How young is to young?

Students can start as young as 4 years old. Most children are able to participate in the fun and education of karate at this age. During your child's introductory classes, their instructors will make recommendations as to a child's readiness and also define the individual benefits you want your child to develop.

How old is too old?

You are never too old! Many of us never had the chance to learn martial arts as a child and only now as adults find the chance to start. Many adults start in their 20’s & 30's. Some wait until they retire to start karate as a new activity.

Do women take karate?

Many women take karate for self defense and also because they like the fact that they are learning while they work out.

What are the benefits of karate?

Karate builds skills that are used not only in the karate school but are carried over into other areas such as home (family), school and work. Karate builds on the attributes a person brings to the school and helps them to develop new skills they never realized that they had. Each student is treated as an individual and therefore each of our needs and benefits will vary.

• Fitness — Karate helps to develop the mind and body. Stress release; mental awareness and alertness; cardiovascular endurance; muscular strength and flexibility.
  
  
• Confidence — trying new things, in a fun, safe and positive environment, enables our students to learn a skill and then build upon it, developing it to a higher level. The confidence to try new things, to stand up for yourself, to believe in yourself, all help make activities in life easier.
  
  
• Concentration / Listening — many young students have a hard time paying attention to parents and teachers. The skills we help our students develop enable them to make good decisions and take direction. This helps them focus on the current task. Class work and their homework will also become much easier.
  
  
• Respect — We encourage our students to be respectful toward themselves, others and their possessions. As Self-Esteem and Respect develop, the student will learn to handle conflicts in a safe manner. Respect will help develop Leadership Skills.
  
  
• Self -Control - We help our students to discern what choice(s) are the right ones to make. Then we help students develop the ability to make good choices so they are better able to handle life situations.
  
  
• Self -Defense — In self-defense, both mental skills and physical skills build on the introduction and repetition of various techniques. Practicing in class helps to give you options should you ever be faced with a real life situation. Our Curriculum teaches a wide variety of situations from “Bully Proof” to “Stranger Danger” and Self-Defense for Adults. We learn to use only enough karate to get away from danger.
  
  
• Fun — children and adults need to relax from their busy schedules and life's demands. Karate allows students to have fun and receive a good education.

Again, since each student has their individual needs and desired benefits, there are many more benefits developed in karate than listed here. Our Senior Instructors will respectfully assist you in defining benefits that you feel are important and necessary in your or your child's life.

Who are the instructors?

Classes are taught by OIKKA Certified Black Belt Instructors. One of two Chief Black Belt Instructors (Sensei Barb Keiser or Sensei Ron Keiser) will be in charge of the class and curriculum for the day. We are assisted by various Black Belts who dedicate time to teaching. You and your child will consistently have the same core group of instructors in each class.

What is the class size?

Instructor/student ratio for our youngest students averages1:5; and for our older students 1:7.

Is the schedule flexible?

During your/your child's introductory classes we will highlight the class options available to you. Typically you will have 4 options to choose from each week. Students generally settle in on specific classes each week but the opportunity to change to another time is always available. This way you can work around activities that come up at home, school or work.