Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get a black belt?

This is a valid question and one I am often asked. I am also often asked, "How long will it take before I am dangerous?" I realize that obtaining a black belt is a great motivator for people to study the martial arts. But, I hope that during your training you will come to realize that obtaining the black belt is a destination and that the journey is more important. It is during the journey where you will become stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. Your progress will depend on you. The more you put into Kempo, the more you will get out of Kempo.

Q: How fit do I need to to be to start Karate?

There is no pressure to be fit, as you work at your own pace or as hard or easy as you want. We start the class with a good warm up and stretch so you will be ready for the training that follows. Kempo will provide you with the skills necessary such as improved flexibility, coordination, balance, muscle strength and muscle tone, not to mention fat loss. You will notice an improvement with each class.

I often hear concerns such as "I have no coordination, I am not flexible enough, I am not fit enough", but remember, you train to get fit. You don't need to get fit to train.

Kempo training exercises almost every muscle of your body. Will you be sore after your first ever Kempo training session? Quite likely! But this is completely normal for any exercise activity that you're not used to. It would equally apply to Dancing or to your first ever round of Golf!

Q: Do I need a Karate Gi?

To start with for your first FREE class wear something comfortable such as a T-shirt and shorts or sweat pants. We don't wear shoes so you also don't need expensive gym shoes.
Later on if you decide to continue we provide you with a Karate Gi which is included in our Introductory Special that will last you for many years to come. The Gi is the traditional uniform of Karate, and its main purpose lies in its functionality.

A Gi has the advantage that it is very robust and comfortable at the same time. It allows you great freedom of motion, and for a beginner it also has a psychological effect, as it makes you feel more "real" when you wear the Gi, and you also feel as if you fit in better with all the other Gi-wearing students.

Q: Am I too old to start Karate?

I have been teaching Karate for over 30 years and in that time have taught beginners from 4 years old to over 80 years old.

With advanced age, everyone may find one or another technique harder or impossible to perform. Let this not deter you. Karate is a martial art, and as such it is self-defense system, not a display of superhuman ability and athleticity. There is no shame in not being able to pull off a triple spinning flip kick. Chances are that in a real situation a simple front kick would have been the better option anyway.

All the benefits of Karate in terms of self defense skills and improved health still apply, regardless at which age you start. With increased maturity you will also be in a better situation to judge what exactly YOU want to gain from Kempo training, and you will be able to focus on that in our classes - this way you'll gain maximum enjoyment and benefit from Kempo training, regardless of your age.

Q: What are the injury risks for Karate?

The injury risk in Karate is lower than in most other sports. All contact is controlled and the most you would expect is the occasional bump or bruise. Our classes are meant to teach Karate - thus Gung-Ho bone breakers and street thugs are not welcome, and you wont find them in our classes.

Broken bones and noses as well as knee and joint injuries common with most popular sports are in fact very uncommon in Traditional Kempo Karate.

It is the responsibility of the instructor to ensure a safe environment for his students. I am proud to state that in the over 20 years that I have been an instructor to countless numbers of students I have had no serious injuries to myself or my students.

Q: How long before I can use my Karate skills?

You will be better equipped to defend yourself from day one! At the end of your first class you will know how to perform several punches and kicks correctly as well as how to block and evade your attacker.

At each following class you will build on this, getting better every class you attend. Your confidence will also grow with your new found skills which will also benefit in keeping you out of trouble in the first place.

Some people say (including the infamous, very street-wise Homer Simpson!) that "you learn Karate so you'll never use it", and for most of us, this will hopefully apply in the sense of hopefully never having to defend ourselves or our loved ones in a life-threatening situation. However, with Kempo Karate training, you will have a much better chance of doing so starting with your first training session.