Class Schedule

What is a class like?

Before the beginning of each class students will find a lively positive environment. Before the children’s classes students are encouraged to interreact and play while waiting for the lesson to start. Once class begin, students line up according to rank order and sit seiza (the Japanese traditional way of sitting on the ground with knees bent and legs tucked in).

A series of bows follow which acknowledge the environment of the dojo, masters, seniors and fellow students. Every session starts with a brief meditation and with the tone set, the class continues with effective traditional warm-up, mobility and stretching exercises. The lesson will follow from there, with the curriculum varying in according with the aspect of karate being taught. Once the lesson is over, students once again sit seiza and preform a brief meditation and bows. At the end of class, the instructor will often discuss what was studied and how it relates to broader aspects of life. This is often a great opportunity when students are encouraged to reflect on universal benefits of training, such as perseverance and focus.