What you need for a first karate class
If you're coming to your first class, you really don't need much at all, just comfortable clothes and a bottle of water.
It's still nice to know what to expect before you walk in, so here's everything we'd tell you at the door.
For your first karate class, all you need is comfortable clothes you can move in and a bottle of water. You train in bare feet, so there is nothing to buy before you try it. If you decide to stay, our $199 new student offer includes two months of classes and your uniform, so the gi is taken care of too.
What to wear
Wear something you can move around in freely, like track pants or leggings with a t-shirt, ideally without zips or buckles. We train in bare feet, so you can leave your shoes and socks by the door. Socks get slippery on the dojo floor, and bare feet are much safer.
If you have long hair, tie it back. Watches and rings come off before class, and earrings that don't come out can be taped over so nobody gets hurt when you start working with a partner.
Your uniform
You don't need a uniform for your first class. When you join with our $199 new student offer, your uniform (gi) is included along with your first two months of classes, so there's no need to buy one separately.
If anything else is needed further along, your instructor will let you know when the time comes.
What to bring
Bring a water bottle. Karate is warmer work than it looks from the doorway, and you'll be glad of a drink between drills.
And bring a bit of patience with yourself. Everyone spends their first class half a step behind the rest of the room, including the black belts who make it look easy now. It comes quicker than you think.
For parents watching
Parents are always welcome to watch the first class. If you can, sit somewhere a little out of your child's line of sight, because it helps them focus on the instructor instead of looking over at you.
And don't worry if your child needs to stop for a minute or sit down. It happens in a lot of first classes, and our instructors are used to it.
New to karate? Start with our $199 new student offer: two months of beginner classes, your gi and a year of ISKF dues.