FAQs

THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW YOUR FIRST NIGHT OF CLASS (Frequently Asked Questions)
	The new karate school is a new and different kind of place. It'll be like nowhere else you have ever been. There are different customs and rules that might take a little time to get used to, but don't worry, everyone felt that way their first time. Below are a few hints to try and help you feel more comfortable your first couple of classes. Here are a few commonly asked questions and the answers:

1.	How do I know what to do? Pay attention and do what everyone else does. Other students know when to bow, how to bow, when to line up, how to line up, etc. Just stand back and watch what the others do and you will get the idea. Unlike regular school in karate schools you can copy what others do.
2.	When can I talk? Don't talk unless you know it's okay and never talk when the instructor, called Sensei (Sin-say) in karate schools and Sifu (see-foo) in kung fu schools, is talking. This is considered very disrespectful.
3.	Should I ask questions? Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help. Everyone understands how awkward it can be your first night. If you need help putting on your karate uniform, called a gi (gee), or need help tying your belt it's okay to ask. Usually everyone will be very helpful.
4.	Who should you ask? The typical rule of thumb is the darker the belt the higher the person's rank and the longer they have been at the school. You would generally ask someone your own rank who has been at the school longer or the next higher rank to your own rank. All new students are white belts.
5.	Which black belt is the instructor? In many schools all black belts are considered instructors or assistant instructors and great respect should be demonstrated to all the black belts in your school. There are 10 degrees of black belt. Rank for black belts is generally indicated by stripes on the end of the belt. The more stripes the higher the rank. No stripe or one stripe is a first degree black belt, two stripes a second degree black and so-on. In the Japanese and Okinawan styles of karate once a black belt achieves the rank of 6th degree they may wear a red and white paneled belt and is addressed as "Master". A 9th and 10th degree black belt may wear a solid red belt or a belt that is red on one side and black on the other. These rules are not stead-fast but are the generally accepted protocol. Some Black Belts will wear black belts with no stripes no matter what their rank. (Note: in Korean styles such as tae kwon do a red belt is below black belt) A karate school is not a democracy, what the Sensei says, goes.
6.	Do I have to wear a karate uniform? That is up to the head instructor. In many schools when you first start all you need are loose fitting clothes. Eventually you will need to purchase a uniform and probably sparring (practice fighting) gear such as hand, feet, head and groin protection.
7.	Are there hidden cost? There shouldn't be. All cost should be spelled out when you join the school. As mentioned above you will eventually want to purchase gear to make it safer for you to practice. It is common for an instructor to charge a reasonable fee for belt test. It is common for this fee to increase as you get higher in rank. Most traditional karate schools will not require you to participate in tournaments but some schools will. There is a charge for participating in tournaments. That varies by tournament.
8.	How long will it take to get my black belt? This depends on the person. Everyone is different and learns at different rates of speed. First keep in mind not everyone will be able to achieve the skill and abilities required to earn a legitimate black belt rank but the general rule of thumb is three years of hard solid dedicated work for an adult to earn a first degree black belt. A red flag to the legitimacy of a school is one that guarantees a black belt in a certain amount of time.
9.	Remember this is a karate school. Bad behavior and bad manners tolerated in public schools generally will not be in karate schools. The rules are intended to be followed to the letter. Answer questions with, "Yes, Sensei", "No Sensei". Other students are addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am" And remember what the Sensei says goes!
10.	There are many different kinds of karate, try and learn about your style of karate before your first night of class. This will help you understand what you might be doing in class. There are many books and a lot of information on the internet to get the information.