FAQ

We understand that you may have questions about our martial arts club, training programs, and services. Take a moment to explore our FAQ section and feel free to reach out to us if you have any additional questions. We are here to assist you on your martial arts journey!

I've never done Karate or any other martial art before

Don’t worry; not a lot of people who join have either. Just remember that everybody is a beginner at one time or another. North Surrey Karate is a fantastic place to start your Martial Arts journey. With a friendly instructor and experienced members, we are all here to help you and make you feel welcome and part of the NSK family!

I've done another martial art before

Even if you have done a completely different style of Karate or Martial Art all together, you will have a head start. Even if you stopped years ago, you will be surprised at how quickly you will pick it back up and remember certain things. North Surrey Karate has people who have come from different styles and clubs, often not training for years but quickly getting back into it.

How much does it cost?

The best thing to do is come along and try a lesson. If you decide that karate is for you, just speak to Sensei Jason Rogers or Zoe about the club membership and fees. If you decide to join, you will also need to get insurance (a licence from the EGKA) and a Gi (the white clothing). Gis can be purchased from us and do not need to be bought right away. At some point, you will need to purchase some sparring gloves and shin guards, especially if you decide that you want to compete.

Why do I need to purchase the EGKA membership/licence?

The EGKA is the largest member country of the IOGKF, and as such, membership gives you a privileged opportunity to learn and train directly with Morio Higaonna Shihon, who is one of the foremost authorities on Goju-Ryu karate in the world today. Most of our senior senseis regularly travel to Okinawa to train directly with Higaonna Sensei to ensure that instruction here in England remains true to the teachings of Goju-Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi Shihon.

The benefits of the EGKA membership or licence are:

  • EGKA Dojos ensure a high standard of safe and technical instruction
  • Third Party and Personal Injury Insurance Cover

More information about the membership or licence please contact us.

Am I too old to do Karate?

Definitely not; we have students of all ages at NSK! Mature students find many of the challenges within Karate, in particular our style, appealing.

Am I or is my child too young to do Karate?

We teach children from the age of 4 upward.

What do I need for my first lesson?

In terms of clothing, you can wear comfortable tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. Shoes must be removed before entering our dojo, and all jewellery will also need to be removed before the lesson starts. This is just for Health and Safety purposes and to ensure your items are not damaged or lost. We also suggest you bring a bottle of water, juice, or energy drink just to keep yourself hydrated, as you will be sweating!

When can I come along?

We always suggest you arrive about 10 minutes early so that you can make yourself known, make us aware of any medical conditions that may affect your training and/or that we need to be aware of, and of course, this gives you time to ask us any questions.

What of style Karate do you teach?

At North Surrey Karate, we teach the Traditional Okinawan Karate Style of Goju Ryu. There is lots of information about this on our site and on the internet. We are affiliated with the English Goju Ryu Karate-Do Association (EGKA) and the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF), under Morio Higaonna Sensei. Further information and links to these associations and Morio Higaonna Sensei can be found on our website.

What do the coloured belts mean?

Karate has many levels, which are divided into Kyu and Dan Grades. Our style has 11 Belts. You will start with a white belt (most martial arts do) and then progress through the belts at each grading. Our belt system is in this order: white (10th Kyu), Yellow (9th Kyu), Orange (8th Kyu), Green (7th Kyu), Blue (6th Kyu), Purple (5th Kyu), Purple White Stripe (4th Kyu), Brown (3rd Kyu), Brown 1 (2nd Kyu), Brown 2 (1st Kyu), Black (1st Dan). Although Black belt is the last colour on the belt system, it is by no means the end of your Goju Ryu journey, but the start! You can progress through different levels of Black Belt.

What is a grading?

A grading is when you are tested in order to progress to your next belt. Depending on which belt you are grading for, you will be tested on a variety of things, including Basics, Moving Basics, Kata (forms), and Bunkai (a two-person fighting drill). We will, of course, tell you when you are ready for your grading, and don’t worry, you will not be on your own!

Why do Karate?

Karate is great fun and fantastic exercise. It is a great way to meet new people, keep fit, and learn self-defence.

Why North Surrey Karate?

All students, past and present, will tell you what a great, local, friendly, and family-like club we are. You will feel welcomed and part of the NSK family immediately! In order to maintain the family and friendly feel, we have a social evening on the first Wednesday of every month.



At NSK, we also teach a true, traditional style of Karate. Its lineage can be traced all the way back to the 1800s. NSK is also affiliated with the English Goju Ryu Karate-Do Association (EGKA) and the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF). This ensures you are taught something real! Sensei Jason Rogers, the Chief Instructor at NSK, has 30 years of Martial Arts experience and nearly 20 years of teaching experience.



Our Dojo comes fully equipped with all types of training equipment, and we are one of the few clubs that have traditional Karate “Hojo Undo” training equipment.

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