FAQs

Why Karate? The most commonly known benefit of Karate training is self-defense. However there are many other benefits such as;

  • physical fitness, strength, flexibility, and endurance
  • develops self discipline, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • teaches respect for others as well as yourself
  • it improves concentration
  • provides an opportunity to compete at local, provincial and national competitions

The Dakota Karate Club is a family oriented karate club. Karate training itself is a unique activity in that it provides an opportunity for men, women, and children to train at their own level at the same time. 

What does the word "KARATE" mean? Karate (pronounced "kah-rah-tay") is a Japanese word that means empty hand and refers to a karate student's ability to defend without the use of weapons. back to top

What does the writing under the Dakota Karate Club Logo mean? The symbols are the translation of the words "Traditional Karate" in Kanji.

What is good form? Good form means knowing how to use your body in a way that allows you to get the most power from it. back to top

When is the right time to grade? Taking an examination is a privilege gained through training, and a personal decision based on development and confidence. There are four criteria to consider:

  • Time between grading: Examination for White, Yellow, Orange and Green Belts requires a minimum of 3 months continuous training between gradings. Examination for Purple and Brown belts requires a minimum of 6 months continuous training between gradings.
  • Last grading result: If a conditional or semi result was received, this is an indication that more training is required before your next grading.
  • Self confidence: Examinations are not mandatory and are only meant to be taken when the student feels they are ready.
  • Minimum Training Requirements

Training Guideline for Ranking Examination - Technical development in Karate is a product of time and effort.  Students in the regular karate program have opportunities to train four hours a week, attend seminars, dan preparation, and team and officials training.

The following table is a guideline for examinations and identifies the training frequency and duration for examination eligibility.

Rank Minimum Frequency Minimum Duration
White, Yellow & Orange belts 2+ hrs/week 3 months
Green, Purple & Brown belts 3+ hrs/week 6 months
Black Belts 4+ hrs/week 6 + months 

Kyu (color belt) ranking examinations are conducted in December, March and June.  DAN (black belt) ranking examinations are conducted at least once a year. Minimum training requirements are based on rank.  Students not able to meet these training frequency guidelines will require a longer duration between examinations. back to top

Why is this non-contact Karate? Wouldn't contact Karate help me learn how to "take-a-punch?" No. You cannot be conditioned to "take-a-punch" like the kind you are trying to do with Karate. The average heavyweight boxer punches with 600 pounds of force per square inch. An advanced Karate black belt can punch with a force of 2000 pounds per square inch. When you are new to Karate, you can be fooled by the feeling of contact. Even a weak blow (by Karate standards) can hurt a person. If you become satisfied with such techniques, you will never learn how to use all of your strength. back to top

What is the goal of Karate training? Goals are personal things and people take Karate for a variety of reasons such as self-defense, physical fitness, fun, competition, and confidence. Gichin Funakoshi, founder of modern Karate, said "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants." back to top

Is there a special way to behave at Karate? Yes. See Dojo Etiquette for more details. back to top

What is the ranking system? The Dakota Karate Club utilizes a ranking system comprised of eight (8) levels (Kyu), and 10 degrees of "mastery" (Dan). The colour system for belts includes white (unranked), yellow (8th Kyu), orange (7th Kyu), green (6th Kyu), two levels of purple (5th Kyu, 4th Kyu), three levels of brown belt (3rd Kyu, 2nd Kyu, and 1st Kyu), and 10 degrees of black belt (Shodan through Judan). 
 
What is the proper way to tie my belt? See diagram. back to top

Do I need a uniform? New students do not require a uniform until they attain their first rank. However based on past experience, once new students see their fellow students in a uniform, most want one. Good quality beginner uniforms can be bought through the club starting around $50 for children.  If you choose to buy a uniform elsewhere it must be a plain white uniform without logos or writing. back to top

How can I join? General registration occurs four times a year: January, April, July and September. New students are encouraged to register in advance. Please see the registration page. back to top

How much does it cost? See our registration form for current prices. back to top