This section will help answer some of your questions about karate and our school.  If you have any further questions, please contact us at any time.
 
 
How do I get started?
The first step is to call or e-mail us so we can set up your evaluation. We require that you watch at least one class prior to making your decision to join our karate family. This will help you to become familiar with our program and is designed to help you start your formal training with confidence and optimism.

How much does it cost?
If you like what you see after your intro, the first 3 months is $249.00. This includes three months of unlimited group classes and a FREE uniform (called a Gi). The gi is a specially designed uniform to allow freedom of movement; it's what we wear when we practice Karate.

Do I need to be in shape to start Karate?
Absolutely not! Karate is a gradual process. You go at your own pace and over the course of time your flexibility and fitness will improve. The structure of the group class also brings more motivation and better results, as opposed to training by yourself at a gym.

How long does it take to develop self-defense skills?
If you train consistently, within six months you will have some solid basic self-defense skills (confidence in basic blocks, kicks & punching combinations).

How often should I come to class?
Learning Karate is like anything else, the more you put into it the more you get out. As a rule, if you come to class once a week you will feel like you are playing catch up every time you come. If you come twice a week you will see moderate improvement. Three times a week and you'll start making steady, noticeable progress. Converted to hours: you should train a minimum of three hours per week in the dojo. Also, you should practice on your own at home.

Does your school offer classes for beginners?
In our system of training we find that this is not necessary. We can effectively teach all grades in the same class. You will not be expected to perform at anything other than a beginning level.

How do I choose a school?
Watch a class:
All schools should first let you watch a class or take a free introductory lesson. Avoid schools that want some sort of payment immediately.
Talk to the instructor:
See what type of person he/she is, and what the staff and students are like. Feel free to ask the instructor for his/her teaching credentials: whom he/she trained with; where he/she obtained his/her black belt; does he/she still have a teacher, etc. Any legitimate instructor should have no problem answering these questions.
Observe the environment:
When watching a class, look at the attitude of the students and the overall atmosphere. Does it seem cooperative, or competitive? Encouraging, or egotistical? Talk to some of the students before or after class to find out what they think of the school.
Find out if the school belongs to a larger organization:
A school that is governed by a national organization usually has a structured and well-rounded program which is consistent with other schools - this is good if you travel or move. Students from schools like this also receive internationally recognized belt certification.

Who takes Karate?
Everyone! Men, women and children of all ages. Classes are divided by experience. When you first start you will come in to a beginner class. As you progress you will move up to the intermediate level. The abilities and ranks of students in these classes are mixed but you are generally partnered up with someone of the same sex or build, as it's easier to practice karate with someone your size.

How big are the classes?
Classes are usually 10 to 25 people per class, sometimes a little bigger and rarely smaller.

How long will it take me to earn a black belt?
In any legitimate school the very least should be around 3 to 4 years and no more than 5 or 6 years, if you are training on a regular basis and fulfill all of the required criteria. Avoid schools that promise two year special black belt programs or, at the other extreme, won't even give you a basic time frame. (NOTE TO PARENTS: SOME KARATE SCHOOLS AWARD BLACK BELT RANKS AT A VERY YOUNG AGE. SO THAT YOU ARE NOT TAKEN BY SURPRISE, WE DO NOT AND WILL NOT ISSUE A FULL BLACK BELT UNTIL YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER REACHES THE AGE OF 18. WE MAY CHOOSE TO AWARD A JUNIOR BLACK BELT GRADE PRIOR TO THEIR 18TH BIRTHDAY WHICH CAN BE FULLY UPGRADED AT THE PROPER TIME. BECOMING A BLACK BELT, IN OUR VIEW, BRINGS WITH IT A DEGREE OF RESPONSIBILITY. WE STRONGLY FEEL THAT IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE ON OUR PART TO PUT YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER IN A SITUATION OF BLACK BELT RESPONSIBILITY AT A YOUNG AGE. IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU NEED A COMPLETE EXPLANATION SIMPLY ASK ONE OF THE SENIOR INSTRUCTORS WHO WILL GLADLY DETAIL OUR REASONING. OUR INTENT IS TO PROVIDE AN EDUCATION TO YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO A COLLEGE DEGREE. IT TAKES TIME, IT IS A JOURNEY, AND ONE THAT WE HOPE WILL BE CONTINUED FOR A LIFETIME.)

What do all the different colored belts mean?
Most martial arts schools worldwide use the standard of 10 levels leading up to black belt. These levels are called kyu grades: 10th kyu being a beginner and 1st kyu being the level just before black belt. The colors of the belts vary from school to school, but the number of levels should always be right around ten.

How often are belt tests held?
Belt tests, or "gradings" as we call them, are held every three to six months. So if you are training consistently you can expect to test two or three times per year in most instances until you reach brown belt.

What type of training does your school emphasize?
Training at our school is for everyone. We concentrate heavily on basic technique, kata and the application of the movements, self defense skills, and personal development.

What are the benefits of learning Karate?
There are numerous benefits such as: increased strength, tone and flexibility; improved health; natural and consistent weight control; improved cardiovascular health; stronger confidence and self-esteem. These benefits and others all contribute to slowing the body's ageing process.

At what age can children start Karate?
Children can start at the age of five in our Pee Wee program. There are some who could start slightly younger, based on an assessment of their attention span and motor skills.

Am I too old to start Karate?
Absolutely not. Anyone can benefit from starting karate at any age. Training is an individual pursuit and a gradual process based on your own abilities. In an average adult class the ages range from 15 to 65 years of age.

Are girls welcome?
Yes. Even today some girls may view contact sports as not feminine. If they are in the confusing middle school years it can be harder for them to participate in a sport like karate. Girls are rarely taught to fight, outside of tussles with older siblings. Learning how to punch, block and kick creates a positive mental attitude, engenders confidence, and helps one realize that one has a self-defense option in dangerous situations.

What equipment will I need?
You will need a loose fitting karate uniform called a " gi". This is supplied free when you sign up for our introductory program. The only other expense you will incur is for protective sparring gear and belt tests. A set of sparring gear includes a head guard, gloves, mouthpiece and shinpads and costs about $95.00.  Belt tests are between $30.00 and $45.00 dollars each.

How long is a class?
The Pee Wee classes are 30 minutes and the other classes between one and two hours.

Are private lessons available?
If a time can be agreed upon with the instructor. It is totally at the instructor's discretion.

Does your school offer other activities?
Our school participates in public martial arts demonstrations, tournaments, special workshops, leadership clubs, seminars with guest instructors, and special training camps around the world offered through our affiliations with the International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Federation and the National College of Martial Arts International.  We sometimes hold outdoor training sessions. There are occasional social functions as well, such as holiday and birthday parties and group dinners.

What facilities does your school offer?
Our training area consists of a 3,000 square foot room (dojo) with a padded floor, mirrors on two walls and a media system. The facility is also heated and cooled. There is a sitting area for those wishing to observe classes. Separate changing rooms and showers for men and women are provided. We take pride in the cleanliness of our facilities both indoors and out.  The school also sells martial arts related merchandise, including sparring and protective gear, t-shirts, books and videos.  Anything related to your needs for karate training can be purchased through our store.

What is parking like?
We have a large paved parking lot with many spaces.  It is well lit for those evenings when you leave the facility late.


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              Martial Arts training involves physical and disciplinary techniques that could produce bodily injury. All training is at the customer's own risk.