Q: How do I know if your program is right for me?
A: Here is a good overview of what to look for and what questions to ask: Choosing A Dojo
Q: What are the age limits for your program?
A: Students can start as young as 3 years old! We have a Ninja Kids program designed to introduce young students to Martial Arts. We also have several students who are over 60, including some of our black belts! Karate is for everyone!
Q: Is Kyokushin for me? It looks tough!
A: Kyokushin has a reputation for being a very tough style of Karate. However, students are built up over time, never beaten down. We develop students to be able to handle the rigorous training slowly so they have a solid foundation. Students are never asked to do anything that they aren't capable of, and our instructors are very nurturing and committed to your development. We will do everything we can to help you succeed!
Q: I'm not in very good shape. What should I do to prepare myself before joining your class?
A: While Karate training places a high physical demand on students, anyone can join our class no matter what their current physical condition is. We will help you get in shape, and only push you as much as you are capable of. You will see significant improvements in your health and physical abilities in a very short amount of time. We can also help you with creating a supplemental exercise program and diet to help you with your goals.
Q: I'm interested in finding a Karate program to help my child concentrate better and improve discipline. How can your program help?
A: Karate is a very disciplined art. Our Ninja Kids program combines traditional Karate training with fun martial art related activities, so children enjoy training while learning to control their impulses and enhance their focus and concentration. Our instructors are very patient but also adhere to strict expectations of conduct and behavior. Unlike some kids programs, we are not just an activity that you drop your child off to for an hour. We are very much invested in their development as martial artists. There are many benefits to Karate for children, which can be found here.
Q: I'm concerned about my child being bullied. How can your program help?
A: Martial arts teaches many important skills for children, as well as enhancing their sense of self-worth, pride, and confidence. Sometimes, that's all that's needed because bullies pick up on that increased confidence. However, students also learn effective strategies specifically for handling bullies, as well as understanding why they behave the way they do. We also provide specific strategies and talking points for parents to discuss with their kids to help them process and handle the issues surrounding bullying.
Q: Kyokushin is "Full Contact Karate". This sounds dangerous! Is your program safe?Â
A: Absolutely. While we do engage in full contact Kumite (fighting) at advanced levels, sparring and training are always conducted in a safe and supervised environment. All sports have an element of risk, but surprisingly, Karate injuries are an extremely rare occurrence. We use specialized pads for training, as well as fist and shin protectors, and helmets for young students and beginners. Additionally, beginner students always spar and train with very experienced and skilled advanced students, who have expert control over their techniques.
Q: I'm looking for an activity to do as a family. Can our family train together?
A: Yes! We are a very family oriented organization! We have many families that train together, including mothers, fathers, and their children.
Q: Most other martial arts programs are much more expensive than yours. Why is your program so affordable?
A: Unlike most other schools, our instructors teach purely for the love of the art. We are not invested in this to make money. Our organization is a not-for-profit, and all proceeds and fees earned through various sources are invested 100% back into the club for purchasing equipment and sponsoring events. We truly do this because we believe in giving back to our community and helping people grow and develop through martial arts training!
Q: What should I wear to my first class?
A: New students should come to class prepared to sweat, in loose fitting comfortable clothing such as sweatpants and a T-shirt. Shoes, socks, and all jewelry must be removed before class for safety reasons. When a student is ready to make a commitment to the class, a Do-Gi (Karate uniform) may be purchased through the our organization, as well as training equipment such as protective pads.
Q: Is Kyokushin Karate effective for self defense?
A: Absolutely. Besides learning real-world practical self defense techniques, our program also teaches skills that will help keep you safe, such as observation, awareness, recognizing the messengers of intuition, action vs. reaction, how to assess behavior, how to properly identify a threat, how to handle bullies, etc. "The master wins without the fight."