Your first karate class

If you are wondering what to expect in your first karate class, you aren't the first! Most karate studios (or dojos) are quite different than what you may have seen in the movies, so it is likely to be a far friendlier and safer experience than Hollywood sugests. This is definitely the case here at Union College. Many people are interested in the martial arts but for one reason or another postpone trying. This may come from worries about being injured or the kind of expectations others may have. Also, cultural influences from Japan or other asian countries may result in unfamiliar behavior to westerners, such as a large amount of bowing and a hierarchical social structure. In fact, it is far easier to get started than you may think. All you really need is a desire to participate, an open mind, and a willingness to sweat. As with any significant excercise program, you should ask your physician if you are fit to do karate. On the other hand, karate doesn't require that you be rippling with muscle, so probably 99% of college students are ready to start. For your own safety and that of others, don't come to class intoxicated or if you are in a state of extreme exhaustion that may mean you aren't fully in control of your movements. (The immortal words of Yoda "Control, must learn control!") On the other hand, often when I'm upset or having a bad day, karate class can completely transform it because I am concentrating so much that I leave behind my outside problems.

Arrive a bit early to get changed and warm up. Before entering the dojo, you will have changed into your karate gi (pronounced with a hard g, rhymes with key) or gym clothes, and leave your shoes and socks outside. Also remove any watches or hard metal jewlery which could cause injury. As you enter the dojo, bow as a sign of respect. Students typically chat or do stretches while waiting for class to start. When class begins, the students line up facing the instructor. The highest ranked member calls the students to attention ("kiotsuke") and signals a bow ("rei"), after which the warmups begin. These include stretching for the arms and legs and maybe some pushups or squat thrusts. After the warmups, the main class, which usually has three parts, begins. The first part is basic techniques, such as kicks, punches, or blocks, often performed while advancing across the room to practice our footwork. Many students comment that as a beginner they learn important techniques almost every day and feel rapid progress. More advanced students often spend much time improving these techniques, but only occasionally begin completely new ones. The next part of the class usually involves practicing specific self-defense techniques or sparring with a partner. An example might be how to break free if someone grabs your wrist or neck, or to avoid a kick or punch and counterattack. The final part of the class is kata, or pre-arranged sequences, much like a choreographed dance. These kata have been handed down and occasionally modified over the years, and are practiced individually against one or more imaginary partners. The importance of kata depends on the style and school, but leads to significant improvement of the student because they are challenged to interpret these sequences in new and original ways.

At the end of class, the students once again line up (by rank, with more advanced students in the front line) and there are three bows (to a shrine "shomen ni rei", real or imagined, to the instructor "sensei ni rei", and to the fellow classmates "otagai ni rei"). When class is over, take time to introduce yourself to the other members if you haven't already. We're regular people with lots of other interests. As you leave the dojo, once again bow as you back out.

Not your first class?

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If you have previous experience, including other martial arts or styles, you are very welcome to join and we welcome your experience! Please introduce yourself to Sensei and let him know of your background. If you are interested in helping out, there are lots of ways to help the club, especially advertising but also organizing extra events, extra practices, demonstrations for international week, etc.