How young is to young?

Students can start as young as 4 years old. Most children are able to participate in the fun 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 for your child.

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 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, 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 make decisions and activities in life easier.
• Concentration / Listening - many youngsters have a hard time paying attention to parents and teachers. The skills we help our students develop enable them to decide what they need to focus on at that moment and carry that task through to completion. Class work and homework become much easier.
• Self -Control - We enable our students to decide what choice(s) are the right one to make. When we help students develop the ability to make "self" decisions 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.
• 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? What is the class size? Is the schedule flexible?

Classes are taught by OIKKA Certified Black Belt Instructors. One of 2 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. Instructor/student ratio for our youngest students is 1/5; for our older students is 1/7. 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 night is always available. This way you can work around activities that come up at home, school or work.