Why Karate?The most commonly known benefit of Karate training is self-defense. However there are many other benefits from training in Karate including;
physical fitness, strength, flexibility, and endurance
develops self discipline, self-confidence, and self-esteem
teaches you to respect others as well as yourself
it improves your 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. The Karate club would like to take this opportunity to invite all who are interested in training to come out and give karate a try.
What does the word "KARATE" mean? (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. back to top
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. back to top
When is the right time to grade? Taking an examination is a privilege gained through training and a personal decision that should be based on your own 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 grading's. Examination for Purple and Brown belts requires a minimum of 6 months continuous training between grading's.
Last grading result: If you received a conditional or semi result from your last grading that is sometime an indication that you should give yourself more time before grading.
Attendance
Self confidence: Some people are reluctant to grade and some people are too eager to grade as it relates to how they feel about their progress in training. You should not grade unless you feel that you are ready.
All students are expected to attend the pre-grading class at our Club, whether you intend to grade or not. back to top
Training Guideline for Ranking Examination - Technical development in Karate is a product of Time and Effort. Students of the regular karate program at Dakota Karate Club have opportunities to train four hours a weeks, attend seminars, dan prep, 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) student steps (Kyu), and 10 degrees of "mastery" (Dan). The color system for belts includes white (unranked), yellow (8th Kyu), orange (7th Kyu), green (6th Kyu), two steps of purple (5th Kyu, 4th Kyu), three steps of brown belt (3rd Kyu, 2nd Kyu, and 1st Kyu), and 10 degrees of black belt (Shodan through Judan).
A typical student training a minimum of two times each week, should be able to test for and pass a Kyu ranking examination about every 3 or 6 months. For this reason the club gives regular ranking examinations at the dojo in March, June, September, and December of every year. back to top
What is the proper way to tie my belt? See this helpful diagram. back to top
Do I need a uniform? At Dakota karate Club new students do not require a uniform until they attain there first rank. However based on past experiences once new students see their fellow students in a uniform, most want one. Good quality beginner uniforms can be bought through the karate club starting around $35 for children (same price, but better quality than retail stores). However If you choose to buy a uniform from somewhere else it must be plain white uniform without logos or writing. back to top
How to Join - General registration is welcome three times a year: January, April and September. When possible we try to time our registration with the Dakota Community Club registration. However, newcomers are encouraged to register in advance so as not to take away from training time in the dojo. Please see the forms page. back to top
How much does it cost?
See our registration form for current prices.