EUKC

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Q - I have never done karate before, will I be able to keep up with everyone?

A - The majority of our new members every year are complete beginners to karate. Our sessions are designed to cater for everyone - both by splitting classes to focus on beginners and seniors separately, and by all training together to learn from each other.

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Q - Do I need to be a student at the University of Edinburgh?

A - No, we welcome students of all institutions, as well as staff and alumni. However, we are restricted by a quota for non-students and non-UoE students by the Sports Union - so please contact the club committee for more information.

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Q - I don't have a karate suit, what do I train in?

A - Most new members won't have a gi - you can wear whatever you like to your first session so long as it allows flexibility and agility (e.g. shorts and t-shirt)!

If you decide to join, we will provide a complimentary karate gi as part of your membership.

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Q - Are there changing and shower facilities at training?

A - Yes, St Leonard's Land has several changing rooms - all include showers which many members make use of before heading to the pub after training.

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Q - What is the difference between Shotokan, Shukokai, and Sport Karate?

A - Shotokan and Shukokai are two different styles of karate. Shotokan focuses on technique (long, wide stances and long range technique). Shukokai focuses on applying the technique towards self-defence skills.

Sport Karate (Kata and Kumite) is the competition side of the martial art - in which all styles of karate are part of. Kata is a choreographed set of movements that is performed. Kumite is fighting. 

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Q - Do I have to train both styles?

A - You can train both, either or neither of them.

For beginners we recommend trying out both during your trial, then choose only one to train with regularly and grade with. If you're struggling to make a decision, please feel free to speak to the committee!

For others, we suggest training with whichever style best resembles the one you did before - but are more than welcome to train both. Anyone wanting to train more than twice a month with both styles should speak to the Membership and Licensing Officer.

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Q - Do I have to compete?

A - No you do not. There are two main competitions in the academic year, SSS and BUCS. These are completely optional however a great opportunity to experience and further your training. At competitions, you will either compete in Kata or Kumite. We offer practice in both Kata and Kumite to prepare you for compeition. 

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Q - How often do I need to train to avoid being left behind?

A - Many of our members have a very busy schedule so it's not a problem if you can't train for a few weeks. You should not feel pressured to train more than you feel comfortable with. Our sessions regularly repeat core material so you will always get the chance to pick up stuff later. To grade it is generally expected that you train at least twice a week in one semester as this is about how long it will take to progress between belts.

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Q - My lectures/work finishes late and I might be late for training. Is this okay?

A - We encourage all members to make an effort to be on time to training, however if you expect to be late for a session once or regularly - just let a coach know in advance and it will be fine.

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Q - I have a belt with another club, can I wear it?

A - You are welcome to wear whatever belt you own when training with us. However, if you wish to grade with us, be aware that the grading syllabus may be different to your old club.

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Q - How much does memberships cost?

A - Check out the membership page for all the details!

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Q - I don't want to use the Pleasance Gym, why do I need a CSE membership?

A - The long answer can be found on the Sports Union website here. The short answer is essentially that members buying a CSE membership is a more direct way for all the SU sports club to pay for their facility hire fees. Without this set up we'd need to operate like a traditional sports club, and charge members £2-5 per session in addition to the standard membership fee.

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