BEGINNERS
First Time? We are currently accepting new members.
Joining Colchester JKA is easy, just follow the link below to register for two free trial classes. We will send you an email confirmation with any information you may need. We are accepting new members (age 6+).
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If you are interested in a free trial, please register via our online booking system, using the link below. If we're not currently accepting new students, we'll get in touch when free trial classes are available to book again.
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Our trial classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.00 to 6:45pm and Saturdays from 11:15 - 12:00. You'll train alongside our beginners (white belts and orange belts) learn some basic moves and get a feel for how the club operates. Please note that we are insured to teach children from age 6 and up - children must be aged 6 or older on the date of their first class.
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Once your trial is complete you can either pay as you go per class or purchase a monthly membership plan. We also offer a one-time joining package that includes a karate suit.
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If you want to keep training with us you will also need a JKA England membership. This once-per-year fee will allow you to participate in courses, gradings and competitions and will also include your member-to-member insurance which is required if you want to train with us.
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What do I wear?
We train barefoot so all you will need to wear is light loose clothing, tracksuit trousers or shorts and a t-shirt will be fine. Bring some water for afterwards.
What will it cost?
Karate can be considered a relatively cheap activity to participate in. The following is a guide to typical costs that a member might expect to pay over time.
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We offer a 'Standard' membership plan which allows you to attend any of our classes up to three times a week and offers the best value-for money. We also offer a 'Light' plan for one class a week. Alternatively you can pay-as-you-go per class. All classes are booked either online via our web site or via the TeamUp app on your mobile. Monthly membership plans range from £18 to £36 per month. Family discounts are available for families with 3 or more members.
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New members will need to obtain a 'gi' - the uniform of a karate practitioner. Beginner suits normally cost £20-£25. We also offer an introductory package that includes 10 classes and a suit for £55.
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Members of martial arts clubs (boxing fencing, karate, etc) in the UK require participants to be licensed by a national governing body. This license includes association membership and member-to-member insurance. An annual license usually costs £30 and is required for all club members. If you decide to attend regularly we will provide instructions on how to register with JKA England and obtain your license.
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Members may also want to participate in gradings, a test where they are examined by an independent examiner and may be awarded the next belt level, typically once per year or more. Grading fees usually cost around £25 per member.
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Advanced students who have been training for couple of years may also want to purchase other equipment like mitts and mouth guards. These typically cost around £10 and £5 respectively.
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How to tie a belt
It’s easy once you get the hang of it!
Our grading system
We encourage training twice a week so to reach the standard required for grading. We host gradings with a JKA England examiner 3 times a year. Typically younger kids should expect to take a grading once per year, older kids and adults two to three times per year. Usually, the higher the grade, the longer the period is between gradings.
