If you fancy trying karate, simply come along to a beginner session on either Sunday 10am at Brackenvury Sports Centre or Wednesday 7pm at Felixstowe school.

Wear t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms or similar so that you have free movement.

If you prefer, feel free to come along and watch a session first, and have a chat.

As you might expect, karate offers physical benefits such as building strength, flexibility, stamina, balance and coordination. It also offers other benefits, such as building confidence and friendships. The latter is especially the case for those who choose to enter the competitions in Ipswich and around the country.

The belt grading system means that there is always more to learn, and refining your technique can be a lifetime pursuit.

Unlike other sports, karate need not be undertaken on a competitive basis. You can take part at whatever level you wish. People doing karate help each other improve their technique and learn. They say "the person you are competing with is the person you were yesterday."

Because the different levels of skills can all work together, it is an ideal family activity. Parents can help their children, ... and children can help their parents.

Out of class, karate can be easily practiced at home or on holiday. You don't need special equipment, just a small, open space, such as kitchen, living room or garden. You can practice solo, or with friends; with low-intensity or high-intensity.

Our club is part of the English Korean Karate Association (EKKA).

Being part of the EKKA means we can take part in karate from the Felixstowe level right up to World level. Those that wish to can take part in local Ipswich competitions, competitions in the local counties, nationally and internationally.

We train throughout the year, including over the school summer holidays (breaking only for Christmas / New Year), so keeping active is easier than for seasonal sports, or activities that stop in the holidays.

A gi (or karate suit) needs to be bought soon after you join. Later hand pads and leg pads should be bought.

An order form for additional kit is available here.