FAQ

1. When and where does the UWO Karate Club practice?

See class times and location for up-to-date information

This schedule may change from year-to-year and an updated Fall schedule is posted in late August.

2. I have never taken a martial art; do I need experience to join?

No experience is necessary to start in karate. Everyone is welcome and students train to their own physical abilities.

3. Will I get beat up?

Karate does involve contact, and the occasional bruise in your Martial Arts career is probably unavoidable. The instructors are very aware of the potential for injury and constantly strive to promote technical excellence and self control to reduce the risks. Because of this, Karate has one of the lowest injury rates of all "sports".

4. What do I need for my first class?

At the UWO Karate Club we welcome you to come try a class for free at any time. Wear something comfortable (sweatpants/T-shirt), no jewellery (earrings/watches/necklaces unless religious, then speak to the head instructor) and no shoes/socks on the dojo floor. You may want to bring a combination lock to store your belongings in the WSRC change rooms.

5. How much does it cost?

Membership for the 2021/2022 school year is $45, or $25.00 per term. Registration takes place through https://shop.westernmustangs.ca/

6. Do I need a uniform?

Uniforms (gis) are not required unless you wish to grade. If you wish to buy a uniform, please contact one of the club executives. A Legacy Shorin Ryu crest is required for grading and can be purchased from the Hanshi Gary Legacy or Shihan Wayne Baer for $10.

7. I have previously studied martial arts. Would I keep my rank in your dojo?

Shihan Baer honours belts awarded in other martial art styles. You would have to speak with him about practicing in the dojo. Your basics/kata may be different so adjustments would have to be made accordingly. You may practice your own style or begin learning Legacy Shorin Ryu karate.

8. Do I have to attend all classes?

Many students have scheduling conflicts. Our instructors are very understanding and you would just need to explain your situation to him (exams, projects, etc.) and that you cannot attend all classes. Attending 1 to 2 instructed classes a week is highly recommended if you intent to advance in belt rank.

9. Do you have tournaments?

Legacy Shorin Ryu holds a winter Shiai (tournament) in February, which our students usually attend to support or participate. Our club is often invited to other tournaments in Toronto, Windsor, and London area. Tournaments will be announced throughout the year.

10. What else is there to the UWO Karate Club besides karate class?

The UWO Karate Club will be holding several events outside of regular class including movie and pizza night, and an 'End of the School Year' dinner. Suggestions are welcome if there is something that particularly interests you and can be done in a group.

11. What are the weapons that I saw at your table?

As a member of Legacy Shorin Ryu, you have the option of attending separate weapons seminars where you would learn the kata (pattern or form) as well as the bunkai (practical application of the weapon) for a particular weapon. In our style we have the bo (6 foot stick), tombo (2 foot stick), tonfa (night stick), sai (pair), kama (sickle), nunchaku and eku (oar). We also practice iaido--the art of drawing a sword--with a master instructor from Michigan who comes here to teach seminars every couple of months.

12. What is the White Crane?

White Crane is a style adapted from Chinese Kung fu. This style involves high stances, pressure point/joint manipulation and grappling. Legacy Shorin Ryu does practice Matsumura White Crane but this is only available to black belts who are members of 'White Crane'.

13. What do "Hanshi", "Kyoshi", and "Renshi" mean? What do the red and red/white belts signify?

The red and white belts and the titles signify the masters levels in our style. A person with a black belt containing a red stripe is referred to as "Renshi", those with a red and white vertically striped belt are called "Kyoshi", and a solid red belt are called "Hanshi". Hanshi Gary Legacy is the only person in our style with Hanshi status. All solid black belts are referred to as "Sensei".