The minimum age is 6 and our oldest member is in their 70s. We encourage everyone to join. We often find that children and parents join together. It’s one of the few activities in East Lothian that is multi-generational.

We offer you 4 classes for free, to get a feel for training and to get to know the club, after that it is pay per class with additional family members half price. We are a non profit making club, all funds go towards the training, venue bookings and supporting the students development in JKA karate. There is a yearly membership to JKA Scotland which is your licence and insurance. There are also additional costs if you choose to grade or compete at the championships. Drop us an email if you need more information [email protected]

Throughout the year we have three opportunities to grade, it is an exam where you perform Kihon, Kata and Kumite in front of a panel of senior Sensei, to see if you have achieved a specified level of skill. If you pass your grading you gain a new belt and begin a new level of training. Sensei Paola guides students to help them know when they are ready to grade. Before each grading there is a special karate course/class, which is an opportunity to meet the wider JKA community as clubs come together and visiting Sensei share their skills.

In addition to grading, twice a year there are opportunities to compete. This is not compulsory but is a fun way to try out techniques and learn from others. The competition is split into a wide range of categories so that everyone can participate and test their skills against others of a similar level and physique.

How long is a piece of string? It will depend on your existing physical ability and experience, as well as how often you practice and how hard you train. Student’s often progress through the lower belts quite quickly, but as the skills become more complicated, they take more time to learn. It takes a number of years to become a black belt, and that’s when the learning really begins!

For trial sessions, just wear clothes that are easy to move in. Once you have joined then you will need to buy a karate gi (uniform) before you can take your first kyu grade (orange belt). But these are available in a range of price points and are designed to be hard wearing. The good news is, because we train barefoot, you don’t need any expensive trainers.

For any additional questions please send us an email, [email protected] we can also be found on facebook.