Karate is a great sport for all ages

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 offer a defense without the use of weapons.

What style of Karate is this?

• This style of Karate is referred to as Shotokan or JKA Karate (Japan Karate Association).

What is special about JKA Karate?

• JKA Karate is known for fast, powerful kicks and punches; its deep, driving stances; the friendly discipline of its classes; and its good form.

Why is good form important?

• Good form means that you know how to use your body in a way that will allow you to get the most power from it.

Will I get a new rank every three months?

• No. You must earn your rank. The JKA is known for its high standards. Almost everyone will not pass at least one test. Sometimes you'll decide that you need more time to prepare for a test. Your time is valuable and the high standards of the JKA make your training time even more valuable. As you advance, you'll discover that these high standards mean better karate.

Why is this non-contact Karate, wouldn't contact Karate help me learn 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.

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."

What is a Karate Master?

• A JKA Karate Master is a student and teacher of Karate who has trained seriously for at least 16 years (usually much longer) and has been awarded a fifth level black belt by other Karate Masters. A Karate Master has an exceptional level of skill and understanding, and has shown a dedication to the spirit and tradition of Karate.
  
  Robert Fusaro, founder of Midwest Karate in 1958, received his 7th Dan in 1993.  He is one of the highest ranking non-Japanese masters in the western hemisphere.