Frequently Asked Questions
Starting something new can be overwhelming. This page was created to help answer any questions or concerns you might have. If you still need further help, please contact us anytime - we’d love to hear from you.
Contents:
How young can my child start?
Our general karate programs are designed for primary school age children and above. While karate is a fun physical activity, it does require some discipline, the ability to follow basic instructions and positive social interaction skills. We are currently working towards launching in 2021 our Kindergarten Karate, which is a day care incursion program built for those youngsters that really want to learn some cool moves.
Am I too old to do karate?
NO. You are never too old to start karate. Karate Community’s adult program is a well balanced experience, combining gentle and slow motions with dynamic, functional movement. The aim of all Goju Ryu practitioners is to increase in power, even as one ages.
What do i need to do to join karate?
Joining is simple and we take enrolments all year around, subject to class size limit availability. We encourage everyone to attend a free trial lesson to see if we are a right fit before committing to our program. You can book your trial class from the button below. All you need for your first session is comfortable clothing, a water-bottle, a smile and a can-do attitude!
What classes are available and where?
We offer a range of general karate to all ages, as well as special events, seminars, personal training and small group sessions.
Our general karate classes are held twice a week in EUMUNDI, and proudly services the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Hinterland. Special events, workshops and seminars are held all over, from beaches to parklands, or in local community halls. Personal training is very flexible - you can come to us or we can come to you.
You can find our timetable from the following link. Please contact us with any and all enquiries.
What are the costs?
We pride ourselves on providing affordable, high quality programs for everyone. Our upfront costs depend largely on what training option you choose, singular or multiple training, add the type of karate uniform you’d like to order. You can find a guide to our pricing below.
Do i pay per class or for a term?
Our general karate classes are a 10 week program that run in alignment with the Queensland school term. We do not offer casual training fees for general classes. Personal training is payed per class, or you can book a 5 week program for a discounted rate.
Do i need a karate uniform?
Yes, a karate-gi is required by all Karate Community students.
Karate was popularised from Japan and as such is inherently filled with the culture’s language, training attire, tools and ethical practices. We feel it is valuable to include many of these traditions to enhance the training experience of students.
Juniors are recommended to start with the poly/cotton blend, as they grow quickly and sometimes want to try lots of different activities which can be expensive! Long time students and adults are encouraged to opt for the 100% cotton canvas do-gi.
We will supply the uniform of your choosing with our patch. These start from $50.
How long will it take to get my black belt?
It is important to impart that the colour of one’s belt should be held in modest regard. It is there primarily to keep your karate-gi top closed, and your pants from falling!
We do not all progress at the same pace. We all have different hurdles, distractions, responsibilities - it is ok to take your time. Do not be in a rush - it is better to do techniques slowly and perfectly than fast and incorrect. Remember, even a snail can climb to the top of a mountain.
We have developed a very comprehensive guide to help students track their progress toward the long term goal of BLACK BELT. The Karate Community Handbook is available to all students.
To provide a ballpark figure, we could estimate that a dedicated student training multiple times a week could achieve a black belt in about 5-7 years. Karate is a journey, not a destination, and can be a life-long friend.
What are the Belt colours?
Karate Community uses the following belt colours; white, blue, green, brown and black.
When a student joins the dojo, they are given a white belt. This is a clean slate or a blank canvas and signifies one’s openness to develop and learn. This induction is called 10th kyu.
White and coloured belt grades are followed by the suffix Kyu which roughly translates to “grade” or “class”. This progress of development counts from 10 down towards Black Belt, Kuro Obi. Each grade incrementally increases in physical and technical difficulty and promotes progressive improvement in ability.
Black belt grades are called Dan, meaning “step” or “level”. Shodan means 1st step or most known in English as a 1st degree black belt. This progression counts forward in value.
This promotion to black belt is not the end of one’s learning, in fact it is far from it. Think more like graduating high school and furthering your education with greater practical and theoretical experience, such as attending a university or place of higher learning.
Generally, each level increase consists of these following modules; kihon “basic techniques”, kata “prearranged patterns” and kumite “partner or group work”. Kihon is the practice of our fundamentals. Kata puts those fundamentals into motion creating form. Kumite tests their function under pressure.
All required modules are categorised in the competency section of our student handbook.
Why do we bow?
Bowing is commonly used as an expression of salutation, reverence, apology or gratitude in social situations. The bow is equivalent to a sincere handshake used in many other cultures. There are two methods of bowing- the standing bow and the kneeling bow.
It is important to note that the bow is not a gesture of worship, religious or otherwise. If you have a personal conflict regarding this formality, please speak to your sensei. We are a club that values communication and inclusion.
What do i call the teacher?
Our principal instructors name is Peter, and our senior assistant is Stephanie. They can be addressed by their first name or by using Japanese honorific titles, such as sensei and sempai.
Sensei is a teacher, "a person born before you were", following the idea that with age comes experience and wisdom. The word is used by someone who wishes to learn from an experienced, skilled, or knowledgeable person.
Senpai (pronounced sem-pai) means senior, and like sensei, has experience that they can share with those who have less.
These are honorific title bestowed by others - not something one refers to themselves.
Do you have to compete in tournaments?
No. The modern trend with competition karate is not evident in our school. Instead, a relentless search for original and authentic martial art training methods, principles and philosophies are interwoven with contemporary sciences and wellness strategies. Our programs are taught with an emphasis on self-development and self-defence rather than competition.
Is karate dangerous?
Yes and no.
No - Serious injuries are extremely uncommon in classes because karate emphasises physical and mental control as well as respect for your training partner. Bumps and bruises and sore muscles can occur if an activity is not performed correctly. It is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that karate involves punching and kicking. On a long enough timeline, the likelihood you will receive a strike is increased. Remember though, if you take up swimming, you will get wet!
Yes - Karate is a highly effective form of self-defence when practiced correctly. Therefore, it must be balanced with self-discipline, sound judgment and moral integrity. Without this, it can be an extremely dangerous form of boxing in the wrong hands.
Will my child become aggressive?
No. Teaching karate correctly shows students that aggression and violence is not only unacceptable, but unnecessary. Your child is taught that karate is a fun and entertaining activity that contains self defence elements which should not be practiced or used outside the karate school, except under special circumstances.
Our quality programs not only include classical karate physical development, but also include activities that fortify emotional resilience and adaptability to change. These are aimed at helping our students make the right decisions when experiencing challenging feelings or situations