Please contact us on 0800 8838803
Faqs
So you want to know more?
If we missed something that you are unclear about give us a call, or e-mail us for a prompt reply.
We would love to tell you more and get you along to our clubs to try KARATE soon.
Contact us now! 0800 8838803
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARTIAL ARTS?
It is a general term that covers all traditional fighting arts.
There are many different styles of martial art. Simply too many to mention. We try to simply explain and hope that you will see how useful and suitable our style of martial art is to you and your family.
On a grade of 1 non-contact – 5 full contact consider:
1 TAI CHI: an ‘internal’ Chinese martial art practised for both its defence training and its health benefits,
2 KARATE stresses techniques, such as blocking,striking, kicking and techniques in formal, controlled and supervised patterns. AHK also emphasises the etiquette, discipline and traditional understanding when using our martial art. Parents value this as a life skill for their children.
3 Jiu Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, in order to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu jitsu focuses on close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques,
4 Judo is a practice of either to throw or take down one’s opponent to the ground and immobilise with a grappling manoeuvre, joint lock, strangle hold, or choke.
5 MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a full contact sport that allows a variety of fighting styles to be used.
CAN I JUST TURN UP?
We rather you didn’t.
We would like to give you a good welcome so all beginners join our Karate group by APPOINTMENTS ONLY. We want you to join in straight away rather than just watch our sometimes very busy noisy Karate classes.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
All beginners start with a beginners package, which include 3 FULL lessons AN APP TO FOLLOW which has everything you need for your second belt (you are already a white belt when you enrol), a karate suit, a license and student handbook, enrolment, registration to our governing body M.A.S.A. a string bag to carry everything.
We often run special offers so ask us when we call you.
DO CLASSES ONLY RUN DURING TERM TIMES?
All our other Karate clubs run throughout the year except for Bank holidays and through the Christmas and New Year period.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL CLOTHING (the white pyjamas)?
You do not need any special Karate clothes to start, just something loose and comfortable. When you join us regularly your beginner pack includes Karate Association suit, your uniform, so we all dress the same.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE CLASSES?
Firstly We do not assume you know anything about karate or have a good level of fitness to start with us.We will help you develop personally through physical movements including: warm up – blocks/ kicks/punches/regular routines individually, in pairs&small groups – building on knowledge which leads to grading (examinations) to progress up to next level.
HOW DO I KNOW I AM PROGRESSING?
Your Karate instructors are pleased to give you regular feedback and will support you leading up to Karate gradings (examinations every 3 months) and through recorded attendance and our junior award system, you will soon progress.
MY CHILD IS SHY/BOISTEROUS WILL KARATE HELP?
We find Karate beneficial to shy students who gain confidence and support to be more assertive. If your child is sometimes a little too active, our disciplined friendly classes help them to understand and develop self-discipline. WE OFTEN WORK WITH CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES OR NEURO DIVERSITY
IF I HAVE TRAINED PREVIOUSLY CAN I PICK IT UP AGAIN WITH YOU?
If you have trained in Martial Arts before we will be pleased to discuss how you may be able to integrate into our Karate style.
CAN YOU SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL LEARNING NEEDS OR PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES?
We would be pleased to discuss, we work with anyone interested to learn Karate. Contact for your FREE First Karate Lesson.
WILL I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO USE WEAPONS?
We usually use our own bodies. Occasionally we have special Karate course and weapons can be bought through your club.
WILL I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMPETITION?
We hold informal competitions in our clubs and annually have an Active Hertfordshire Karate association tournament.
YOU HAVE NOT ANSWERED MY QUESTION ! :((
Building Confidence, Discipline, and Strength for All Ages
At AHK martial arts is more than just kicks and punches — it’s about building confidence, focus, respect, and community. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for your child, a way for your teen to grow in discipline, an empowering challenge for yourself, or a family activity that strengthens your bond, we have a program for you.
Our Programs
🥋 Karate For Kids
Help your child develop confidence, focus, and respect while having fun! Our kids’ classes are designed to build essential life skills, improve coordination, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
🥋 Karate For Teens
Our teen program blends traditional karate discipline with modern training techniques to boost self-esteem, improve fitness, and provide a positive outlet for energy.
🥋 Karate For Adults
It’s never too late to start your martial arts journey! Our adult classes combine self-defense skills, fitness, and stress relief in a supportive environment for all experience levels.
🥋 Karate For Families
Why not train together? Our family classes bring parents and children into the dojo side-by-side, building skills and memories while keeping everyone active and motivated.
The People Behind Active Hertfordshire Karate
Sensei Roy Hazelwood – Our Chief Instructor, 8th Dan Black Belt, has trained in Shotokan Karate since 1979. A veteran of National and European competitions, he has trained in Japan and with some of the world’s leading Shotokan masters. Known for his exceptional knowledge, passion, and patient teaching style, Roy inspires students of all ages to achieve their best.
Wendy Hazelwood – Training since 1988 under Sensei Roy, Wendy brings her background in teaching and personal development to the motivational side of our group. She leads our Junior Achievement and Junior Instructor programmes, helping young students develop both their karate skills and understanding of the Dojo Kun.
Together, Roy and Wendy have built strong links with local schools and community groups, welcoming students of all abilities – including those with learning differences – to discover the benefits of Shotokan Karate.
We’re proud of the service we provide, but don’t just take our word for it — see what our happy students have to say in the reviews below!
Our Karate Club Locations
Train with us at a location near you. We run karate classes across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas, making it easy to find a time and place that fits your schedule.
✅ Karate in Langford – Monday evenings
✅ Karate in Ashwell – Saturday evening
✅ Karate in Letchworth – Sunday mornings & Friday evenings
✅ Karate in Hitchin – Wednesday evenings
✅ Karate in Stevenage – Thursday evenings
✅ Karate in Welwyn Garden City – Saturday mornings/afternoon & Wednesday evenings
✅ Karate in Harpenden – Saturday afternoons
✅ Karate in Hemel Hempstead – Thursday evenings
✅ Karate in Watford – Sunday afternoon & Tuesday evenings