Q: How do I sign up for class?
A: For classes at the YMCA you can register at the front desk of the YMCA, or online on their website by clicking here.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Visit the Our Programs page for the latest price information for each class.
Q: Do I need to buy any special equipment?
A: No special equipment is needed to take the beginners karate class. Students wishing to test for their first rank, however, are required to purchase a uniform prior to test.
Q: Where can I buy a uniform?
A: We sell the uniforms (called karategi) that our students wear. Prices start at $21 for childrens sizes and go up based on size an fabric weight. Uniforms purchased from other sources are permitted with the instructors approval to ensure that all uniforms match the club’s standards for style and quality.
Q: Are there any additional fees?
A: Students wishing to test must pay the appropriate test fees, which are to be paid directly to the club. Other special classes and seminars for higher ranking students may also have associated fees.
Q: How long does it take to get a black belt?
A: Every student is different and not everyone tests every time, but the minimum time it takes to earn a black belt in our system is 3 years. At lower ranks students can test every quarter if they show sufficient skill, but the last two ranks before black belt require 2 quarters each in order to teach and refine the skills necessary to earn a black belt.
Q: Can parents take classes too?
A: Absolutely! In fact, we encourage parents to train alongside their children. This often helps students feel more comfortable in class and can lead to better practicing at home.
Q: I have an older child that is interested in the daytime classes but I am concerned that learning with younger child will make my child uncomfortable.
A: Any of our classes is appropriate for your child, regardless of age, to begin their training. Every new student feels a little uncomfortable as a beginner. Our program is designed to cater to age 6 and up without making any student of any age feel out of place.
Q: I am concerned that my younger child may not feel comfortable sparring with older students. Do you make sure they can team up with other students their age?
A: To begin with, Beginner’s Karate students do not spar. We introduce students to sparring only after they have been trained with some disciplined skills.
As far as age or size difference, no one picks their bullies, their bullies pick them. Learning how to deal with others of varying age or size is part of our training. That being said, when students do begin sparring we try to pair them with others their same age/size or with upper belts who have been instructed to fight “at their level” and help the new students improve their skills.
Q: My son has been getting bullied at school and I am interested in some help to make him feel strong enough to stand up to the bullies. Do you teach students how to handle bullies on the playground?
A: We do in fact recognize that bullies are a problem. Throughout our program students are trained with confidence but also wisdom of how to diffuse a bad situation. However, we do not teach children to fight, but how to defend against a fight situation.
Q: How soon could I start to learn weapons like nunchucks and stuff?
A: Our Kobudo program is a essential part of a balanced martial arts training. However, every student must first show that they are ready for the addition of Kobudo studies through discipline in karate. Generally, student may be invited to train in Kobudo as of their 3rd or fourth quarter of Karate training.
Q: How much are the “additional” fees for testing at the end of each quarter?
A: Test fees vary depending on rank for which a student is testing. Students testing for their first rank (red belt) would pay $30.00 for the privilege to test. Prices for each higher level cost more since there is more to test.
Q: Does it cost extra to get the rank belt?
A: Test fees include the new belt and a certificate called a Menjo approved by the Sensei and the Blackbelt judges of Hokubei Shotokan Kuro-obi Kai that are present.
Q: My child can only make it to one afternoon class a week. Can she also attend one day in the evening classes to make up for it?
A: We do allow for cross-training between the afternoon and evening classes. However, because they are taught by different Sensei we prefer that students keep cross-training to a minimum. In addition, Beginner’s Karate students may not cross-train except under approved circumstances.
Q: How long are classes each day? Are there any break times?
A: All karate classes run for 55 minutes though sometimes they may run over slightly. Students may be excused from class early for special circumstances but generally classes are just under one hour. We do not have scheduled breaks. Student may be excused for restroom needs with Sensei’s approval.
Q: If my child does not pass the test to go up in rank, will he be required to take the class over again?
A: Students that fail to pass a Kyuu level test at the quarter end testing time may have a second chance to take a “make-up” test upon returning to class in the second week back. If students fail to pass at the “make-up” test, they will be eligible to test again at the end of the quarter without having to pay test fees a second time.
Q: I am a black belt from another style of martial arts. Can I join your group? Will I have to start all over again?
A: We welcome Karateka and students of other types of martial arts to our Dojo for training. However, we have our style of techniques and training and any experienced practitioner will need to learn our techniques to acquire our rank advancements. From our viewpoint, students are here to learn what we offer, not to teach us their methods.