+ What is Karate?
Karate is a type of fighting method that has its origins in Okinawa (or rather the Ryukyu islands). Generally speaking, karate is mostly a "stand-up" striking art which uses the hands and feet as the primary weapons.
There are many different types and styles of karate, differentiated by the specific areas in which they were developed, and the lineage of people through which it was passed down. The style of karate taught at the Chain of Lakes Karate Club is Shorin Ryu karate, more specifically, Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu.
+ What is traditional karate, and how is it different than other types of karate?
In the beginning, all karate styles and systems were developed as systems of self defense that were designed with actual combat in mind. However, following the popularity explosion of karate and other martial arts after WWII, many of the "old ways" of training began to disappear. It was also during and following this time that tournaments became more and more popular. With the increased popularity and demand, came a steady supply of martial artists who were willing to modify their respective arts in order to fit their style to the requirements of the tournaments. What this eventually led to was a sort of split between the systems of karate that decided to preserve their art in the ways they were originally passed down, and those who wished to mold their styles to fit the particular needs of sport contest.
Probably one of the biggest differences between the ways that traditional schools and sport schools train (generally speaking), is the completeness of all aspects of fighting, and the adherence to certain types of limits that come in the form of tournament rules. It is common to find schools that teach sport karate to only teach certain aspects of fighting situations, like stand-up (punching and kicking range) fighting, and to restrict this type of training to conform with certain tournament rules. It is also common for schools like this to teach katas that have been changed from their original versions in order to add acrobatics and impress judges. Traditional schools, on the other hand, and more specifically, the Chain of Lakes Karate Club, teaches all aspects of fighting (stand-up, on the ground, and everything in between, plus weapons) without the restraints of tournament-type rules, in an attempt to remain true to the original purpose or reason why it is that karate even exists.
+ What is the difference between Tae Kwon Do and Karate?
Keeping in mind what was mentioned in previous questions about the various types of karate, this answer will be limited to the type of karate taught at the Chain of Lakes Karate Club. Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that on its surface, can look much like some types of karate. After all, they are both stand-up striking arts, and they all wear the same outfits, right? But upon closer inspection, the keen eye will notice that tae kwon do, even though they utilize blocks and punches with their hands, is primarily an art of foot-fighting (a kicking art). The philosophy that drives the need for so much kicking is that the leg is the longest and strongest extremity of the body, and trained properly, will become the best weapon. In addition to this, tae kwon do as an art, didn't even come into being until after WWII. Tae kwon do, in large part, was another result of the popularity of tournament competition at that time.
This style of karate differs from Tae kwon do in several ways. First, it is not a sport style of fighting. Also, there is a large difference in the underlying philosophy which govern the principles that are taught. For instance, the need for a sound, stable footing outweighs the need to kick an opponent in the head (not to mention that if the target is open to be kicked, it can probably be punched much quicker and with more precision). This is the primary reason that the kicks of this system are what would be considered low when compared to many other styles of karate or martial arts. Also, the focus on other aspects of fighting like grappling, also set this style apart.
+ Do you need to be flexible or in good shape to do karate?
This style of karate is very natural in its movements, and is designed to be effective, regardless of your size or flexibility (within reason). There are no very deep stances, strange breathing, or acrobatic kicks that students will be expected to do. Because of this, this type of karate is well suited for most anybody willing to take the time to learn it. Being flexible and or in good shape are positive things, and will certainly help, but they are by no means prerequisites to becoming part of the class.
+ Are karate classes dangerous?
Any type of class wherein fighting is going to be the overarching theme is going to have its hazards. This does not, however, mean that karate classes are inherently dangerous. At the Chain of Lakes Karate Club, safety is the number one issue when practicing with partners or when doing other drills that might be considered hazardous. Pads are always worn during free sparring, and mats are always used when practicing, break falls, throws, takedowns, and grappling. Of course, there will always be minor things like the occasional fat lip, bruises, and scrapes, and even as minor as they are, are still pretty rare. Since 2001, the worst injury ever sustained by anyone attending the Chain of Lakes Karate Club classes, has been a broken finger.
+ Can I watch a class or two before committing to anything?
Absolutely. In fact, it is recommended that people watch at least one or two classes before they decide to commit to membership. Even after someone joins, it is also recommended that he or she hold off on buying the uniform for at least a month until they are sure that this is something they think they'll be involved with long-term.
+ How many students does the Chain of Lakes Karate Club have?
This number varies quite a bit, and seems to fluctuate depending on the time of year. Usually there are no less than 10, and no more than 30. The average number is usually somewhere in between. Even with enrolment being whatever it is, it is rare that all students ever make it to make it to the same class on the same night. Because of this, typical class sizes are usually between 6 and 8 people. This works well, because it allows the sensei to better focus on the needs of individual students.
+ When would be a good time to join (Do I have to wait for a "beginner's" class?)?
Anytime. People are welcome to join at any time during the year. There is no periodic "beginner's" class to take first, or anything like that. Upon entering the class, your first 6 weeks or so will be spent learning the ropes (basics, protocol, class structure, etc.) and getting a lot of one-on-one time with either the sensei or a senior student. After that, you will probably be ready to enter the rest of the class and be able to keep up.
+ Is this style of karate well suited for children?
Yes and No. This all depends on the age of the child. Karate is good for people of all ages, especially children. Children learn respect, discipline, coordination, and self-confidence through karate. The only drawback is that this type of karate is about so much more, that sometimes young kids aren't quite ready to be part of the main class.
This type of karate teaches many complex principles about precise body movement and human anatomy in conjunction with advanced strategical and tactical concepts. In addition to this, workouts are often strenuous and physically demanding. Problems arise when children that are too young are made to learn information that is above their heads, or are thrown into workouts that they are physically not ready for. What results is usually feelings of frustration, stagnated progression, and feelings of being left behind.
The Chain of Lakes Karate Club now offers a class for kids starting at 6 years old. For mor information about this class, see the Kid's Program page.
+ What is a good age to start children?
Generally, 11-12 years old. This age seems to work well for most kids, as they are usually old enough to begin learning what karate is all about, and they are usually physically developed enough to keep up during the workouts. Also, during the first couple years of training (for kids and adults), much of the time is spent learning the basics of the system and developing muscle memory and coordination. So by the time they are 13-15, they are much more prepared to begin learning the more advanced concepts of this style of karate.
This does not mean that kids younger than this are barred from joining, but it does mean that the parent and child will have to meet with the sensei to determine whether or not joining at this time is the best thing to do. These instances are taken on a case-by-case basis.
For kids younger than 10 or 11, it is highly recommended that a parent or older sibling join as well, so that they can help out at class and at home as the child progresses. Discounted prices are offered for these types of situations.
+ How long does it take to get a black belt?
This is most often an issue of "if" rather than "when". The road to black belt is a long, difficult road, that requires dedication and focus. The Chain of Lakes Karate Club is not a "rank mill", meaning that students are not promoted at certain fixed intervals of time, without regards to their skill and overall character. There are specific and rigorous requirements that every student must fulfill before being invited to test for any rank. These requirements are put in place to ensure uniform minimum standards are upheld throughout the federation, and add legitimacy and meaning to your rank.
Everybody learns differently. Some students are naturally gifted, and are able to understand the concepts with little trouble at all, while others must work much harder both physically and mentally to achieve the same results. Because of this, each student will progress at his or her own pace. Generally speaking, children will tend to progress much slower than adults.
To answer the question in terms of years, achieving a black belt at this school is commonly done by dedicated adult students somewhere in the range of 4-7 years. A major factor contributing to this time frame is the sheer amount of material which a student must learn and retain between the ranks of white belt and black belt. Also, there is much more information outside of formal rank testing requirements that is also necessary for students to understand before they will be invited to test.
+ I already have rank in another style or system. Do I need to start over as a white belt?
Generally, no. As long as the style of karate or martial art in which you have rank is similar in terms of its core principles and techniques, there should be no problem coming in at your current rank. What you will need to provide to the sensei is proof of your rank, in the form of a rank certificate, and probably an interview to determine how the rank should translate. If the system in which you currently hold rank is extremely different, it would probably be best to start at the beginning, at some lower rank.
+ Does the Chain of Lakes Karate Club practice or dabble in any eastern mysticism or religions?
No. Some martial arts schools do, this one does not. Karate, as an art, or rather a system of fighting, is completely unrelated to the religious beliefs of Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, and Confucianism. The values that are taught at the Chain of Lakes Karate Club are that students should seek perfection in their character through hard work, discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and humility.
