The Glasgow Karate Association welcomes individuals of all ages to join their martial arts school. There are no age limits within the association, with the youngest student being 5 years old and the eldest being 75. The club believes in providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members, including individuals with disabilities. However, they may ask potential students to check with their GP to ensure they can safely participate in the training.
To join the Glasgow Karate Association, individuals simply need to attend any of their classes and join in. They only need to bring jogging trousers, a t-shirt, training shoes, and water. If individuals decide to continue training, the association can provide karate suits and training equipment at discounted prices. As a new member, individuals are encouraged to remember that all the people they will train with have also started out as beginners.
The first class is even offered for free to provide a no-pressure introduction to the training.
The association prides itself on keeping class sizes small with a high instructor to student ratio. This ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from experienced instructors. At the Glasgow Karate Association, the purpose is to teach and lead every student, challenging them to constantly push themselves to a higher level by setting and achieving goals. They strive to teach and uphold Shotokai Karate-do in accordance with its recognised historical background while incorporating new and updated teaching methods.
The association places a strong emphasis on good character and values, requiring it in all members before granting membership. They take their responsibility as karate teachers seriously and do not welcome individuals with bad attitudes, ego, or arrogance. The belief is that the most important trophy is one's life, and they train accordingly, following the maxim, “Train as if your life depends on it, someday it will.
The Glasgow Karate Association maintains a structured and flexible curriculum and syllabus that is implemented by their certified and licenced instructors. All instructors are experienced adult black belts. The association believes that every student has the capability to achieve their goals through regular training and does not employ “Programme Directors” or require “elite” programmes for faster learning. Each student sets their own learning pace and advances based on their effort and practise.
Rank is earned and not given, and there is no automatic timeline for promotion. Hard work and results are recognised, and mediocrity is not rewarded.
As a Shotokai Karate-do dojo, the Glasgow Karate Association considers their members as family. They strive to get to know each student individually and help them be the best in every endeavour. Their focus is not on sport but on life, with training aimed at both protection and health through consistent practise. The association is not a tournament school but a traditional Shotokai Karate-do dojo.
They train hard, incorporating both classical and modern methods, emphasising patience and a positive attitude. The development of the whole person, including body, mind, and spirit, is prioritised rather than solely physical skill development. Shotokai Karate-do is seen as a personal pursuit for each practitioner, providing balance and depth to their lives.
The Glasgow Karate Association welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to learn martial arts and join their community.