New students may find training at a TKRI affiliated club a bit unusual, especially if they have previously trained at a more commercially oriented martial arts club. This guide is meant to make adjusting a little easier.
The level of formality of any individual class can vary tremendously depending on the group and the focus of a particular session, TKRI classes are often tightly formated to ensure the safety of the participants and so that material can be covered efficiently and thoroughly. We try to plan in periods in which questions may be asked, or in which extemporaneous embellishments of the presented material are appropriatly explored, however class time is not the same as 'open practice' time.
It is not appropriate to wear jewelry, including rings, bracelets, ear rings, any body piercing jewelry, anklets, or toe rings, on the training floor. They represent a hazard for both you and anyone you may partner with. Remember TKRI training includes close-in fighting practice and grappling, there is nothing that can ruin a good class as quickly as having a piercing accidentally torn out.
Persons with long hair should tie it back so that it does not obstruct their vision.
Let the instructor know, before your first class, if you have any injuries or health concerns.
There really is no such thing as a typical class at a TKRI club. Unlike most commercial clubs, and modern franchise affiliated groups, TKRI clubs emphasize a broad spectrum of skills including:
This means that we have a lot of material to cover, and we regard all of it as important. Of course none of this is helpful without some understanding of how it is that these skills can be practically utilized so we also devote class time to investigating when, and in what conditions, these skills may be best used.
In order to actually be able to use the techniques of karate, and to practice them safely, strength training is absolutely vital. Expect a fair amount of class time to be spent on strength and conditioning in order to prepare your body for practice. Students should not be surprised if the instructor asks them to supplement their karate training with additional fitness activities such as weight training.
Improvement requires commitment. If you want to improve you should plan on attending at least two training sessions a week as well as practicing on your own.
The more you know about the history and culture of karate the more you will get out of the classes. Visit the recommended reading section of this web site for book suggestions.
If you have rank in a previous style of martial art (including karate), or other close quarter combative method, your instructor will want to know. This will help them understand your interests and abilities.
Do not expect to be allowed to wear the rank (belt) that you had been awarded in another organization. Your instructor will partner with you to find what skills you have that may help towards your advancement in TKRI (and what skills you may be lacking). We want our students to succeed. We also want our ranks to mean something , the only way we can do this is to make certain that the people wearing ranks in our clubs are wearing ranks we have awarded or otherwise affirmed.
Because there are no 'typical' classes at a TKRI club, if you are serious about finding a quality karate program you should be prepared to watch or attend several classes before making up your mind about joining us.
