it is not done under the correct supervision,then it can be dangerous. TSKR Clubs have a structured and professional approach to training. Our students are encouraged to be friendly to new students and to remember we all started somewhere.. Karate is a Semi Contact sport, This meaning light contact only, or to the touch.
Q. What shall I do next to get started?
A. Give TSKR a call. This will be an informal chat & any questions will be answered. We are here to help!
Tel (01362) 652855
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