Which class you should attend
Wednesday is our designated beginners night. After you have attended several Wednesday night classes and are confident in the basics, you can begin to attend on Mondays and Saturdays too.

What you should wear
Karate students train in bare feet. You should wear loose fitting clothing that will allow you to kick, punch and stretch in. If you decide to train regularly, you will need to purchase a 'gi' (a karate uniform). These can be bought from any martial arts shop, but we can also arrange purchase of these for you at a discounted rate. You will also need two badges for your gi, which can be purchased through the club.

What to expect
Probably the most unusual aspect of a martial art for a complete beginner is the etiquette in the dojo (training hall), and the constant use of the word 'osu'. The word 'osu' has many meanings. It comes from 'oshi shinobu' which means 'have patience', but we use it to mean 'hello' and 'yes' - and many other things too. At the beginning of class we kneel down to formally begin the training. A series of bows will follow. There is no religious significance to the bowing whatsoever. It is simply following the Japanese custom of bowing out of respect for our seniors; in this case, those who have trained longer than us in karate.

Fees
New members are welcome to train without paying for two or three classes. You can purchase a Beginner's pack for £70 which includes fees, your insurance, a Gi (karate uniform), belt, and Seido patches.This entitles you to all classes until the first grading.

What to do when you arrive
Please e-mail seidochiswick@yahoo.co.uk of your wish to train and your name will be given to the front desk at the Art School. Alternatively leave a message with your name and contact details on the Seido Phone 07896595243. These are checked regularly. Find room 201 at the Arts Ed Schools on Bath Road, take off your shoes and come into the room. Please go up to any of our students, explain you are there for your first class, and they will help you.