Calgary  Karate Club 

Q: - Can I come to try a class ?

A:Yes , all students can try out their first class for free without any obligation.

Q: - Is there anything special I have to do to try a class ?

A:No, all you do is show up and be ready to have a great workout.

Q: - What should I wear ?

A:The best thing to wear is either sweat or jogging pants and a plain T-shirt. Please do not wear jeans or dresses. Also it is best to remove all jewelry and watch.

Q: - I have a child under 6, can they still participate in the class ?

A:  No.  Most children under 6 have a very difficult time with motor skills and focus required to handle an hour long karate class. The youngest age we take young students is 6 .

Q: - Whether or not my child can take the class on his own or does a parent need to accompany him ?

A:As the classes are an hour long the parents are most welcome to stay and observe. You can drop off  and pick up your child if she/he is older than 8. Younger children often need some assistance or support from the parents especially until they have been accommodated with the environment of the karate classes.

Q: - I have previous martial arts experience from another school, do I need to start over as a white belt ?

A:This depends on the style previously studied and the current ability level. Calgary Karate Club is a traditional Karate school with emphasis on the quality technique. Students that come from traditional Karate school and demonstrate good technique may be able to transfer into our style at an appropriate level. If this is the case of you, it is best to contact Sensei Steve Heiter at karateclub@shaw.ca to discuss your specific situation.

Q: - Is your program a course or and an ongoing activity ? 

A:Our karate programs are on going and run from early September to end of July, new students are welcome all year round. 

Q: - Will the children do sparring ?

A:In the first 2 years they will not do any sparring, however they will learn certain self-defense and bully preventive methods. They also will practice contact punches and kicks to soft target shields held by the instructors. Our more advance students might do strictly non- contact sparring under very close supervision of the instructors. 

Q: - How to wear the karate uniform properly , is it a certain way ?

A:Yes, the most common mistake is that the jacket's right side is on the top, especially with ladies and girls following the westerner style of wearing a robe. In Japan where our martial art comes from, both ladies and gentlemen have the left side of their kimonos over the right one. The only time it is changed for one`s own funeral.- How to tie my karate belt ? -click please 

Q: Are there any special rules I have to follow on the karate classes ?

A:  Yes , we call it Dojo Etiquette

Many of the things we do in the dojo we do for a reason, the dojo etiquette was designed to help you with your training and to understand Karate . The etiquette consists of common sense, plain good manners and old traditions. There are also many unwritten rules that we have to learn by observing other students, this way you develop buy using your own initiative and common sense.

• Students will bow and say "OSU" upon entering and leaving the dojo.

• Proper respect will be shown to all senior belts and elders.

• Prior to addressing a senior belt, students will bow and say "OSU".

• No shoes are to be worn on the dojo floor.

• Students will warm up with a minimum of noise before classes.

• Black belts will be addressed in the following manner:
     SHIHAN 5th Dan and above
      SENSEI  3rd and 4th Dan
      SEMPAI 1st and 2nd Dan

• Do not address an instructor by their first name .

• No student will leave the class without permission from the instructor.

• Only a clean white gi (uniform) will be worn.

• Fingernails and toenails must be kept trimmed short.

• Any jewelry and watch must be removed prior to training.

• Talking during class will not be tolerated.

• All students shall conduct themselves, both inside and outside of the dojo, in such a way as to not disgrace the club.

• When late to class, bow in the normal manner, kneel with your back to the class in seiza, wait with eyes closed in mokuso. When acknowledged remain in seiza and bow saying OSU again and then quickly join the back of the class.

• In the dojo, you should always show good manners and listen carefully to the instructor's directions. Do not waste your time and everyone else's if you are not prepared to treat your training seriously and always show a respectful attitude towards Karate

Other specific dojo rules :

• The second class is reserved for adult and advanced children students. In case of families, only those children can stay in the dojo whose parents are present. The parent has to take full responsibility for his/her children during the second class.

• More than 5 minutes late is not tolerated due to safety as the student will miss the warm up and without it the risk of sport injuries are much greater . Try not to be late at all.

• We have to observe and follow the rules of the Calgary Board of Education of Expectation of School Rental Groups.