FAQ
Your Questions, Answered.
How many Karate lessons per week?
Karate classes are twice a week. Make sure to check the timetable and locations on this page
How many weeks does it take to learn Karate?
“Karate do” refers to a “way or path” and hence it is a continuous journey. The emphasis should be on the journey and not the destination as there is continual learning all the way through.
What does Shorin-Ryu Karate focus on?
Shorin Ryu is an Okinawan style and hence there is a large focus on traditional application-based karate as well as Okinawan kobudo. It is in essence pragmatic in nature.
Where did Shorin-Ryu originate?
Shorin Ryu originated on the island of Okinawa. Please refer to our Okinawa History page for an in-depth answer.
How many Katas are there in Shorin-Ryu Karate?
The Shorin-Ryu karate system has the following number of Katas:
- 3 Kihon katas
- 5 Pinan katas
- 1 Fyukyu kata
- 1 Taikyoku kata
- 3 Naihanchi katas
- 7 Black belt katas
This is a total of 20 katas. There are also a number of kobudo katas.
What is the difference between Shotokan and Shorin-Ryu Karate?
Essentially, Shorin Ryu is an Okinawan Style whereas Shotokan is a Japanese Style.
What belt do you start with in Karate?
The belt you start with in karate is the white belt.
How many months does it take to get a black belt in Karate?
On average it takes between 5 -6 years.
How hard is it to get a black belt in Karate?
Black belt is a white belt who never quits. Like anything worthwhile in life, it is something that you have to be prepared to work hard at. It requires commitment and dedication.
Does a black belt in Karate mean anything?
Society has placed a large emphasis on attaining a black belt. It does show that one is committed, prepared to work hard and to overcome obstacles. A black belt signifies the start of understanding and the beginning of the journey.
Is there anything higher than a black belt?
A black belt first Dan is the start of the journey towards understanding. It follows that there are indeed higher levels of black belt. The highest level being a 10th Dan black belt.
How many belts are in Karate?
The number of belts can vary from style to style. We have 12 belts before black and then there are 10 levels of black belt. The emphasis in training, however, should not be on the pursuit of belt levels, but rather the pursuit of knowledge.
What are Karate levels called?
The levels before black belt are called kyu levels. The black belt levels are called Dan levels.
What does Dan mean in Karate?
The meaning of Dan in Karate is the proficiency level measurement of black belt levels.
How do I greet a Sensei?
You greet the Sensei by bowing.
What do you say when you bow in Karate?
This is dependent on whether you are practicing a Japanese Style or an Okinawan Style. Japanese Styles tend to use the word “Oss” whereas Okinawan styles would either use a traditional Japanese greeting (Dependent on the time of day), or the word, “Hai”, when acknowledging something. (Meaning. Yes), or alternatively nothing at all.
What is a Karate student called?
A karate student is called a karateka
Is 40 too late to start Karate?
No, it is never too late to start karate. We currently have students that have started in their late 50’s. We also have students who are in their 60’s and are active members of the dojo.