Frequently asked questions
At what age do you accept students to start training in Karate?
We accept students from the ages of 5 years old and up, although conditions will apply.
How do i start training in Kyokushin Karate?
Introduce yourself to the Instructor and he / she will offer you a no obligation FREE CLASS, the rest is up to you. After this Free class, If you feel that you would like to continue your Karate training, then you will be offered a membership form.
I am about to participate in my 1st class, what should I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing such as tracksuit / shorts and a t-shirt, is acceptable when you first begin Kyokushin Karate training.
What about a karate uniform?
Uniforms and training gear are available through our club. Well sell Kyokushin Karate branded dogi's which include the Kyokushin Kanji (Japanese symbol) which is emboided on the left hand side of your karate top, a pair of pants and a white belt. We also are able to order for you a set of shinpads as well a set of bag gloves for training such as bagwork, padwork or sparring,
We would also suggest that you bring a water bottle / drink as you will certaily sweat.
Training Gear Prices
Kyokushin Karate Dogi Heavy Calaco - $90.00
Kyokushin Karate Dogi Cotton - $60.00
White cotton Shinpads - $25.00
Gloves for Sparring $40.00
How long will it take me to get a black belt?
Shodan (Blackbelt) could be achieved in 4 years, and this is if you complete the grading requirments when tested. We suggest that you think about taking your 1st class with us, you will be suprised that in very short time you will get use to our classes as we cover many aspects of martial arts and fitness training, including co-ordination, balance, speed, timing and rythm as well as flexability and strength work. We also spar on a regular basis which is essential to any Kyokushin student.
How often should i train?
As often as the classes are offered to you, but at least 2 x times per week as well as training outside the dojo such as running, swimming, bagwork, weights etc. It is a simple formula " The more often you are able to train in Karate, the better you will get".
Do i need to be fit to train ?
No, our Kyokushin Karate classes are designed to assist you in getting fit.
What should a student do when they have arrived for training ?
The first thing you should do is don your karate gi, stretch out and get yourself warmed up.
You should use this time to not only stretch out the physical body, but to also take a moment to clear your head. "Getting ready to train" for most kyokushin karate students is just as important as the training itself.
How often should i pay?
Training fees are payed via, monthly, quaterly, half yearly or yearly, this is up to you. ALL students who pay fees monthly should do so within the 1st week.
Am i too old to start Kyokushin Karate?
Absolutly not, Karate is for everyone, what is not for everyone is the ability to achieve the rank of Shodan (Black Belt).
Will I have to fight other people?
An important and fundermental part of Kyokushin Karate training is kumite (sparring or fighting). After you have aquired a basic understanding of your techniques and have reasonable balance and co-ordination you will be expect to participate in the kumite (Sparring / Fighting) section in class.
Could i get hurt?
With any physical endeavour it is always possible to get hurt, but the utmost care is always taken to minimise injuries, but please bare in mind that Kyokushin Karate is a "contact" artform.
Can i watch class while you train?
Yes, you can, HOWEVER, You must be interested in Kyokushin Karate training & expected that you will either participate in your Free class offered to you, or after you have watched a class that you would like to take a class with us or not.
We do not allow, people to just walk in and view our students training, as our students are not performers to the public and are here to earn their Blackbelt Degree's. They do not mind you watching them in as long as you recognise that they are studying the Art of Kyokushin Karate and they take their Kyokushin Karate training very seriously and they respectfully ask that you do the same.
As a student am i able to leave when i want ?
Unless specific arrangements have been made with the Instructor, you will "NOT" be able to leave class. If you walk off the dojo floor and leave the dojo without these arrangements being made, then you will not be invited back & NO refund will be given. Any breach of this rule will not be tolerated.
Will I be expected to compete in tournaments?
A short answer is "yes". Tournament fighting is not a requirement of Kyokushin Karate as you study and grade as a "junior" rank, "HOWEVER" to be able to participate for a Shodan grade( Blackbelt) the student must have competed in a Full Contact Tournament as well as participated in our National Camps gradings. You will also have the opportunity to enter non-contact & kata tournaments.
What are Gradings?
Kyokushin karate has a belt grading system similar to other martial arts. The belt assigned to each student upon commencing training is a white belt. With each successful grading attempt the student is awarded a kyu ranking, and either a stripe on his current belt or a new belt colour altogether. (See Gradings here for more information).
Do you teach Weapons ?
No weapons are taught untill you reach Nidan (2nd Dan).
What if i want to take a break from Karate training?
Once you start, it is the hope of your fellow students, your instructor and the AKKA (Australian Kyokushin Karate Association) that you will continue your Karate training for as long as possible. Also remember that Karate training is a lifelong request of sorts. We are able to train and grade to higher ranks as we grow older, that is if we are able to dedicate oneslf to the study of the Kyokushin Way. Please read below:
"Studying the martial Way is like climbing a cliff: keep going forward without rest. Resting is not permissible because it causes recessions to old adages of achievement. Persevering day in, day out improves techniques, but resting one day causes lapses. This must be prevented."
Mas Oyama: Philosophy
I do not understand what is being said in class?
That is ok, and quite normal, a strict emphasis is places on Japanese terminology and dojo etiquette and as such alot of our classes are taught in Japanese. You will recieve a terminology sheet when you become a member.
Is Kyokushin Karate an Artform or a sport?
Traditional Kyokushin Karate places emphasis on self development (budo). Mas Oyama's Kyokushin Karate style training emphasizes the psychological elements incorporated into a proper kokoro (attitude) such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills. Sport karate places emphasis on exercise and competition. Kyokushin is theirfor considered "Budo Karate" and not sport Karate.