How much are monthly fees? Monthly fees are R650 per month. Is there a joining fee? We have a once off joining fee of R195. This is payable on joining and includes a dojo badge for the karate suit and a SA JKA Lifebook in which all the students affiliations, gradings, attendance at seminars, courses attended, qualifications received, black belt certifications etc are recorded. It is a history of the students karate career - it is recognised both Nationally and Internationally should you relocate. This means the karateka would not have to start at white belt again. Are there any other costs? As a professional dojo, we are affiliated to SA JKA Karate Association, which is in turn affiliated to JKA in Japan. The Japan Karate Association (the JKA) is the most prestigious karate association in the world. SA JKA is the strongest and most prestigious association in South Africa. Our annual affiliation to SA JKA and Karate Syndicate (and any other bodies we affiliate to during the course of the year) are R640 per year. This is an annual fee payable on joining and renewable in February each year. It is a pre-requisite of membership of SA JKA and allows students to grade, attend competitions, seminars etc. How many times a week are classes? Classes are held twice a week. From green belt up the students can train four times a week - the additional two classes being conducted at the Bassonia JKA dojo (6km away). There is no additional cost for the extra classes. What days and times are classes held? Classes at Alberton JKA are held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Dinkies (4-7yrs) 4:15pm-5:00pm - please refer to Dinky Warrior Page. Beginners (6/7yrs+ - Incl adult beginners) - White to Junior Brown belts 5:30-6:30pm. Senior Brown and Black belts - These classes are conducted at Bassonia JKA on Tuesdays and Thursdays - 6:45-7:45pm and on Saturday morning at Alberton JKA (8:30-9:30am). Do you have Saturday classes? Unfortunately not for children or beginner adults. Senior Brown and Black belt classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays. These are in addition to the evening classes and are not in place of the main training schedule for senior black belts. In addition a lot of events involving the black belts, such as gradings, seminars, Gasshukus (training camps), competitions etc are held on Saturdays, so it is not possible to conduct junior classes on those days. At what age can my child start karate? We recommend anywhere from 7-10 years as the ideal age. However we do have specialized programs designed to meet the specific needs of very young karate enthusiasts (4yrs and older), ensuring a safe and age-appropriate training environment. Please refer to Dinky Warrior Page for more specific information. I am an adult. Am I too old? Do you have separate classes for adults? As our most senior instructors only began karate in their 30's our motto is you are never too old! We do not have separate classes for children and adults because the syllabus is the same for children and adults of the same belt level. We have run classes in this way for over 30 years with excellent results, producing some of the highest graded karateka in SA JKA. However, from time to time we do separate the adults from the children in the class, depending on what we are covering in lessons that day. Where can I purchase a karate suit? For your convenience, you can acquire a high-quality uniform (gi) at the dojo at affordable prices. Karate suits are kept in stock so you can get one immediately. Are your classes big? We have a lot of instructors - male and female - usually 4 or 5 instructors during each class. Our low instructor to student ratio allows for a lot of personal attention for each student and has enabled us to grow into one of the most successful dojos in the association. As far as possible each belt level has their own instructor during classes. White belts may be further split into their varying levels of ability. Can my child do a trial class? Certainly! Please contact us via the Contact Us Page to discuss with us. Or call us on 082 579 0890, What makes your instructors special? Our instructors are qualified black belts from first dan upward. All instructors have a minimum of Level 1 First Aid Training and all have Police Clearances. We regularly conduct Instructor training sessions to ensure standardisation of instruction and to maintain our famously high standards. All instruction during class is also overseen by a senior instructor - 4th dan and above. Can I transfer my historical certificates or belt grades to SA JKA from another karate style? Receiving credit for grades and certificates earned in the past is a possibility, but this is a matter that should be discussed directly with the Dojo head - we recommend reaching out to us via the Contact Us Page. Are your belt grades recognized internationally? Absolutely, our belt grading system holds international recognition and accreditation from the International JKA Headquarters, also known as the Honbu Dojo, in Japan. This means that your belt ranks and achievements are not only esteemed within our association but also carry significant value and acknowledgment on a global scale. All black belt certificates are Diplomas and are registered with the Department of Education in Japan. How do I enrol? Simply complete the online enrolment and contact us to advise when you or your child will begin!