Suzaku Sparks
About this club
Suzaku Sparks is the Pee Wee class at Beeston, for four to nine year olds. It runs from half six until half seven on a Friday evening at Beeston Village Community Centre, alongside the main Suzaku class in the same hall — so a family with an older brother or sister already training only needs one trip out. The little ones go home at half seven while the older group carries on for a final half hour.
It is taught by Sensei Antony Longmire, who runs the main club as well and holds 5th Dan in karate along with Black Belts in seven separate weapons arts. None of that is something a four-year-old will notice, and the Sparks class is exactly what it should be at that age — games, coordination, listening, taking turns. It matters later. Children who carry on simply move up into the class they have been training alongside all year, in the same hall with the same instructor, and what they learn in Sparks is built to lead there.
Class timetable
| Day | Time | Class | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Pee Wee Karate | 4–9 years |
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: LS11 8DQ.
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.