Frequently asked questions
Getting started
How do I join?
Book a free trial class, come along in loose clothes, and fill in the enrolment form when you are ready. Read more → Training – What to Expect
Is the first class really free?
Yes, with no payment and no obligation. Read more → Training – What to Expect
What should I wear to the first class?
A t-shirt and track pants. Training is barefoot and no uniform is needed at first. Read more → Training – What to Expect
Where is the dojo?
Valley of Flowers, Thakur Village, Kandivali East, Mumbai 400101. Read more → Contact Us
Ages and classes
What age can my child start?
From 5. Children train in two batches, 5–8 and 9–12. Read more → Kids Karate (5–12)
Do you teach adults?
Yes, from 13 upwards in the evening class, beginners included. Read more → Teens & Adults Karate
Am I too old to start?
No. Adults start here in their twenties, thirties, forties and beyond. Read more → Teens & Adults Karate
Is there a women-only class?
Yes, a women’s self-defence class on Sunday mornings. Read more → Women’s Self-Defence
Do you run summer camps?
Yes, morning camps for ages 5–14 in the summer holidays. Read more → Summer Schools
Can I have private lessons?
Yes, one-to-one or small-group sessions by appointment. Read more → Private Training
Timings and fees
When are classes?
Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, plus Sunday morning for women’s self-defence. Read more → Coaching Time & Fees
How much does it cost?
Kids batches are ₹1,200 a month or ₹3,300 a quarter, with a second sibling at ₹900. Read more → Coaching Time & Fees
Is there an admission fee?
No admission fee, no annual charge and no contract. Read more → Coaching Time & Fees
What if we travel or have exams?
Tell us in advance and we pause the fee. Read more → Coaching Time & Fees
Safety
Is karate safe for children?
Children aged 5–8 do no sparring, and older children spar only with gear and matched partners. Read more → Kids Karate (5–12)
Will my child have to spar?
Not to train, and not to grade below green belt. Read more → Children’s Grades
Will karate make my child aggressive?
The dojo kun teaches the opposite: karate is only for protecting yourself or others. Read more → Dojo Kun
Do you have a child protection policy?
Yes, published in full, with a named person to contact. Read more → Child Protection
Can parents watch?
Yes, from seats at the back of the hall, every class. Read more → Kids Karate (5–12)
Belts and gradings
How do belts work?
White to black through nine kyu grades, with gradings about every six months. Read more → Belt Grading & Syllabus
How long does a black belt take?
About six years of regular training; the earliest age here is 14, as a cadet grade. Read more → Dan Grades
Are gradings compulsory?
No. They are optional and cost ₹600. Read more → Grading
What kata will I learn?
Heian Shodan first, then one new kata for most grades. Read more → Kata
Uniform and equipment
Do I need a karate gi?
Not at first. A child-size gi with the club badge costs ₹900 when you are ready. Read more → Uniform Maintenance
How do I tie the belt?
Step photos and a short video show how. Read more → Uniform Maintenance
How should I wash a gi?
Cold water, no bleach, dry in shade, never in a dryer. Read more → Uniform Maintenance
About the club
Who teaches?
Sensei Tushar Petkar, 3rd Dan, teaches every class. Read more → Sensei Tushar Petkar
What style do you teach?
Traditional Shotokan karate. Read more → Shotokan
Do you compete?
Students can enter tournaments if they want to; nobody has to. Read more → Tournaments
How do I contact you?
WhatsApp or phone Sensei Petkar, or use the contact form. Read more → Contact Us
Still have a question? Message Sensei Petkar on WhatsApp
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