Toukon Martial Arts

Can my family members join in?

Yes.

We have programmes from 4-7 years to adults as well as parent and child sessions. We also encourage practice at home and post regular online tutorial’s and training days to assist with this.

How OFten do i need to train?

This very much depends on how much progress you wish to make and in what time frame.

We recommend our members 7yrs and over train a minimum of two times per week.

Our competitors and advanced students train up to 5 days per week.

What equipment do i need?

Samurais – 4/7yrs

  • Uniform
  • Mitts (Karate)
  • 6/8oz gloves (Kickboxing)
Kids – 7/11yrs
 
  • 10oz Gloves (Kickboxing)
  • Kickboxing Shin pads (Cotton shin & Instep)
  • Mits (Karate)
  • Karate Shin pad

Kids – 11yrs+

  •  Full shin + Boot protector (Kickboxing)
  • Gum Shield
 
At a certain age or stage of development children will be required to wear 14oz adults sparring gloves.

In addition to the above, competitors will require their own:

  • Head Guard
  • Groin Guard
All equipment is available in-store or on our online shop.

How long will it take to get my black belt?

This will depend how often you train.

Members over 7 years old can take approximately 5 years if training twice per week although you are expected to train more in preparation for black belt.

There are a lot of factors involved in this. In theory you could reach black belt within 4/5 years (from age 7). It’s worth noting there is a difference between Junior black belt for under 16’s and full black belt due to some of the content in the assessments. A student will only be invited to grade to black if they show an exemplary attitude and level of commitment.
At Toukon we firmly believe that time is a good teacher so please do not feel that you/your child should try and race through the belt system. Gradings are an excellent way to track progress but we are much more focused on creating intrinsically motivated martial artists that aim for self improvement over rewards such as belts and trophies.

When can i grade?

Belt Gradings at Toukon Martial Arts

At Toukon Martial Arts, our grading process is more than just earning a new belt — it’s a celebration of progress, effort, and personal development.

Gradings are structured assessments designed to evaluate a student’s technical skills, fitness, and knowledge in line with their current level and experience. Each grading represents a milestone on the journey from white belt to the coveted black belt, with every step designed to build confidence, discipline, and competence.

Progression is earned, not given. Each level has clear minimum criteria, including class attendance, course participation, and demonstrated ability in key techniques.

Little Samurais (Ages 4–6)

Our youngest students follow a structured skills badge system, designed to make learning fun and achievable. Each child has a personal skills card, which is stamped as they develop new abilities. Assessments take place at the end of each school half-term, with badges awarded to recognise progress and build confidence.

Junior Starters (Ages 7–11)

Primary school-aged students begin on our pre-grading system using stripe belts. These in-class assessments help children build the confidence and consistency needed before moving on to full belt gradings. Once ready, they transition to our full grading syllabus.

Kids & Adults (Ages 11+)

Older students follow our core grading syllabus and are assessed 2–3 times a year. Progression is based on:

Meeting minimum training session requirements (varies by grade)
Attending required workshops or courses
Demonstrating competency in techniques appropriate to their next grade
Overall fitness and ability
Attitude and effort

We aim to ensure every student steps onto the grading floor fully prepared, confident, and proud of how far they’ve come.

 

What is a grading?

Can I Compete?

Yes.

All members are welcome to represent our academy at local or national competitions or events that we regularly attend. However, this requires increased level of commitment for a sustained period of time.

rules

As a martial arts club we have a few rules and codes of behaviour that we follow.  

These rules help maintain a safe learning environment and can help us get the most from our training.  

We ask all members and parents to read and adhere to the points below. 

 

 

  • Gi, uniform or training kit must be kept clean and in good condition at all times 

All karate students are required to wear a full white karate suit with belt. 

 Junior kickboxers (15yrs and under) are required to wear club t-shirt and kickboxing trousers/ Kickboxing shorts or plain black leggings.  

It is preferred that adult Kickboxers wear club uniform. 

 

  • Never walk on the mats while wearing shoes 

The mats we use are very expensive and much effort is made to keep them clean.  

The bottoms of shoes are not clean and can often have small stones or glass stuck to them. 

 

  • Nails must be kept short and clean for training 

What we do is contact based and sharp or dirty nails can cause injury or infections. 

 

  • No jewellery to be worn during training 

Including earrings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and sharp rings. 

Again, this is for safety and hygiene reasons. 

 

  • Always be on time for training 

Aside from the disruption to the session and disrespect shown by being regularly late. 

Missing a warm up can often mean missing valuable points about the direction of the class and  

can also put you at risk of injury. 

 

  • All students must have an up to date and valid licence 

We are members of three reputable and worthy organisations, 

whether you train in karate, judo or kickboxing  

Your licence/membership fee covers your affiliation as well as “member to member insurance”. 

 

  • Swearing, aggressive behaviour or bullying will not be tolerated 

We ask all students and parents to treat each other and your instructor with respect and courtesy. 

A positive environment is very important in order for us to get the most out of our training. 

 

  • All mobile phones must be on silent or switched off 

Phones can be a distraction whether belonging to students or parents.