When and where are the classes taking places?
Classes take place every Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 and Friday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 in Killorglin Sports Complex, Langford Street, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Classes are open to anyone interesting in starting karate and suitable for beginners, adults and children from 12 years old.
When can new starters begin training?
As the saying goes, the best time to start karate is when you are 12, the next best time is now. You can start training at any time during the year. We organise beginners sessions from time to time, usually in September and in January. Our classes include all ranks and ages and we also practice the Fundamental punches, kicks and blocks of the style (called Kihon) at every class. This gives beginners a chance to learn the basics whenever they join.
How much do classes cost?
The saying “Kyudo Mugen” which roughly translates as “The study of the way is never ending” is often associated with the Kyudokan. We believe that progress in a martial art can only come from regular practice. For this reason, we have chosen to keep the costs as low as possible in order to encourage students to train regularly.
Below are the costs per class. In most cases, the monthly payment is the simpler way. During lockdown, online classes are FREE!
Payment Monthly
Monthly payments are suitable for people who intend to train at least once a week. Payment is due at the beginning of the month and the student can attend as many classes as they want during the month.
Children (Under 18 years old): €25.00
Adults 18 years old and over: €50.00
Family (one adult and one or more children from the same family) €60.00
Payment per class
For those of you who are likely to attend less than 4 classes a month, it is possible to pay per class. The fees for the payment per class is as follows:
Children: €5.00
Adults: €10.00
We cap payments to €50 for adults and €25 Euro per child, however, we would prefer monthly payments as is simplifies our administration greatly.
We do not offer per class payments for families.
Are the classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, we welcome new members any time during the year. All club members train together and we might sometimes split the class in groups by level particularly for Kata practice.
We believe that it is beneficial for beginners to train with more advanced practitioners. Remember that no matter how advanced the club members are, they have all been beginners at some stage so they will be happy to guide you along the journey.
What age groups is karate suitable for?
Classes are suitable for all age groups from age 12. We will consider children aged under ten under exceptional circumstances, for example when the parents and the children are training together or of there is already an older sibling in the class. Please feel free to contact us for further information.
Younger practitioner can participate in competition but Kyudokan traditional karate is very practical and focuses on self defence and the protection of the body. Karate is a life-long study and Okinawa masters train their whole life and into their 70’s and 80’s.
The cost of classes for children under 16 is €5 per class or €25 per month. We also have a family rate so the maximum cost for one adult and one or more children under the age of 16 is €60 per month. This allows families to train together twice a week if they wish at a reasonable price.
What should a beginner wear, what equipment is required?
You can start your first few classes wearing a tracksuit or pair of shorts and tshirt.
After a few classes, we would expect you to acquire a white karate gi (karate suit). These can be purchased at a reasonable price (from about 20 euro) either online or in some local sports shops. Other optional equipment is a gum shield and sparring mitts.
Do you have a separate class for children?
Not at the moment. As we are a small club, all participants train together. We usually pair people for exercise based on their age and size. Having children and adults practice karate together means that the activity can be done with your children if you so wish. In fact this is the way many adults have started training and some of them kept training long after their children stopped.
What does a standard class entail?
A normal class will usually start with a warm up and stretching. This is then followed by some basic punches, blocks and kicks (Kihon). We also train in some Kata (patterns) at every class and usually also do some exercises with a partner. Sometimes we do a few conditioning exercises (with the adults in particular) or some bag work.
Kyudokan main principles are the protection of the body, Yin and Yang, circularity of movement and breathing. These elements are worked on during class. The style focuses more on realistic techniques and traditional budo but we do take part in competitions occasionally.
If you have further questions in relation to our school or our classes, please feel free to contact us or visit our Facebook page.