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. You may purchase a karate uniform, known as a dogi from us when you join up and become a member of our Dojo.

How long will it take me to get a black belt?
Shodan (Blackbelt) could be achieved in 4 years.

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.

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 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 and as such should be treated as such.

Can i watch class while you train?
Yes, you can, HOWEVER, after one class, it is expected that you will either participate in your Free class offered to you, or you will join up and become a member of our dojo.
We do not allow, people to just walk in and view our students training if they themselves are not interested in Karate training. I am sure if you are at work or school, you would not permit strangers to sit and watch you.

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.You will also have the opportunity to enter non-contact, full-contact or 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

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 forever! Kyokushin Karate is an art, and unlike a sport, you never get too old to train, unlike a sport, your Karate training is not seasonal etc.

I do not understand what is being said?
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 "Budo Karate" and not sport Karate.

There are a few Karate styles in Tamworth, what makes yours better?
That is very easy to answer, First: our's is the only "Kyokushin Karate" dojo, and 2nd
Sensei Mark Tyson Yondan (4th Dan) is the Instructor.