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Frequently
Asked Questions
Below
are some of the more common frequently asked questions we are asked by new
students
Am
I too old? No, Karate
classes are designed for students of all ages students. We have students in our
other dojo that started their training in their 50’s & 60s’. So if
you’re over 4 years of age, you’re not too old and it’s worth trying it
out.
Am
I fit enough? Karate
classes are ideal for absolute beginners. You do not need to be super-fit to
start Karate. Fitness, strength and conditioning are gained over time through
regular training and practice. Our Karate classes cater for all shapes and
sizes.
I’ve
never done it before and don’t want to look silly if I can’t get it. For
everyone there is a first time for everything. Our Karate classes are ideal for
those that have no experience with any type of fighting art. Everyone starting a
class will therefore be at the same level… a beginner. As you attend each
lesson, you will become more familiar with the routines, techniques and
exercises.
Will
I get beaten up? No
you won’t!
There is a sparring element to each training session and there will be
experienced, higher ranking students assisting in the fighting aspect of the
classes. There’s a simple rule for all students, you only fight to the ability
of the person you are training with. This means a higher graded, more
experienced fighter will only fight to your level and ability. Therefore as a
beginner you can learn safely and build your skill and confidence over time.
Who
teaches the class:
Sensei Virgil Troy is a third degree (Sandan) Kyokushin Karate Black Belt
registered with the International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan in Japan.
Virgil started his training in the mid 70’s and has been dojo operator and
Chief instructor of Napier, Hastings and Taradale Kyokushin Karate for the past 10 years.
Assistant instructors are all Japanese certified first degree black belts (Shodans)
or 1st Kyu students.
When
will I start practice fighting: Your
first fighting practice will start once you have become a member (and have
received your uniform and protective equipment). There is no fighting practice
for those attending trial classes or non signed-up members.
Do
I have to do competition fighting? No.
Competition fighting is very different from practice fighting during classes.
There is an expectation that you will have done at least one
competition before you do Black belt, however this is only after several years
of training. If you are really keen to compete, we run special fighting only
classes in our Napier dojo for this purpose.
Can
I just do Karate every now and then? No.
Like any sport or physical endeavor, to become good at Karate requires regular
practice. Our Karate classes are designed for students that want to learn Karate
and build their fitness, self defense and confidence. This can only be achieved
through regular practice. It is expected that you’ll attend at least 80% per
month of your weekly classes.
What
will I learn? Each
lesson you will be taught a mixture of basic strikes, blocks and kicks. In
addition practical self defense, formal Karate drill exercises and fighting
techniques will also be taught.
Should
I start
or continue with gym workouts if I
start Karate? Absolutely
YES!
Your regular gym workouts are a perfect complement to regular Karate training.
In fact your Karate classes can act as an incentive to continue and improve on
your gym workouts. As you begin to learn the basics of the Karate system,
you’ll naturally want to get better and better. Regular resistance training
and cardio workouts will help you get more from each Karate class and your
regular classes can provide a positive source of motivation to drive you to
improve your performance in the gym. It’s the perfect partnership!
Do
I need to grade to new belts? Only
if you want to.
It’s no secret that people starting Karate like the idea of getting a black
belt. The classes are designed to teach you what you need to know to work your
way towards getting one. However if you don’t want to work your way through
the belts, that’s ok too.
Your
first TWO consecutive lessons are FREE. After
your first two FREE consecutive lessons fees are payable.
There
are 10 beginner Kyu grades before Black Belt. Black belt can take between
5-7 years to achieve. Students move through the ranks by passing
grading/promotion tests.
Promotion
tests (gradings) are held four times a year. Participation on the promotion
tests are not automatically guaranteed. To be considered for promotion you need
to maintain a minimum 80% attendance and demonstrate at least a month before the
promotion that you have mastered the requirements for your next grade. These
requirements are taught throughout the month’s classes; the more classes you
attend, the better your learning experience.
Napier-Hastings-Taradale
Kyokushin Karate runs classes 11 months a year,
trains throughout the school
holidays and only breaks at the end of December till the middle of January.
trains throughout the school
holidays and only breaks at the end of December till the middle of January, trains throughout the school
holidays and only breaks at the end of December till the middle of January.
For
those interested in competing in
tournaments, you may enter via NHAKK any
IKO1 sanctioned competition. Competitions outside IKO1 sanctioned events require
branch chief approval.
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