What sort of karate does Capital City Karate teach?
Capital City Karate teaches Shotokan style of Karate, a Japanese style developed by Gichin Funakoshi based upon traditional
teaching methods that gradually build physical and mental discipline.
Shotokan is characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs.
Do I need to be in good shape to start karate?
No. The beginning classes focus on the basics and correct form. With effort, your fitness will improve as your expertise improves.
What is expected of me if I join?
You are expected to be committed to your karate training, and to attend classes on a regular basis. You are expected to give your karate training your
maximum effort, and to work hard during practice. You are expected to demonstrate the respect, humility and courtesy upon which karate’s long-standing tradition is founded.
What will training involve?
A typical karate practice session usually begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by the various training exercises. The exercises are divided
into three main categories: kihon (basic techniques), in which you learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks, stances, etc. of karate; kata (forms),
in which you practice and physically remember the various kihon learned; and kumite (sparring), where your kihon and kata techniques
are matched against a real opponent. As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty and degree of the exercises.
What are the benefits of traditional karate training?
- Physical Conditioning
- Self-Defense
- Self-Confidence
- Discipline and Respect
- Self Control
- Patience
Karate has tremendous benefits for body, mind and spirit. Physically, karate is good for the heart, strengthens bones, builds muscle,
creates resilience, develops hand-eye coordination, and makes the body less susceptible to sickness and injury. Mentally, karate helps develop patience,
discipline, perseverance, understanding and open-mindedness, as well as concentration and focus. Spiritually, karate builds confidence, develops self-control
and increases calmness and peace.
Do I have to wear a karate uniform?
Eventually, yes. Karate uniforms are available through your instructor.
How long does it take to learn karate?
It’s really up to you. The more you practice, the more you will improve—for your entire life. There is no limit to mastering karate,
no “final destination” at which you can arrive. There are benchmarks along the way however. You progress through a series of belt levels
(9th to 1st Kyu). After that, you receive a black belt, and progress through another 9 degrees of black belt (1st to 10th Dan). A student with
no prior training joins as 9th Kyu, and is eligible to take ranking examinations every 3-4 months of training. Since there are 9 examinations you must pass
to attain a black belt, the 1st Dan requires a minimum three years of diligent training. It takes several years to attain each subsequent Dan. At these
higher levels, you will see that karate is not just something to be learned, but something to be lived. And that takes a lifetime.
What are the different colors of belts?
- White – 9th Kyu
- Yellow – 8th Kyu
- Orange – 7th Kyu
- Green – 6th Kyu
- Purple – 5th – 4th Kyu
- Brown – 3rd – 1st Kyu
- Black – 1st – 10th Dan
Do I need to be a member of Foxy’s Health and Fitness Center to join?
No but members do receive a discounted rate.
How do I become a member and how much does it cost?
Membership is handled by Foxy’s Member Services. Phone: 225-293-9301 for more details.
References: http://www.jka.or.jp/english/faq/faq.html