Frequent Asked Questions2017-11-18T15:18:22+08:00
How do I get started?2018-03-10T17:17:43+08:00

We make it super easy. Just arrive at the scheduled time listed under our timetables on this website. If you can, get there about 10-15 minutes before class to fill out a standard athletic waiver form. You do not need to call ahead to book in.

Am I too old to start karate?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

Usually, age is not a deterrent to starting Karate. At TKA, we want you to succeed at your goals. You work at your own pace, set your own goals and we help you reach them. We recommend seeing your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Even if your doctor sets restrictions, it is possible for us to adjust our program so you can still enjoy the benefits of Karate.

Is Karate suitable for children?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

Karate for kids is about learning to defend yourself–but it is not the only benefit you will get from the study of Karate. Here are just eight of the many benefits you can expect to receive from Karate.

Their Self Confidence will improve as they start to master the kicks, blocks, and punches. Bullies will be less likely to bother you because they will sense your self-confidence. You will feel better about yourself. Self-assured children are more likely to resist peer pressure, and are less likely to get into trouble.

Goal setting and realisation. As you work toward each new belt, stripe, or badge, you will learn that you can obtain anything if you are patient and work hard enough.

Improved concentration. A good instructor will show you how to focus on what you are doing, which will also help you in school.

The drills, games and exercises you do in Karate will really improve your coordination and balance. Many karate students become ambidextrous, which means they can use both sides of their bodies equally well. Coordination and balance will help you in other sports as well.

You will make friends with other karate kids. You will find you have a lot in common with your classmates, as you all train together.

You will become a better person. Your instructor will teach you very important things like respect for others, courtesy, and avoiding violence.

You will become fit and healthy. It is better than sitting in front of the TV or computer. It is healthier for you to run, jump, kick, and yell. This will help you sleep better too.

You will have a lot of fun. You will learn many new things, burn off a lot of energy, play Karate games, and hang out with other kids.

Overall, karate for kids will make you a better person in every way and your self-confidence will shine through.

When can my child begin karate / how young is too young?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

At TKA we begin training students as young as four years old. As with any sport, it depends on the child. Physical activity is important in the development of children’s health and well-being, forming the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Through our Little Samurai’s classes, there are many skills and disciplines learnt resulting in a challenging and enjoyable activity for children of all ages.

The Little Samurais improves fitness, strength, flexibility, muscle tone, coordination and motor skills.  Our well-structured class formats enable children to channel their energies into positive outcomes, improving mental discipline and concentration and goal realisation.

Once children demonstrate they have the required concentration and skill level, they will be encouraged to move into our junior classes when they are 5 to 6 years of age, depending on maturity.

Before beginning any program, the student is evaluated in the classroom with an instructor on their ability to perform simple kicks and punches. This allows the child to get a feel for what karate is about. Afterwards, the instructor will talk with the child and parent(s) to find out how the child felt and what the parent(s) thinks. If everyone is comfortable, the student attends Karate classes for one month and then is re-evaluated to see if the child and parents want to continue.

What should my child/ I wear to my first class?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

The traditional karate uniform is known as ‘Karate GI’ it is made out plain white durable cotton canvas. Uniforms can be purchased through TKA, prices vary between $50 and $110, depending on the quality of the uniform. Badges are supplied when you join.

For the first classes, you might wear comfortable exercise clothes, such t-shirt and sweatpants and all classes are performed in bare feet from beginners to senior students.

Do you have female students?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

Yes, we do, a good cross-section of ages too, instructors too!

Can parents watch the classes / What if I just want to watch?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

We don’t have any secrets or anything to hide. Anyone is welcome to observe our classes before joining, and parents are encouraged to watch or try out any of our karate classes.

I have a black belt in Tae kwon do, can I join dojo karate as a black belt?2018-03-10T17:17:44+08:00

Dojo Karate has a specific curriculum you are required to learn. In most cases, we would start you at an under belt, but you should be able to advance back to Black Belt quickly. Schedule an introductory class, and we will get you going.

How often do you have gradings and how long does it take to get a Black Belt?2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

Be wary of the Mc Dojo’s out there. At TKA we firmly believe that a Karate-ka’s journey to Blackbelt depends on the individual. We have gradings for advancement three times a year, and Black Belt gradings once a year. We do not guarantee that students will make black belt (or any other) rank. Earning a black belt is a relatively rare occurrence, although the primary trait to be able to achieve black belt rank is simply the ability to show up for class regularly, avoid serious injury and to train diligently.
Unlike some other clubs, TKA does not have set or compulsory gradings. All students are encouraged to set individual goals, and our instructors will do their best to help you realise those goals.

Once the student has progressed through their Kyu Grades ( Junior  Ranks), they progress to “Shodan Ho” (probationary black belt) and then to a grade of “Shodan” (1st Dan Black Belt). But its not over just yet, once the rank of Shodan is achieved black belts progress through their Dans.

How do I pay?2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

We have a convenient direct debit system that can be set up and cancelled at any time. We also accept cash and cheques; sorry no credit cards. Fees should be paid prior to the start of each class unless prepaid for the term. We do not offer lock-in or long-term contracts, so there is no risk.

Is karate dangerous?2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

Karate is a sport; it has various risks and dangers just like any other sport, we do what we can to prevent serious injury. We start you out with basic moves that increase in difficulty over time, allowing your body to adapt and grow to meet the challenges.

What is the difference between Kata, Kumite and Bunkai?2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

The educational system often talks about the ‘Three Rs’ of Reading Writing and Arithmetic. In Karate, however, there are three Ks – Kihon, Kata and Kumite. Let’s look at each one and explain what they are and how these elements work together.

Kihon is our Basics. Basics are the fundamentals of our art or style; basics are our punches, our kicks, our blocks, our strikes and our stances. To build a strong foundation for our karate, we must drill and practice the basics constantly.

Kata means Form. Forms are sequences of movements that are put together in an overall pattern. Kata training includes the elements of direction, technique, speed, power and rhythm. On a deeper level, the analysis of kata can lead to many useful discoveries for practical self-defence, since hidden within the different forms are many useful sequences of movements that can be directly applied to different scenarios. This is called Bunkai.

Kumite means Partner Work or Sparring. At a basic level, pre-arranged training drills help us get used to using different punches, kicks, blocks and strikes (the techniques learned from the kihon and kata). Through these set training drills, we are able to directly apply our defensive movements and counters against actual attacks.

Bunkai literally means to “separate” or “break down” (“bun”) and “understand” (“kai”). Kata-bunkai means to break down the movements of the kata and study their practical applications, Every kata tells a story. In many styles, there is a divide within karate over kata versus kumite. They are two different things, and both can influence Bunkai. Bunkai is the marriage of Kata and Kumite through the practical application of Kihon.

When can my child / I start?2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

Unlike some seasonal sports Karate is a year-round practice. Check out our timetable to see when our next class is scheduled or contact us to speak to one of our friendly instructors.

Do you teach weapons? Can I learn weapons?2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

Kobudo training is often provided for higher level Karate students. Nevertheless, there are some martial arts schools that do not allow Kobudo training in their dojos. Beyond self-defence training, these weapons are also used in martial arts weapon katas. At TKA, Kobudo is integrated into the grading syllabus and is taught from Green Belt through to Black belt.

Can you explain what “traditional” karate is? I’m confused about this “competition” and “non-competition” stuff. I thought karate was just karate.2018-03-10T17:17:45+08:00

“Traditional” infers that something is hundreds of years old. Karate is barely one hundred years old.  Karate people have tried to describe their style as traditional to differentiate themselves from the many breakaway styles, mixed systems, and organisations which go their own way with little attention paid to the original and enriching aspects of martial arts. We practice karate as taught to us within the lineage of our school.  We do not add, alter or delete from the karate handed down by our ancestors.  There are refinement changes passed down from our Grandmaster in Japan, but we do not change things to suit ourselves, or our view of things.  In other words, we teach and practice the karate handed down with minimal change over the years from the masters who have gone before. That being said as a young discipline Karate as a sport is constantly evolving.

Now about competition.  Many schools do not engage in what is called “sport karate”. At TKA we believe that lessons learned, challenges and personal achievements attained through competitions help all students to progress in their karate journey.