About Classes... What is a Karate class like? What do I need to join? What if I'm not in great physical shape? What if...

    Oh, so many questions arise when deciding weather or not to train in karate.

    First lets start by picking out a Dojo or school. I personally don't like the idea of signing a contract. This is when the School or Dojo asks you for three to six months (I've even heard of 5 years) dues up front. They usually guarantee that you or your child will receive their next rank (belt) or 2 within that time frame. As people, especially kids, developed skills at all different rates I can not see how any one could guarantee such a thing. I'm sure the school will award the belt, but was it really earned? And what if you or little Johnny / Suzie decide after one month that this is not for you / them. Will you get a refund? No. Remember, you signed a contract.

    Does the school or dojo require you to purchase a uniform and special equipment the day you sign up? This is a thing most parents are worrisome of. Imagine spending $150+ in gear and uniform and another $450 on that six month contract just to have little Suzie / Johnny tell you two weeks into it that He/She would rather play hockey. Ouch! Well at lest they may be able to wear that uniform as pajamas. 

    OK. Now that that's been said here's the sales pitch...
At the SKA of NE Dojo's  your first class is always free. After that if you decide to stay with us our low rates are paid monthly. And NO! We don't require you to sign any contracts. As for Uniform (Gi) and gear. A simple white tee shirt and loose fitting sweat pants will do for now. We do discourage spandex bicycle pants, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, etc.. After you've been training for a few weeks we would however expect you to purchase a Gi (Uniform). At this time we assume you've decide weather or not to stay on. 

    The only gear we expect you to purchase initially is a mouth piece ( about $3.00) and groin protection (cup) for the males. After a couple of months we would expect you to start accumulating sparing gear, (hand pads, foot pads and head gear.) but for now you may use ours.

    As for the training curriculum? 
    Class starts out with the traditional bow-in. A line is formed starting with the highest rank or Senpai (assistant instructor) on the right trickling to the left and ending with he lowest rank on the left, all facing forward towards the instructor (Sensei) and front of class. All bow to the front and kneel following the furthest to the rights queue, after which a moment of silent meditation to clear your thoughts. All properly bow towards the front of the class at the end of meditation. (towards the image of Master Funakoshi). This is not done as idol worship, but rather simple sign of respect for the man who made it all possible. The Sensei will turn and face the class at this point and all will properly bow towards Him/Her as He/She bows towards the class. Again this is not Idol Worship, rather a symbol of respect. The Instructor is there to have patience with the class and devote all his/her energies to teaching. The class is grateful and eager to learn, focusing their all on what is to be taught.
    All stand. Starting with the highest rank (far right) and ending with the lowest rank (far left). All mutually bow, and the class spreads out in a orderly fashion. 

    This is followed by a work-out consisting of calisthenics and some strength training. The when this is over Formal Class begins.....
    Formal Class emphasizes strongly the three K's in Karate. These being Kihon, Kata, Kumite. We also work various levels of self-defense, as well as train in some weapons. For a more in-depth look at these as well as other aspects of our training I would now direct you to our on-line student handbook. Just click the training button on your left.

But What If I'm Not In Good Shape?
    Start out by going at your own pace. The body has a way of letting you know when your pushing to hard to fast. Unfortunately some times it won't tell you till the next day when it refuses to get out of bed, or climb a flight of stairs. Being out of shape does not mean you can not train in Karate. It means you are going to have to get in shape as you train in Karate.

    A few other tips;

• Karate is a contact sport so nails, hands and feet, should be trimmed short. Jewelry in any form should be removed prior to class. 

• Yes. We train bare foot. So if you think your feet stink smell them. If they do stink wash them with soap and water. If they really stink add a wash cloth to the mix. Wash your face and hands as well.

• There is no room in any Dojo for ego's. Big heads make for undesirable training conditions. As a adult black belt I have learned lessons from children who are white belts. This can only be accomplished by keeping a open mind.

• Horse play is not tolerated in the Dojo. That's kicking, punching, pushing, etc. any karateka (fellow student) unless otherwise instructed to do so. If instructed to do so then do it properly.

• Showing disrespect for fellow students will not be tolerated. All fellow students should be treated with the same respect given the instructors (Inside as well as outside the Dojo).

• These few rules ( as well as some others) are in place for the safety, and comfort of all. Imagine for a moment working a self-defense technique with a partner. He grabs your white Gi with hands that have not been washed in a week leaving a black smudge that will never come out in the wash. You reach over his arms only to snag your over-grown fingernails on his necklace. As your finger nail falls off you jump back and scream in pain. He is so startled by the necklace cutting into the back of his neck that he falls backwards kicking a foot up between your legs. And you, as a male, forgot to wear your groin protection... By the way. Rest assured that if he didn't wash his hands than he didn't wash his feet either...

A final note;
    If you made it this far down the page I thank you humbly for tolerating my long winded precession.   I hope it was of some help.  John