Trojan Karate
About this club
Trojan Karate is a well-established club in Kexborough, training on a Wednesday evening at the Methodist Church on Churchfield Lane. Wado Ryu Karate is taught in a single class for all grades, open to anyone from six years old upwards, so a first-timer works in the same hall as students who have been at it for years. It is the quickest way to learn, and it is what keeps a club of this size feeling like one group rather than several.
It is run by Sensei Jay Stephens alongside his son Sensei Alfie Stephens, a 1st Dan in his own right, and that father-and-son partnership sets the tone for the rest of the hall. Jay took up karate as a young child in his home town in Wales, came back to it years later after moving to Barnsley, and has taught here ever since. Families training together is normal at Trojan rather than the exception — parents on the mat with their children, brothers and sisters in the same class — and beginners of any age tend to find that an easier room to walk into than most.
Class timetable
| Day | Time | Class | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Wado Ryu Karate — all grades |
Term-time and holiday variations are announced in class and on the club’s Facebook page.
What to bring to your first session
Nothing you do not already own. A T-shirt and jogging bottoms, bare feet, and a bottle of water. Once you decide to continue you will need a gi (suit) and a NAKMAS licence — the instructor will sort both, and there is no rush.
Getting here & parking
Yes
Postcode for satnav: S75 5DN.
Common questions
Do I need a karate suit to start?+
No. Come in a T-shirt and jogging bottoms for your first few sessions. You train barefoot, so no trainers are needed either. Once you decide to carry on, your instructor will sort out a gi and a licence — there is no rush and no pressure.
How much does it cost?+
You pay per session, on the night. There is no joining fee, no contract and no monthly direct debit. Your first session is free so you can see whether it suits you before spending anything.
What age can my child start?+
Our Pee Wee classes take children from four years old, in separate shorter sessions pitched at that age group. Main classes generally start from around ten, though this varies by club — ask the instructor.
Can I stay and watch my child?+
Ask the instructor at your club. Some halls have room for parents to sit in and some do not, so it varies from venue to venue.
How often are gradings?+
Kyu gradings run roughly every three to four months across the association. Your instructor will tell you when you are ready — nobody is pushed to grade before they are.
Are the instructors checked?+
Every WYSOK instructor holds an enhanced DBS certificate, current first aid training and full insurance through our NAKMAS affiliation.