Getting Started - choosing a Karate school

There are many dojos (training halls) and organisations offering training in martial arts, some provide good teaching, others leave much to be desired.

When making a decision to join an organsiation it is important to consider a number of questions as follows:

1. Does my child or do I fit in with the existing group?

2. Who is teaching the class?

3. Is the dojo run well?

4. What organisation is this dojo part of?

Each will now be explained briefly.

1. Does my child or do I fit in with the existing group?

One of the most important things you need to consider is whether you or your child fits in with the existing group. Everyone joins a dojo for a different reason, so consider your reasons for joining when investigating a dojo. 

As mentioned before, not all dojo's are created equal, but ultimately you need to be comfortable with the group you are joining in order for your ongoing training and learning to be successful. 

2. Who is teaching the class?

Another important aspect of choosing a dojo is who is running the class. Are they the sort of individual you or your children can respect and see as a role model. Do they look the part, does the class respect them and how well do they manage a group of students. 

A well run class of respectful students who follow instruction and are focused on their training is a good indication that the instructor knows what they are doing. A class where there is little or no order or structure and has students running riot is a tell tale sign that the instructor is NOT up to scratch.

3. Is the dojo run well?

Another issue that needs to be considered is how well the dojo is being run. There are some rip-offs who open up a dojo, fleece their students then close up shop only to appear in another part of town to do it all over again. 

A good dojo will have attendance records or class rolls, a comprehensive membership form with terms and conditions and regular member communications. You should, if possible, also ask other parents or members about these administration matters. 

4. What organisation is this dojo part of?

Finally, be wary of one man bands. Most dojo offer some form of grading system (a series of colored belts usually leading to black belt). Ideally you want an organsiation that allows you or your children to continue their training in other parts of the country and overseas. 

Also you will want your hard work and grading certificates to mean something both Nationally and Internationally. Size does matter.

What you'll find at our dojo (training Hall).

Our focus is the delivery of quality karate instruction. 

When you visit, you'll find our training hall is a welcoming place for newcomers where each individual is respected and has his or her place. Effort is rewarded, basic principles of courtesy and respect are fostered.

Everyone is treated as an individual within an hierarchical system; privileges are earned through dedicated training, high attendance, participation and perseverance.

Our students develop as highly disciplined people of character. All students follow a strict code of conduct which is on based the rules of courtesy, respect for superiors (teachers, other students, parents and authorities) and refraining from violence.

Our administration procedures are rigorous and follow a set of clearly defined policies which have been in place and running successfully for the past 9 years we have been in operation. These policies are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

In New Zealand our organisation is part of the largest Kyokushin network of 21 dojo which operates as part of the largest International Kyokushin Organisation (IKO) in the world.

The heads of our New Zealand organisation are people of exceptional character and skill. Our branch chief Shihan Takiwa (6th Dan) is the most decorated Kyokushin fighter ever to come out of New Zealand. McCallum Shihan is a 7th Dan karate master who has been awarded the Queens Service Medal for his 40 year contribution to Karate. McCallum Shihan is the highest ranked Branch Chief in New Zealand, awarded his grade by the head Kyokushin Karate in Japan.

What ever your reasons for Learning Karate, we hope you will benefit from the above points and feel free to visit us in the near future.