QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OUR KARATE CLASSES

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS?
OUR KARATE CLASSES

Here is a series of frequently asked questions regarding our karate classes and how our school operates.

Do you want to take karate classes for yourself or for your child?
Choosing the right martial arts school is not easy and requires research to make an informed decision. I have been teaching karate for over 30 years and have observed that beginners often feel insecure when it comes time to enroll in a karate class. It is completely normal to have fears about the unknown, especially when it comes to activities that involve combat and self-defense. I hope these questions and answers will help clarify things for you.

Registration and Fees

Karate Classes for Children

Parent-Child Karate Classes

The Exams

Fighting

The Federation and Competitions

REGISTRATION AND FEES:

I want to sign up, how do I proceed?
It’s simple, just register via the link Online form to book a trial class. After registering, you will receive an email with the available date options.

Can I register even if the session has already started?
Yes, you can start at any time.

How long does a session last?
Depending on the season, sessions last between 12 and 14 weeks.

How many classes can I attend per week?
You can attend all the classes that match your level.

Am I required to attend all the classes?
No, it is not mandatory.

How much does it cost?
The registration includes the annual fee for the International Kyokushin Federation and the cost of the gi. You can check the pricing page here.

What types of payment are accepted?
You can pay in cash, by check, by bank transfer, or by credit card.

What should I wear for my trial class?
Sweatpants and a t-shirt. Karate is practiced barefoot.

Do I have to pay for a trial class?
No, trial classes are free.

After trying a trial class, my child is hesitant to enroll. Can they have a second trial?
Yes, it is even preferable to ensure that the child is interested in the classes.

What is the purpose of the annual fee to the federation?
The annual fee is $15 per student. This allows the federation to organize special events such as seminars or competitions.

Are there any other fees to pay?
You should budget for the purchase of sparring equipment as well as the fees for belt promotion exams.

How much should I invest in sparring equipment?
The price of equipment varies according to quality. Expect to spend between $135 and $160 for a child and between $100 and $120 for an adult. A helmet is mandatory for those under 18, which explains the difference in price.

Am I required to buy the sparring gear?
Yes. However, it is not mandatory for the first classes.

Can I purchase the sparring equipment through the school?
Yes, the equipment can be ordered directly from the dojo.

I am over 50 years old; can I still start practicing karate?
Yes, there is no maximum age to start.

I already practiced karate and own a gi; am I required to pay for a new one?
The kimono is included with registration.

Do you need to be in shape to take karate classes?
No. Most people practice karate to get in shape.

I obtained a belt from another school; will it be recognized at your school? It depends on the style. If it’s a Kyokushin school, the belt will be recognized. Otherwise, it will need to be discussed with the sensei. Most Japanese martial arts styles are quite similar to Kyokushin. However, styles originating from China, like Kung Fu, or styles from Korea, like Taekwondo, are very different.

THE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

What is the best age for a child to start martial arts?
At our dojo, children can begin introductory karate classes from the age of 3. For the parent-child class, it starts from the age of 5, and for the children’s classes, from the age of 6.

Can parents watch the class?
Yes, it’s possible. However, we try to have a minimum number of spectators to avoid distracting the children. Often, children are more disciplined when their parents are not present. Of course, if the child is anxious, the parent’s presence can be helpful.

My child has a learning disability. Can he still take classes?
Yes. There are children with certain challenges who succeed and thrive. Each child progresses at their own pace and according to their physical abilities and/or limitations.

My child is with me only every other week, and the other parent lives outside. Is it possible for him to attend classes every two weeks?
Yes, it’s possible. The only difference is that it will take him a bit longer to accumulate the necessary hours for the exams.

THE PARENT-CHILD CLASSES

For the parent-child classes, can both parents participate?
Yes. There are several packages for the parent-child classes. You can check the pricing page on the website.

Can parents alternate to train with the child?
Only the registered parent can attend the classes.

How do the parent-child classes work?
The class is conducted in a traditional manner. Everyone learns at their own pace. We recommend that parents do not intervene with their child during the classes; that is the instructor’s role. There are often games during the classes, and sometimes the parent is paired with the child for certain exercises.

If I am busy and cannot accompany my child to one of the parent-child classes, can he go alone?
Yes. In the parent-child classes, there are children who attend alone.

Can parents also attend the adult classes?
Yes. Parents can participate in all adult classes at no additional cost.

THE EXAMS

When do the exams for belt promotions take place?
The number of required hours varies according to the levels and each individual’s abilities. For orange, blue, and yellow belts, there is a belt promotion every trimester. To advance to a green belt, 6 months of classes are required, and for a brown belt, it takes 6 to 9 months. When the student reaches the brown belt level, they will need to complete 12 to 18 months of classes to achieve the black belt.

How much does the exam for belt promotion cost?
The cost ranges from $50 to $70, depending on the level (from orange to green).

When will I take my exam for my first belt?
At the end of the first trimester or when you have accumulated the required number of class hours.

How does the exam for belt promotions work?
There are 4 steps: assessment of physical fitness, knowledge of basic techniques, evaluation of katas, and sparring.

What is the order of belt colors?
Orange, blue, yellow, green, brown, and black. You can check the prerequisites for belt exams

How long before achieving a black belt?
The time varies depending on age and physical abilities. Generally, 48 to 60 months are required.

Are black belt diplomas recognized internationally?
Yes. Our dojo is affiliated with the Nakamura Kyokushin Karate Federation, whose headquarters are in Japan. Black belt diplomas are recognized by all Kyokushin karate federations in over thirty countries.

THE FIGHTS

Do I have to fight?
You start fighting when you feel ready. Some people feel ready as soon as they take their first class. But this happens gradually.

Is fighting dangerous?
No. Fights are conducted in a safe manner. Blows are delivered with restraint and there’s a great deal of respect among students, especially beginners

THE FEDERATION AND COMPETITIONS

Are there any competitions?
Yes. There are competitions within our federation, and students can also participate in competitions from other federations. Additionally, every year, karateka can participate in the Nakamura Championship in Japan.

Are there seminars?
Yes. Seminars are held a few times a year, either for all students or for black belt karateka. It is also possible to participate in seminars in Japan, which are organized twice a year, in June and December, with the help of the federation.

What makes Kyokushin so special?

Kyokushin karate is the most popular karate style in the world, with over 35 million practitioners globally. You can check the Kyokushin section on our website.

Choosing the karate school that suits you.

The quality of karate courses
Choosing the right karate school for you or your children is not easy and requires adequate information. The best thing to do is to visit different schools and take one, sometimes even two, trial lessons. You’ll be able to get a pretty good idea of the quality of karate classes from one school to the next. Every dojo strives to give good karate lessons, and each has its own strengths and qualities. Some martial arts schools focus their teaching on fighting techniques, while others concentrate on fitness, improving flexibility and learning katas.

Balance in Teaching
At the Kyokushin Karate School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, we strive to maintain a balance in all aspects of teaching Kyokushin karate. For children’s classes and also for parent-child classes, part of the lessons is sometimes conducted in the form of games. For some children (and even some parents), it can be very difficult to maintain constant attention for 45 or 60 minutes. That’s why our instructors sometimes use a teaching approach based on play. In reality, students will work just as hard, but since the learning occurs while having fun, they will feel like it’s a time of relaxation.

Why take karate lessons?
Karate is a martial art that has been practiced for centuries, and you can discover this form of martial art by taking Kyokushin karate classes. It is an excellent form of exercise and can be fun. It is a great way to stay fit and learn self-defense. By taking karate classes you will learn valuable self-defense techniques that could help you protect yourself in dangerous situations.

Karate is not just about fighting. It makes you more confident and teaches you to respect others. Additionally, karate helps you stay fit and healthy. It improves your posture, coordination, and concentration.

Would you like to take karate classes for yourself or for your child?
Karate classes for children and adults are excellent ways to get in shape and have fun. Karate is perfect for families who want to spend time together while also acquiring self-defense skills.

Children will enjoy the classes, and you will be able to bond with them! Karate classes will help your children become healthy, happy, and confident individuals. At our school, through karate classes, children have fun while learning values like respect and discipline. Karate also helps children develop their social skills, self-confidence, and respect for others. In Japan, martial arts are an integral part of the curriculum in many schools, contributing to the development of a child’s character. The confidence that comes from learning martial arts is something that will stay with your child for life. If you want your child to develop the ability to control their impulses, enroll them in karate classes today! Of course, it’s important that the child is motivated and not forced by the parent.

Our Approach
Our methodical and structured approach will help you and your children become stronger, more flexible, more agile, and have better stability, as well as greater cardiovascular and respiratory capacity. Our instructors are highly qualified and experienced to help you achieve your personal goals.

Discovering Karate
During your trial class, you will be able to discover the benefits of martial arts in a safe, fun, and friendly environment. You will gain insight into how we teach and what is included in our classes. Our methodical and structured approach will help you and your children become stronger, more flexible, more agile, and improve your stability, cardiovascular capacity, and respiratory function. Our instructors are highly qualified and experienced to help you achieve your personal goals

Kyokushin, an exceptional martial art
Kyokushin karate is not only a great way to get fit and learn self-defense, but also a great way to meet new friends. But remember, karate is not a sport. It’s a martial art. Of course, there’s a healthy dose of physical training mixed with intense cardio work and serious stretching sessions.

There is no quick solution
But if you are looking for a quick fix and want to master Kyokushin karate in a few weeks, then this is not the right place. However, if you are willing to dedicate the time and effort necessary to master Kyokushin karate, come join our Kyokushin karate school.

To succeed in Kyokushin karate, one must be patient and determined.

So, do you want to improve yourself and change your life? Karate can help you lose weight, get fit, and become more confident. We offer a martial arts teaching program that has proven successful at our school for many years.

If you are looking for high-quality karate classes in your area, we are here for you.

The power of your mind is limitless. If you want to learn how to harness it, this is the place for you. Karate is a tool for personal growth that helps you develop your character, personality, and skills. So, if you are ready to change your life and have an enriching experience, sign up for a trial of our karate classes.

Kyokushin is the most effective form of martial arts. It is also the most physically demanding. Take your life to the next level and join our Kyokushin karate classes.

All rights reserved
Kyokushin Karate Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Senseï Michel Angers

Choose the karate school
that’s right for you

Choosing the right karate school for yourself or your children is not easy and requires adequate information. Ideally, you should visit different schools and take one or even two trial classes. This will allow you to get a fairly clear idea of the quality of karate classes from one school to another. Each dojo strives to provide quality karate instruction, and each has its strengths and qualities. Some martial arts schools focus more on combat techniques, while others may orient their teaching towards fitness, improving flexibility, and learning katas.

Balance in Teaching
At the Kyokushin Karate School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, we strive to maintain a balance in all aspects of teaching Kyokushin karate. For children’s classes and also for parent-child classes, part of the lessons is sometimes conducted in the form of games. For some children (and even some parents), it can be very difficult to maintain constant attention for 45 or 60 minutes. That’s why our instructors sometimes use a teaching approach based on play. In reality, students will work just as hard, but since the learning occurs while having fun, they will feel like it’s a time of relaxation.

Why take karate lessons?
Karate is a martial art that has been practiced for centuries, and you can discover this form of martial art by taking Kyokushin karate classes. It is an excellent form of exercise and can be fun. It is a great way to stay fit and learn self-defense. By taking karate classes you will learn valuable self-defense techniques that could help you protect yourself in dangerous situations.

Karate is not just about fighting. It makes you more confident and teaches you to respect others. Additionally, karate helps you stay fit and healthy. It improves your posture, coordination, and concentration.

Would you like to take karate classes for yourself or for your child?
Karate classes for children and adults are excellent ways to get in shape and have fun. Karate is perfect for families who want to spend time together while also acquiring self-defense skills.

Children will enjoy the classes, and you will be able to bond with them! Karate classes will help your children become healthy, happy, and confident individuals. At our school, through karate classes, children have fun while learning values like respect and discipline. Karate also helps children develop their social skills, self-confidence, and respect for others. In Japan, martial arts are an integral part of the curriculum in many schools, contributing to the development of a child’s character. The confidence that comes from learning martial arts is something that will stay with your child for life. If you want your child to develop the ability to control their impulses, enroll them in karate classes today! Of course, it’s important that the child is motivated and not forced by the parent.

Attention: We have limited spots for the upcoming session. As a result of your registration, you may need to wait for a spot to become available.