Starting Out?
Some things to know:
As a new student, there are some basic rules and regulations that will take some time to get used to. Never feel afraid to ask an instructor about anything you see or wonder about the school.
- When entering and exiting the school and mat area, students should show respect by bowing to the flags hung from the rear wall.
- Make sure your Gi (uniform) is clean and tidy.
- There are no shoes allowed on the mats - shoes must be removed and placed in the shoe cubbies before class.
- When a black belt enters the school, all students must show respect by bowing to them. If class is in session, the instructor will break class to welcome the black belt entering.
- Black belts and instructors should be addressed as Sir or Ma'am.
- Students must not bring out any equipment unless given permission by an instructor. This is especially important to maintain a safe environment in the school.
- No gum-chewing is allowed in class.
- No horseplay is allowed in the school.
- Any cursing or profanity is strictly prohibited (including "replacement swears").
- Jewelry and accessories should be removed before class.
- Please do not climb on the punching bags - they are more fragile than they look!
- We don't provide paper cups for students, so please bring your own water or reusable container. There is filtered water provided.
FAQ For New Students:
Q: What should I do before class starts?
A: Stretch! This is very important to prevent injuries.
Q: Can I take water breaks during class?
A: Water breaks are not permitted during class. Students are encouraged to drink water before and after classes.
Q: Can I take bathroom breaks during class?
A: Bathroom breaks are permitted. Students should raise their hand and wait to be given permission to leave the class.
Q: How do I tie my belt?
A: Many students have a hard time tying their belt when they first start out. Please feel free to ask any instructor or senior student to help you tie it properly.
Q: What if I'm late to class?
A: If you come in late, you must wait at the edge of the mats to be bowed into class. An instructor will bow to you to let you know that you may join.
Q: What color uniform can I wear?
A: All white belt students must wear white uniforms. Once a student reaches purple belt level, they are permitted to wear a red uniform. Blue uniforms are available to blue belt level students, black uniforms are available to red belt level students, and demo team members may wear the demo team special uniform. Masters uniforms are worn by black belt level students only. Please note that plain, white uniforms are required for all belt tests.
Q: How do I earn a patch?
A: Some patches require a specific accomplishment to earn, such as the full-splits patch, the competition team patch, and the academic achievement patch. Others, such as the American eagle patch, tiger patches, and flag patches are available to purchase for all students.
Q: What happens if I get into a fight at school?
A: At American Karate we are very serious about the code of honor in karate: to never attack first, and to use our training judiciously. If a student gets into a fight at school, they will have their belt taken away. The student will then have the opportunity to earn their belt back by showing an improvement in behavior and an understanding of the code of honor.
Q: How often should I come to class?
A: There is no required attendance. However, we recommend attending at least two classes per week to progress through the belt system at the usual pace. We encourage students to attend as many classes as they can!
Q: Can I use the weapons?
A: Weapons may only be used under the supervision of an instructor. Students are not permitted to touch any of the school weapons without permission.
Q: When will I get to test for my first belt?
A: Testing is scheduled at the discretion of the head instructor. Usually students test for their first belt after a few months of training.
Q: What do I have to know for my test?
A: Please see the testing page for general information.
Q: I have a cold, but I want to come to karate class! What should I do?
A: If you are sick, it is usually a good idea to stay home. Not only is it important to rest up when you are ill, but you might give your cold to other students!
Q: What kind of sparring do you do at American Karate?
A: We practice controlled, light contact sparring. We do not practice full-contact or bare knuckle sparring. Foot pads, shin guards, gloves, and helmet are required for sparring. Mouth guards and cups are optional. We adhere to karate tournament rules, including the restriction of certain techniques such as spinning back fist, sweeps, and grappling.
Q: If we agree to it, can I engage in bare-knuckle sparring with another student at the school?
A: No, this is strictly prohibited. Our number one priority is the safety of our students.
A: Stretch! This is very important to prevent injuries.
Q: Can I take water breaks during class?
A: Water breaks are not permitted during class. Students are encouraged to drink water before and after classes.
Q: Can I take bathroom breaks during class?
A: Bathroom breaks are permitted. Students should raise their hand and wait to be given permission to leave the class.
Q: How do I tie my belt?
A: Many students have a hard time tying their belt when they first start out. Please feel free to ask any instructor or senior student to help you tie it properly.
Q: What if I'm late to class?
A: If you come in late, you must wait at the edge of the mats to be bowed into class. An instructor will bow to you to let you know that you may join.
Q: What color uniform can I wear?
A: All white belt students must wear white uniforms. Once a student reaches purple belt level, they are permitted to wear a red uniform. Blue uniforms are available to blue belt level students, black uniforms are available to red belt level students, and demo team members may wear the demo team special uniform. Masters uniforms are worn by black belt level students only. Please note that plain, white uniforms are required for all belt tests.
Q: How do I earn a patch?
A: Some patches require a specific accomplishment to earn, such as the full-splits patch, the competition team patch, and the academic achievement patch. Others, such as the American eagle patch, tiger patches, and flag patches are available to purchase for all students.
Q: What happens if I get into a fight at school?
A: At American Karate we are very serious about the code of honor in karate: to never attack first, and to use our training judiciously. If a student gets into a fight at school, they will have their belt taken away. The student will then have the opportunity to earn their belt back by showing an improvement in behavior and an understanding of the code of honor.
Q: How often should I come to class?
A: There is no required attendance. However, we recommend attending at least two classes per week to progress through the belt system at the usual pace. We encourage students to attend as many classes as they can!
Q: Can I use the weapons?
A: Weapons may only be used under the supervision of an instructor. Students are not permitted to touch any of the school weapons without permission.
Q: When will I get to test for my first belt?
A: Testing is scheduled at the discretion of the head instructor. Usually students test for their first belt after a few months of training.
Q: What do I have to know for my test?
A: Please see the testing page for general information.
Q: I have a cold, but I want to come to karate class! What should I do?
A: If you are sick, it is usually a good idea to stay home. Not only is it important to rest up when you are ill, but you might give your cold to other students!
Q: What kind of sparring do you do at American Karate?
A: We practice controlled, light contact sparring. We do not practice full-contact or bare knuckle sparring. Foot pads, shin guards, gloves, and helmet are required for sparring. Mouth guards and cups are optional. We adhere to karate tournament rules, including the restriction of certain techniques such as spinning back fist, sweeps, and grappling.
Q: If we agree to it, can I engage in bare-knuckle sparring with another student at the school?
A: No, this is strictly prohibited. Our number one priority is the safety of our students.