Do I need to wear a karate uniform (Gi) to participate in class? Nope! You can dress in active wear that allows you to move comfortably and sweat lots!
What should I bring to class? Waterbottle, and the learning spirit! Please make sure phones are turned off or silent during class.
Is there a place I can safely get changed/dressed for karate class? Yes, the community center has washrooms to change in. Alternatively you can arrive dressed in activewear or the karate gi uniform.
How old can my child be to participate in class? Ideally 6-7 years old is a great starting age to engage in class and be able to pay attention to learn.
Do you offer classes all year round? We take a winter break around the last week of December each year and sometimes the community center may not be open for stat holidays, otherwise, the show will go on (every monday and wednesday)! Make sure to check the annoucements at the home page and the google calendar in the upcoming events page for class schedule updates.
How many belt levels are there? What are they? Currently we have 10 color belt levels and varying degrees of black belts. Beginnners will automatically be considered a white belt, progressing to white stripe (9th kyu), Yellow (8th kyu), Orange (7th kyu), Green (6th kyu), Purple (5th kyu), Blue (4th kyu), Brown (3rd kyu), Brown (2nd kyu), Brown (1st kyu), and Black (Shodan). After you have reached Shodan, you must maintain your practice to belt test for your 2nd degree (Nidan) and so on, and so forth. The timeline for testing for black belts are different within each degree and have additional requirements.
I am not so sure if I want to join but I am curious, is there a way for me to know more about what classes are like? Absolutely, most people who are interested in joining are welcome to observe a class and speak with instructors to answer any questions and concerns you may have
What if I miss a couple of classes, how do I catch up if I am falling behind? Absolutely no worries! We understand that life happens, karate is only one part of our lives. We will meet you where you are at and help you progress towards where you need to be.
What if I am injured/have mobility challenges, am I still able to come to class? Yes, you still can, we do not recommend exertion on the affected body part, as that can create further injury. Still attending class may look like participating in techniques that you are comfortable doing on the unaffected side/body parts and/or observing class.
I am loving the classes so far and I am wanting to purchase a karate uniform (gi). Where should I get one? You are welcome to do some research and order a set on your own, however, sensei can give great recommendations and order uniforms in for you. Ideally as long as the uniform is no longer than up to your wrist for sleeves and does not cover your ankles for pant leg.
What does the belt gradings look like? We like to think they are just like any other class, we will go through the basic techniques, kata, one step sparrinng (ippon kumite) and free sparring (ju-kumite). The expectations will vary based on your current belt level.
How often is there belt tests? We try to hold one once per year, sometimes two, as there are candidates who are eligible to grade more than once based on their skill and belt level. We will do our best to update the announcements and schedule page in advance.
What if I fail the belt grading, what will happen? It is all good! This just means that there is more room for growth and you may try again at the next belt grading. We will work with you to get there and do your best.
Should I go to tournaments and seminars? Even if I have just started? Yes! Start going to tournaments and seminars as soon as possible! This gives you experience and exposure to other dojos with our organization while practicing calming the nerves. Tournaments are really fun and there is no pressure to win. As long as you try to encompass the skills we teach you prior to the tournaments, you will do great! Seminars are a great opportunity to learn, it is a gigantic class with people across the prairies and Canada. We will do our best to organize carpooling and lodgings when we can.
I still have more specific questions, what should I do? You are welcome to stop by 15 min prior to class times or contact 1403 968 0378.
Please note that the dojo does not formally test Japanese terminology, it is greatly encouraged to familiarized yourself with the Japanese and English terms for the karate techniques as you approach the Brown belt level and preparing for black belt gradings.
Kata list for belt gradings and tournaments
Want to track your kata knowledge? Here is a checklist of all the katas you will learn up to Sho-dan/Ni-dan. Feel free to print and download to check off the ones that are a work in progress and the ones you have graded for already.
***Please note that kata restrictions at tournaments may vary. The kata list for tournaments linked here is a general example of what to expect and prepare for to participate in the kata events. Additionally, please pay attention to which belt levels are required to change kata every time they compete against an opponent within their division, as this can also vary throughout the different tournaments.***
Recent Tournament rules and regulations.
Upon attending class, there are rules of etiquette that we like to follow so we can all contribute to a super fun learning environment for everyone. Here is a list of main rules to familiarize yourself with prior to coming to class. There are smaller nuances that you will pick up as you complete classes and engage with other students and teachers.