No. A student will “get in shape” by practicing with us.  Being “in shape” is different for everyone and every discipline.  You will attain different levels of fitness based on the time and effort you put in during and outside of class. Your sense of being “in shape” will change as you improve your techniques and advance in rank.  The primary goal of this school is to achieve and maintain a state of being healthy, which includes self-defense, not losing weight. By working to be healthy, you will attain a very desirable level of fitness physically, mentally and Spiritually.  

“Being in shape” is superficial.  Being Safe and Healthy is more important.

Again, no.  The most difficult part of Martial Arts training is beginning.  We break down the movements to their most simple elements, allowing the movements to be easily learned.  Then, we repeat the movements until they become a part of your subconscious.  We want you to be able to recall the movement, should you ever need it, without having to think about.

I am often asked “at what age can my child start Martial Arts training?” Or, “am I too old to start?”  My normal response: I have had some great 2 year olds.  There have also been some 40 year olds who couldn’t pay attention 5 minutes!  It is not the age of the individual who practices, it is the willingness to pay attention and try.

What holds people back is their own fear of failure.  We encourage everyone to just try.  We have spent many years training to make our techniques effective.  We want you to take small steps and improve a little bit everyday. This is called Kaizen.  The Japanese word for continuous improvement.

We try to keep costs to a minimum.  As such, we offer new students to  try two sessions for only $10.  As we DO NOT have contracts, this allows everyone to give our Martial Arts a try without fear of extended obligation. During this trial period, we can determine how best to serve you. (And to make sure everyone is a fit for the Dojo.  Yes, the vetting goes both ways so we can maintain a Family Oriented atmosphere.)   Just click on this section to give us a try!!

You may buy your uniform anytime after registering for class. A white uniform is required for training in class.  A Karate Gi or uniform was designed for the type of movements to be learned.  Other types of clothing tend to tear up and/or restrict movement.  The uniform should be purchased from this school to ensure sufficient quality and consistency.  We can provide a higher quality uniform usually at a much lower cost.  If we can find a less expensive option, we will let you know. 

A partial meaning of “Do” is “path”, a way to shape one’s life.  We look at the training here as one of the ways to shape your life for the better.  We work to understand the techniques of karate, not just to “learn moves” for fighting.  Along with truly learning the techniques is obtaining a sense of balance between mind, body and Spirit, thus affecting every aspect of our lives.  There are a lot of people teaching fighting techniques.  There are very few who will help guide you along the path of life. Karate-Do.

The “traditional” way is based on training the way the masters of old trained. The emphasis is always to try to stress the perfection of the basic movements to make them effective for self-defense.  At some schools, the idea is to teach or show “moves” that impress the students.  The students may be excited and attracted to the use of the fancy and aggressive movements, will not have any true training in or understanding of those moves. Typical schools do not train as traditional styles in the basic movements and kata; instead they may only emphasize sparring or fighting. Without a firm understanding of the basics, the student will not know what makes techniques work.  Their self-defense will be weak.  Self-defense and Self-improvement is the point of training in the first place.

Ju-jutsu is the Japanese Art of Grappling.  This includes throws, locks, and strikes.  This Art was developed for the purpose of self-defense and combat as it was used by Samurai. Ju-Do was developed as a  the sport from Ju-jutsu. 

Jiu-jitsu is the popular name of the grappling Art typically associated with Brazil.  The most famous being the Gracie Jiu jitsu System.  Jiu-Jitsu is the name given to the Arts which came from Ju-jutsu.

Every culture has developed a system of self-defense, and as such can give the name they deem appropriate.

Yes.  But, only after you have demonstrated the ability to control your body (and self).  Some of the weapons used are those of traditional Okinawan practice: The bo, sai, tonfa, nanchaku and oar.  Those who desire more will want to join the Hontai Yoshin Ryu classes.  In these classes the Sword, Bo (6 foot staff), Han Bo (3 foot staff), Jo (4 foot staff), Tanto (Knife) and Katana (Wood, Unsharp and Sharp) through Iaido.  This is reserved for the few. (Try Iai )

One must understand the practice of weaponry is an Art by itself and their are several schools that practice the Art of Weaponry, Kobudo, exclusively just as we practice the Art of empty hand, Karate.

The Martial Arts were created well over 1,000 years ago for the purpose of self-defense.  In Japan and other Eastern cultures, the Martial Arts became one of the many aspects of the educational system required for “civilizing” the community.  Students are required to show good manners, mutual respect and self-discipline to maintain civilized behavior for the betterment of all.

We bow to show respect for each other.  The bow in Japanese culture is as common as and similar to a handshake. When we bow before and after training we are showing appreciation to the instructor or our partner for teaching or helping us.

The Art we practice is similar to any other sport or art, in that consistent practice of the basic elements allows one to improve and eventually master the activity.  For example, one cannot play the piano, performing complicated pieces of music without first learning how to place your hands on the keys.  Dedication, discipline and practice is required.  Another example: If a building does not have a firm foundation, no one can live in that house, for fear of it falling.  You must have a firm foundation on which to build your house of Martial Arts.  “The Basics” is what forms that foundation.

Kata (forms) were created by Chinese and Okinawan masters hundreds of years ago.  They are moves based on imaginary defense against multiple attackers; a ready catalog of self-defense techniques.  Those original kata have combined many techniques such as blocking, punching, kicking and shifting one’s body weight with good balance and timing.  Kata training develops skill for a great number of movements and helps one to remember those movements. It is also good for physical fitness, using all portions of the body while practicing.  This is only the tip of the ice berg regarding kata and full Martial Arts training.

No.  We do not stress going to competitions at this school.  Although we do very well when we do participate, competing is not what we want this school to be known for.  We are more interested in the development of the person rather than having many “National Champions”.  We go to competitions for the “fun of it” and to meet other people. It is an option we take part in at this school.

After some period of training, some students want to be recognized for their progress.  Sometimes it doesn’t matter if he/she passes or fails.  Testing is recognition of their technique advancing and encouragement to strive for continuous improvement. Karate-Do is the same as any other art.  There are many different stages to advance through.  These stages in karate have been classified as novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced and are represented by different belt colors.    Those who wear black belts are basically advanced students.

ATTITUDE IS A GREAT DETERMINING FACTOR IN RANK ADVANCEMENT

For us, obtaining the Black Belt is only the beginning of training, not the end.  The Black Belt indicates one has sufficiently learned the basics, having obtained a firm foundation to grow from.  Three (3) years is the minimum amount of time required to obtain a Black Belt at this school; with four (4) to five (5) years being normal.  This is with consistent practice and receiving instruction.  The minimum age is 10 years old, and such a person will hold junior status until he or she has become an adult.  Not only does one have to demonstrate proficiency in physical skills, they must be mature enough to receive the responsibility of higher rank.  

This is a question you should never ask.  The teachers and senior students will monitor your progress.  When you are ready, you will be invited to test.  Your hard work will always be recognized.  Some people will advance faster or slower than others.  Do not compete with your classmates.  Just strive to improve yourself.  Be a little bit better everyday. (Kaizen – continuous improvement)

No.  You will pick up some of the culture, such as understanding and speaking a few words in Japanese.  Our desire is to help you understand yourself first.  An aid to understanding self is to be exposed to others’ way of life. Traveling to Japan is exciting and fun, but not required.  Practicing some of the their customs is required:  bowing to each other, not wearing shoes on the training floor, control of self, etc… A major goal of our school is for you to find YOURSELF, not copy others.

We face the East to come to attention and formally greet God.  This “call to order” tells everyone we are about to begin.  It allows a time to calm down and focus on connecting with the One responsible for all.  At the end of class we again focus ourselves to prepare to leave the Dojo in a positive Spirit by remembering to honor God.