First Class

Your First Class

We are very excited to welcome you to our Martial Arts family. The following information will help you better navigate your first few classes in our dojos.

Getting Ready

What to Wear

Exercise clothes in which you can comfortably move

What to Bring

Bring a water bottle for hydrating during class

Don't Worry

We have sparring gear that you can use if it is needed

The Start of Class

What to expect when you arrive and at the beginning of class

Check-in with Sensei

When you arrive check-in with Sensei to get registered for class and ask any questions you have before class begins.

Lining-Up

Sensei will loudly call out to everyone to "line-up" by belt level. Sensei or another student will help direct you on where to line up with the white belts.

Waiting for Class to Start

Before class starts some of the students like to practice their techniques. If you feel up to it you can join them in warming up or gently stretching.

Bowing-In

Sensei will lead the class through mokuso (meditation) and bows to show respect to our masters, Sensei, and each other in preparation for training and learning together.

A Typical Class

Every class will be a little different depending on what Sensei is focusing on and teaching this week

Warm-Up

Sensei or a Senpai will lead the class in warming up and conditioning.

Bowing-Out

At the end of class we will line up again and repeat the mukso and bows from the start of class. You will hear Sensei and the students say "domo arigato" in thanks for today's class. Everyone is then invited to give Sensei a high five before leaving.

Karate Technique

The majority of the class is dedicated to learning karate. What is taught changes from day to day depending on the focus for the day's class.

Good to Know

Class Focus

The first class of the week (Monday/Tuesday) typically focuses on basics and kata, and the second class (Wednesday/Thursday) emphasizes sparring and self-defense.

You are encouraged to attend a combination of classes at either dojo to round out your martial arts training.

Japanese Terminology

We often use Japanese words during our classes. Here are a few commonly-used terms to help get you started if you are curious about their meaning.

Kiotsuke

Come to attention

Rei

Bow

Yoi

Ready position

Hajime

Begin/Start

Yame

Stop

Oos

I understand

Seiza

Kneeling position

Mokuso

Meditation

Senpai

Senior student