1 What do I need to start?
We offer free try out class, so wear some comfy clothes and come try out with us. No need to buy the karate uniform (gi) until you are ready! We especially recommend that parents wait a month before buying a gi, to be sure their little one is keen before buying something that can't be used in any other sports code.
2 Am I too old to start?
Never! We have students who have started in their 40s, 50s and 60s! Everyone comes to karate in their own time, and is on their own unique journey.
3 I have little ones I'd like to start in karate, but I'm worried about injuries. Is karate safe?
We take our work as instructors seriously, and work hard to manage all reasonable risk in the dojo. We ensure that students work safely and respectfully when sparring. It is safer for kids to learn to fight in the controlled environment of the dojo, than on the school playground. Bumps and bruises are inevitable, but we work on helping our students become tough (without becoming hard.)
4 My two year old shows so much promise and interest!
Will you train them? We love to see the spirit of the tiniest fighters. However, the formal dojo environment just isn't right for them. We would love to see them when they are closer to 5, and able to concentrate in longer bursts. We've written extensively about toddlers in karate as well.
5 I/My child has ADHD/ASD/ODD - is there a place for us in your dojo?
Karate is for everyone, and every mind! We will always do our best to accommodate neurodivergent kids (and increasingly, neurodivergent adults). ADHD isn't a dirty word in our dojo. We also work with sensory-processing disorder students. Unfortunately, we aren't adequately trained to deal with severe non-verbal cases, and we will always be honest with parents about whether a child will be suited to the dojo environment.
6 How do I change belts?
How does testing work? For kids, we have two tests a year, and most students will change belt colors. Students 14 and older will test with more material, and have fewer belts. The coveted black belt can take 6 - 8 years. It sounds like a long time, but the years will pass anyway; you might as well have a black belt at the end of it.
7 What's the dojo's lineage?
Ah, we are so glad you asked. We have elements of Shotokan and Goju Ryu through our teachings. We can trace our Goju karate lineage back to Sensei Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju Ryu. We can trace our Shotokan Karate through Master Takazawa and Kei Shin Kan
8 Do you do competitions/tournaments?
We do in-house tournaments so that students can experience the benefits of sports karate, (winning graciously, losing without losing hope) without the cost that comes with regional/provincial tournaments. We believe that karate is about self-improvement, so we do Kata Competitions NOT sparring. Sparring and groundwork are part of our syllabus, as karate should involve fighting, but we focus on being our best selves, rather than on who's the best.