What is karate-dō?
Karate is a martial art originating from Okinawa, the main island of the Ryukyu Islands chain 300 miles south of Japan. It is a system of combat/self-defense using no weapons but the body. Karate-dō—meaning empty(kara-) hand(-te), and way/path(dō)—is not only a system of applicable self-defense, but a way of life in which a karateka (karate practitioner) is expected to strive to improve, not against others, but against themselves.
Karate is just for kids…right?
Of course not! Karate is meant for all ages and we have specific classes just for adults. In fact, the man who founded our system, O’Sensei Shoshin Nagamine, did so when he was 40 years old and continued teaching and practicing until he passed away.
How fit do I need to be to join?
Any and all fitness levels! Karate is about being better than you were yesterday, not being better than the person next to you; it’s your journey, not theirs.
How fast can I get my black belt?
Becoming a black belt is not about rank or the color of belt you wear to class. It’s about a different way of thinking, understanding, and moving. Remember, karate is about YOUR journey, so earning your black belt could take four years but it could also take ten or more years. Besides, earning your first black belt is only the first part of your journey.