U
OF T KARATE CLUB
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
Why should I join UTKC and not another karate club?
UTKC prides itself on the quality of its members, standards and instruction.
With Tominaga Sensei attending and teaching virtually every class and
a talented team of senior black belt students as support, the club's true
martial arts spirit and its depth and breadth of martial arts knowledge
will make it a most rewarding experience. Class sizes usually range from
15 -30 students, giving you a good variety of different people to train
with. You will have the opportunity not only to develop your martial arts
skills, training and knowledge, but you may also have opportunities to
develop your teaching, organizational and leadership skills, as well as
partaking in competitive events. UTKC offers its members the opportunity
to develop as an individual, not just in martial arts.
In addition, UTKC places strong emphasis on learning the traditional Shotokan
karate basics. Developing good basics is our fundamental club philosophy
in training. We believe that the quality of one's karate training can
be assessed by whether or not one can perform the basics with adequate
competence.
2.
Are there free trial classes?
Yes. A two week free trial period is available to all new members of the
club. Note, however, that you are still responsible for paying access
fees to the Athletic Centre if you haven't done so already.
3.
How much does it cost to join UTKC?
If you are a U of T student, then your Athletic Centre fees will have
been included with your tuition fees. You will then be responsible for
paying the UTKC club registration fee, which is $50 per semester as at
Winter/Spring 2007. Also, as UTKC is a member of Karate
Ontario, you will be subject to the annual Karate Ontario fee, which
for Winter/Spring 2007, is $35 for kyu belts, and $65 for black belts.
If you are a community member and not a U of T student, you will need to buy an Athletic Centre pass on a monthly or annual basis, in addition to the fees mentioned above. In 2006, the cost for a monthly Athletic Centre pass was $69. Alternatively, you can also purchase access to the Athletic Centre on a one-time drop-in basis (which is not nearly as cost-effective). An annual pass to the Athletic Centre is the most cost-effective. You can purchase this access in the Main Office of the Athletic Centre during their office hours.
4.
When is a good time to join? It's the middle of the term already.
Anytime!
Come by anytime the club is training (be on time).
5.
I've never taken karate before. Will there be a place for me in class?
Newcomers are always welcome. In fact, we take special care to ensure
that newcomers receive proper attention. You'll be taught in a group along
with fellow beginners, with guidance and instruction from Tominaga Sensei.
We notice all newcomers right away.
6. I don't have a karate gi/uniform. Can I still join as a newcomer?
Yes. You don't need a karate uniform to try out classes. Just wear a t-shirt
and shorts/track pants. However, take note that we train bare foot on
a hardwood floor surface, so you may want to wear a pair of flip flops
from the change room to class, as opposed to runners. Do NOT walk barefoot
from the change room to class. The Athletic Centre has a strict policy
against this.
7. What should I bring to my first class?
 |
Definitely a bottle of water for drinking. Also, note that karate is a vigorous activity, so please plan your eating schedule accordingly. |
8.
What else should I do as a newcomer to the club?
It is strongly recommended that you
(a) download the Club
Handbook
from this website for a read, taking care to know our
dojo
etiquette
(b) subscribe to the UTKC mailing
list
9. If I want to purchase a karate gi/uniform and/or a club patch, where
can I get
them from?
You have the option of purchasing a karate gi directly from Tominaga
Sensei, of varying brands,
weights, sizes, quality and price. You also have the option of getting
your own from anywhere else, as long as it is a white karate gi. Ask your
fellow karate ka in class where to get one from. As for a club patch,
you can ask Sensei at the time of purchasing a gi, or any of the Club
Executives.
10.
What's the difference between the karate club and the karate instructional
class?
The Instructional Class is a one-semester course for introducing students
to the basics of karate. The UTKC is a karate club where students can
receive karate training on an ongoing basis. Both are affiliated with
and taught by instructors from the U of T Karate Club.
The Instructional Class provides one hour of instruction per week. Over the course of the semester, students learn basic techniques such as blocks, punches, kicks, stances, and movement.
The UTKC provides three or four 2 hour classes per week. Students progress from basic techniques like the ones taught in the Instructional Class. Since training is ongoing, students get to hone their abilities and move on to more advanced techniques as their skills improve.
Choosing between the Instructional Class and UTKC depends entirely on what your individual needs and goals are. Both have their benefits. For someone looking for an introduction to karate, the Instructional Course may be the preferred way to go. Others may decide to choose the UTKC for the chance to train and receive instruction on an ongoing basis.
11.
How long will it take for me to get to my <insert colour> belt?
This will depend on your natural ability to some extent, but more importantly,
how much you train. Classes are offered several times a week -- you are
welcome to attend as many as you wish. Attendance, attitude, and overall
technical ability are taken into consideration when grading for a belt.
Ideally, it would be beneficial to attend class 3 times a week if you
are wanting to grade to the next belt level. It is really up to you and
how much effort you put into it.
12.
I've trained Karate (Shotokan or a different style) with another club.
Can I wear my
belt to UTKC?
Please wear your white belt to the workouts and introduce yourself to
Tominaga Sensei before class begins. Tominaga Sensei will assign you a
rank (not necessarily immediately), taking into account a number of factors,
including (but not limited to) where you trained, your previous
rank, when you last trained regularly, your current skill level, and whether
or not you're just visiting for a short time. The rank might be a white
belt - different styles train different basics and forms, and different
clubs have different standards - or, it might be your previous
rank, or anything in between.
All
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