07/08/2026
Finding A Dojo.
If you are looking for a karate club for yourself or child, then please read on.
I have seen several karate schools advertising here on Facebook. Many of them are high standard, reputable clubs/associations. But unfortunately, some are not.
Here is a list of questions to ask the club/instructor before making a decision.
1) Are they registered with a world & national governing body?
2) Does the instructor have the relevant insurances. (Instructors liability, personal indemnity)?
3) Does the instructor/assistant instructors have a first aid certificate?
4) Does the instructor/assistant instructors have a current up to date DBS (disclosure and barring service)? This used to be called a CRB (criminal records bureau).
5) Does the instructor/assistant instructors have a current up to date safeguarding certificate?
6) Do they have a child protection or Safeguarding officer?
7) What grade is the instructor (a black belt does not make them qualified) and will you be taught by them?
8) How long have they been training/teaching and what is their history, provenance & achievements?
9) How long has the club been established?
10) Have they got a risk assessment process?
11) What are they doing to ensure health and safety guidelines?
12) How much is the following:
• Licence.
• Is there a joining fee.
• Training fees.
• Is it per lesson, monthly, direct debit.
• How many lessons a week for the fee.
• How long is each lesson.
• Gradings.
• How often are gradings.
• Are the belt and certificate included in the grading fee.
• Karate suit (Gi).
• Protective equipment.
• At what grade will you need protective equipment.
• Are there any other fees.
13) Do they have access to national squad training, with qualified, successful coaches?
14) Do these coaches have all the above insurances and certificates?
15) Is there a competition & a development squad?
16) Do they have access to national, international, world courses and competitions?
17) Are competitions compulsory?
18) Is there access and training for coaches & referees and up to what level?
19) Are references available?
20) Is it a franchise?
If you are serious about starting or continuing your karate journey, then please make sure you do your homework. Don’t be shy about asking any of the above questions. Their safety and development is of the utmost importance.