Do I need a uniform to start?

Not at all, you can just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Please wear something that is loose fitting e.g. a T-Shirt and tracksuit bottoms to begin with. We would recommend that you make sure that you really like our classes before buying a Uniform (traditionally known as a 'Gi'), then you have the option purchase a good quality uniform from any class which should last a couple of years. It will come complete with belt and a Club Badge. Alternatively you can order one on our online shop click here for childrens uniforms and for adult uniforms click here.

What is a Martial Arts License?

A Martial Arts License confirms your identity and membership to your chosen Club and the Association to which it belongs. It usually comes in the form of a small booklet which contains information such as personal details, your unique license number, relevant medical information, emergency contact details, your grade and grading history, events or tournaments you have attended, a martial arts declaration or oath that you are required to sign and your license renewal date (usually 1 year from the date that you joined). A License is issued to confirm that you have been accepted into a Club and its organisation and once you have paid the License fee, you have your own member to member and public liability insurance. 

Do I need one to train at Red Tiger Karate Club?

Yes, Red Tiger Karate is a members only club and we License our members through the Shotokan Karate Union. Everyone who joins our Club is asked to complete a license and registration form. Once we have collected your information, this will be added to our secure database and will not be shared with third parties. We will then issue you with a Red Tiger Martial Arts License book through the post. Once you are a licensed member of Red Tiger Karate Club you may train at any class you like. However, unfortunately we are unable to accept members under the age of 5 years. This is because we cannot obtain adequete insurance cover. Operating a members only Club allows us to offer a more personal welcome and cater our classes around expected number of students. Potential members may contact our club to view a class, however anybody wishing to take part in a class must apply for an annual licence and can do so by using our contact form.

How much does it cost to join Red Tiger Karate

Membership to Red Tiger Karate is set at £25.00 which includes your membership and 1 years Red Tiger Martial Arts License. All our new members recieve a beginners welcome pack that allows you to train in any number of classes within Red Tiger Karate. We have a dedicated recruitment team led by Simon Crowther and they run special offers and promotions which reduces this fee, it is advisable to contact us and we will put you in touch with our recruitment team. You can do this by using our contact form.

Is it a one off joining fee?

Yes, once you become a member with us you can take a break from your training and return to us at anytime. For example some students move away to university and always come back and visit. Likewise if you suffer an injury or become ill we will put your License on hold and your time will restart once you resume your training. The only additional costs you will need to consider are annual license renewal fees. Every year you will need to renew your license at the cost of £15. The good news is that as with our training fees, we offer excellent discounts to families who train together and renew their licenses at the same time. If there are two people training in the same family; license renewal costs £10 per person and if there are three or more this is reduced to just £7.50 per person.

Do I have to pay by monthly standing order or direct debit?

No. We operate a pay as you go system. This means that you only pay for the classes that you actually attend, that way you do not lose money if you cannot attend for any reason (e.g. you become ill or go on holiday). 

How much do the classes cost?

Our classes are priced at
£6.00 if one person trains,
£5.00 each if two people in same family train and
£4 each if three or more people in the same family train together in the same class.

If you would like to train more than once a week all classes after your first class are priced at £3.50 per person.



How often are grading assessments?

Red Tiger Karate hold grading assessments twice/three times per month. We hold gradings in Denton, Bury, Fleetwood and Darwen. You will be invited to attend the grading closest to where you train by your Sensei. See our grading page for the next grading dates, locations and what you will be expected to do on the day. All grading assesments are taken by the Chief Instructor with the help of the Assistant Chief Instructor and the rest of the Instructor team. Students can only be put forward by their Instructor when he or she feels that you are ready and capable of achieving your next level. On average students will be put forward every 4~6 months up to the grade of 5th Kyu, however this does depend on their own individual progress. Once a students reaches the level of 5th Kyu, they may be expected to spend a longer period of time on their grade to gain the valuable knowledge and experience required to carry the next level. Students grading to 3rd Kyu or above must be pre-assessed in class by a Senior Instructor who will offer advice and feedback in order to help you get to the next stage.  

Who is the Shotokan Karate Union and what are the benefits?

The Shotokan Karate Union (SKU) represents the interests of Red Tiger Karate Club and its members. RTK and the SKU is affiliated to and working closely with Salford Sports Network and Sports Stockport to promote and encourage local communities to lead healthy lifestyles. As we are a relatively young club formed in 2005, we work closely with Senior Sensei Colin Needham 5th Dan at his Red Sun Karate Club in Swinton to ensure that we are continually developing and improving our syllabus and our own Karate training.

Other Clubs associated with the SKU include:

Hasha Karate England

Tokon Karate Academy

The Shotokan Karate Union is committed to delivering the high standards expected of a reputable Association. These standards include providing our Instructors with ongoing Instructor training and coaching courses and making sure that each Instructor has thier own Instructor Indemnity Insurance. We make sure that all of our Lead Instructors and Assistant Instructors have completed enhanced CRB disclosure checks, safeguarding and protecting children and 'appointed person' first aid courses. The majority of our Instructors are Black Belt or above and every Instructor receives the support and advice of our Senior Instructor team. Instructors are carefully selected by Sensei Paul and Sensei Mike not only for their talent and ability to inspire students but also their leadership skills. So, by choosing Red Tiger Karate you can rest assured that you or your child is in safe hands. 

I am already graded in another karate club, will I be able to keep the same grade?

This is a question that is often asked and there is never an easy answer. The most important thing to remember is that whatever grade you have achieved in another style will always be with you. There are many different variations even within each style of karate. We teach both the shotokan and goju-ryu styles, so students who have experience in either or both may find it easier to progress or adapt. We treat each student as an Individual. Some students may join and attain a higher grade, some may be able to keep the same grade and on rare occasions students may be asked to drop down a few grades depending on thier knowledge and experience. This is not to say that you may be double graded for example once you have had time to settle in and get used to our style and training methods. In most cases we ask that you train in a white belt to begin with and you will be reassessed at the earliest opportunity. If you are a Black Belt, we hold a weekly Senior Class and we would recommend that you train at this session as it is the most challenging.