FAQ
Q: What is Shotokan?
A: Shotokan is a Japanese form, or style, of karate. This karate style originated in Okinawa and was developed by a schoolteacher named Gichin Funakoshi. From a very early age Gichin Funakoshi studied a collective of martial arts, this collective was commonly known as Okinawa-te. Over time, Gichin Funakoshi developed a type of karate that to this day is referred to as Shotokan. The name Shotokan came about by combining the word Shoto, which was the pen name for Gichin Funakoshi, and the word kan, which in a general sense stands for house of, or family of. By combining these two words, the name Shotokan can loosely be translated as Shoto’s house, and/or brand, and/or type, of karate. Gichin Funakoshi introduced Shotokan to the mainland of Japan in 1922. While Shotokan has Okinawan roots, it is regarded as Japanese karate due to Gichin Funakoshi’s influence in popularizing Shotokan in mainland Japan among the upper classes and universities.
Q: Can I lose weight doing martial arts?
A: Yes, it is possible to lose weight with consistent martial arts training. The cardio activity contained in a typical training session, coupled with a balanced dietary life style, can potentially yield huge weight loss results.
The formula to losing weight is not a secret; calorie intake cannot exceed calories burned. We can give you some recommendations to help you acquire healthy eating habits, and the karate sessions will provide the cardio activity required to help you burn fat and lose weight!
Q: What is a karate training session like?
A: A well-organized training period is approximately a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes long. The training session will usually follow this general outline:
slowly and gently raise your heart rate
limber your body with stretching
raise your heart rate aerobically with basic technique (punching, kicking, blocking) for at least 20 minutes
condition your response ability by way of anaerobic controlled pre-arranged attack and defend scenarios
improve your general karate form with the study of kata (formal exercise routines)
if your skill level permits, free sparring
strengthen and tone your muscle structure with calisthenics
cool you down with gentle stretching
additionally, between the basic aerobic and anaerobic drills, there is an instructional period with lecture and demonstrations to outline the central focus for the remaining training session
Q: What color belts do you use?
A: Warren Levi Karate uses 8 belts, the order being White, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Purple, Brown, and Black.
Q: How often should I attend karate sessions?
A: You should strive for 2-3 times a week, minimum. However, beginners may consider starting with 2 times a week until they get accustom to the training sessions, this usually takes about six months.
Q: How long does it take to become a black belt?
A: The average student that attends sessions diligently, at least two times a week, can potentially become a black belt in about 3 to 5 years. This window of time is based on individual skill and natural ability. I have never met a black belt, no matter how naturally skilled he or she is, that actually has the skills of a true black belt, without at least 3 to 5 years of consistent training. Try as you may, there is no substitute for time to balance the skills you acquire.
Q: Can I attend a karate or mixed martial art session before enrolling for classes?
A: Yes! We recommend you attend a trial class for FREE before enrolling. This will allow you to make an informed decision and to help determine if this activity is a good fit for you or your child.
Q: What is the youngest age, or at what age should I start my child?
A: Warren Levi Karate accepts children from as young as 3 years old. The child must be toilet trained. Classes focus on gross and fine motor skill development, etiquette, encouragement, and karate-type games to teach punching, blocking, and kicking. This age group never “hits” each other in a class session. They are futher taught to only use their martial art techniques constructivly and defensively.
Additionally, a benefit to your child is that they learn the discipline to focus and accomplish assigned tasks. We have found this benefit can have a positive affect on a child’s character for life, socially and academically.
Q: What benefits are there for Children?
A: Karate is excellent for Children. Its disciplined training methods develop concentration and co-ordination and many parents and teachers comment on the improvement of children’s behaviour through the practice of karate. Being very physical karate is also beneficial in the development of a healthy body. Our dojo actively promotes child safety and has all the procedures in place to ensure the safety of all our members at all times.
Q: Can karate be practiced at any age?
A: Karate can be practiced at any age from the very young through to senior citizens. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train in karate.
Q: I’m in my 20’s, or 30’s, or 40’s, even 50 plus years old. Is it to late to start martial art training?
A: If you’re health is generally good, then you can start martial art training at any age. Obviously if you’re in your 50’s you shouldn’t expect the results of a 20 year old, neither do we. The overall benefits of martial arts, cardio exercise, muscle toning, discipline, self-defense, etc., can be achieved at any age, provided you set realistic goals. We will do our best to help you set realistic goals.
Q: I’m so out of shape. Should I get in better shape before enrolling in a martial art class?
A: Have you ever gone fishing? Yeah, that’s right, fishing? Well, have you ever caught one of those fish that comes right out of the water that needs no cleaning; no scaling, no skin or gut removal? Well, neither have we! You bring yourself to Warren Levi Karate, we’ll do our best to clean you up right! We will work with you slowly, professionally, with special attention given to your personal goals.
There is a saying in the martial arts community which applies to people who fear they need to get into shape before starting martial art classes, “The hardest part about doing martial arts is getting to the martial art studio!”.
Have no fear, we will work with you.
Q: I’m a teenager, or, I’m an adult, but will I be in a class with little children?
A: No, Warren Levi Karate and Mixed Martial Arts has age and level specific classes.
Q: When is the best time to enroll?
A: A student may enroll year round into a desired program/s. You can start at any time of the year.
