You can start Karate at any fitness level. Beginners of varying fitness levels can join and instructors will work with individuals to improve their physical condition through training. Samurai Karate Croydon’s classes accommodate all fitness levels with an emphasis on technique, flexibility and strength development. As you progress through your training at Samurai Karate Croydon your overall fitness will naturally enhance with consistent practice.
Samurai Karate Croydon has separate classes for every level of skill. This means you begin in a class with karateka of similar ability. You progress through the levels of our school as you pass your gradings.
For your first class at Samurai Karate Croydon, you can wear casual clothes. We recommend athletic wear that is easy to move in. After your first class you will wear a traditional Karate uniform called a ‘gi’. At Samurai Karate Croydon we wear a traditional white gi which consists of a jacket ‘uwagi’ and pants ‘zubon’ secured with a belt ‘obi’. When commencing training you will be given a white belt. This is the first belt in your karate journey and will change as you progress through the kyu (9) grades to black belt. It is important when training that your gi is clean and well maintained. Additionally remove any jewellery, tie your hair back and wear thongs or sandals to and from the dojo.
You are never too old to start Karate! Many people begin their martial arts journey later in life and still experience the many physical and mental benefits. At Samurai Karate Croydon we love teaching karateka of all ages and enjoy watching people embrace the opportunity to learn at any stage of life.
If you have any prior injuries it’s essential to consult with your general practitioner before starting Karate. Once training you should inform your instructor of any pre existing injuries so techniques and drills can be adjusted to accommodate. Shukokai Karate means Karate for everyone and at Samurai Karate we believe that everybody should be able to practice the art of Karate in a safe manner.
Karate offers a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits. Physically it enhances strength, flexibility and overall cardiovascular fitness. The repetitive nature of training improves coordination and reflexes. Mentally, karate fosters discipline, focus and stress relief. Emotionally karate promotes self confidence, resilience and a sense of achievement through the gradual progression of skills. Karate also emphasises values like respect, humility and self control which together build personal development. Finally Karate provides self defence skills, enhancing overall well-being and promoting a holistic approach to health and fitness
Our dojo is located at 1 Maroondah Highway Croydon Victoria. We are opposite Melba College in the Kallay street shopping mall with Bob Stewart Uniforms and Casalinga restaurant.
Kata is a structured series of movements and techniques practiced in martial arts, including Karate. It’s a form of solo training where a practitioner performs a set sequence of predetermined movements in a choreographed manner. Each movement within a kata has a specific purpose, often representing various defensive and offensive techniques. Katas serve multiple purposes, including refining technique, improving muscle memory, and understanding the principles of a martial art. Practicing kata helps martial artists develop precision, focus, and the ability to seamlessly integrate techniques. Kata is an exciting and challenging practice that will provide another dimension to your training.
Kumite is the sparring or live combat aspect of martial arts, and it is particularly associated with Karate. In Kumite, practitioners engage in controlled, simulated combat with a training partner. This practice allows students to apply the techniques they’ve learned in a dynamic and interactive environment. Kumite can range from prearranged, semi-cooperative drills to free-form sparring, depending on the level of experience and the specific style of martial art. It is an essential component of martial arts training, helping practitioners develop timing, distance, and adaptability in real-life situations. Kumite also plays a role in testing and refining one’s practical understanding of martial techniques. At Samurai Karate Croydon, our sparring is fully supervised by experienced instructors and always utilizing appropriate protective equipment.
To sign up at Samurai Karate Croydon we offer free trials which you book by simply clicking the link at the top of this page. This way you can come and try Karate and see if it is for you. We also offer special member rates for the first 2 weeks of training. Book a free trial and talk to us in the dojo more about our membership options
At Samurai Karate we have many families training together! We love seeing families train and learn together and for this reason we offer discounts for family members.
Yes, talented and gifted students in karate have many pathways for recognition and furthering their karate journey. Whilst in the dojo students receive recognition through the ranking system of belts that signify a student’s level.
Students who love their karate and want to reach the next level of training may also wish to compete in tournaments at a local, national and even international level. Some may also choose to become instructors or pursue leadership roles within their martial arts community.
At Samurai Karate Croydon we are lucky enough to be affiliated with the larger Samurai Karate organisation which allows us access to both Kumite and Kata state/national coaches.
Our head instructor, Sensei Craig, is an accomplished former competitor and we have many present state team members training with us.
How long is a piece of string! The time it takes to achieve a black belt can vary greatly and is dependent on many factors such as the dojo’s curriculum, the frequency of training, the individual’s dedication and their natural aptitude. Generally it takes several years of consistent and focused training to reach the level of black belt.
It is essential to understand that achieving a black belt is not the ultimate goal in karate. It marks a significant milestone in a lifelong journey. At Samurai Karate we say black belt is where the learning truly begins
At your first class you will be introduced to the instructor and fellow students. At the beginning of class all students will line up on the mat and be bowed into class.
The class structure will revolve around:
- A warm up to prepare your body for the training ahead.
- Basic techniques to begin your fundamental understanding of skills and build a through understanding of the basic techniques
- Kata may be a part of the class – this is a set of sequenced movements that help develop muscle memory and fundamental techniques
- Partner drills or kumite – partner drills and supervised sparring offer a controlled way to introduce you to the interactive aspect of Karate
- Etiquette and Respect – Karate places a strong emphasis on etiquette and respect. During your class you will learn about the rules of the dojo and how to bow and show respect to your instructor
At Samurai Karate Croydon, we practice a style of karate known as Shitoryu. This is a traditional style of Karate originating from Japan, founded by Kenwa Mabuni. It emphasizes fluid movement, rapid strikes, and balance between hard and soft techniques. Shitoryu practitioners focus on kata (forms), sparring, and self-defense, striving for physical and mental discipline. As you progress to Brown and Black belt, you will be introduced to techniques and skills from other systems as well. It’s a very exciting environment to be a part of.
We recommend training at least 2 times a week. Similar to any other sport where you have a training day and a game day we suggest having at least 2 training days. This will ensure you are making the progress through the belt system but if you would like to compete in tournaments you will be ‘game day’ ready
At Samurai Karate Croydon we do not believe in kinder karate. From the moment your child steps onto the mat they will be instructed in traditional martial arts. We start this process at 4 years old. All 4 years old are assessed prior to beginning their karate journey for attention, coordination and listening skills to ensure that they are ready to get on the mat.