Kyokushin Seattle is a member of NW Kyokushin under Shihan John Adams and IKOK - Matsushima
Q: When is class?
A: Class is 7:30-9:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Kumite is 12-2pm on Saturdays, shin pads and mouthguard required by your 3rd visit.
Q: I am not a Seattle University Student, may I join class?
A: YES. Anyone can come to class, student or not. There are non-students in class.
Q: I have no martial arts experience, is that OK?
A: Yes, regardless of your experience you will be welcome in class. Everyone, at one time had no experience.
Q: Can I join in the middle of the quarter?
A: Yes! You can begin your training with us at anytime.
Q: Can I come watch, and see what the class is like?
A: Anyone is welcome to come and watch for free during any of the class times. It is important to visit a class before you join. Not every Style, Dojo or Instructor are the same.
Q: I trained with another Kyokushin group, may I come?
A: Yes, Kyokushin is Kyokushin, everyone is welcome to train regardless of affiliation withing Kyokushin or other Martial Art style.
Q: What can I expect in a typical class?
A: While no two classes are the same, they do follow a general format. We begin with cardio and strength exercises, followed by kihons (basics). In the second half of class we will cover kata, self defense, kumite, flexibility etc.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The club dues are $10 per quarter (10 weeks). SU fees will be $40 for SU Students, $50 for Alumni/Faculty/Staff and $60 for Community members. This is per quarter (3 months). The club and Connolly center dues are seperate. Before paying, please speak with Sensei Keith or Senpai Sasha. SU students may join for the "exercise" benefits and training without progressing in rank without charge.
Q: What if I don't have a gi or any equipment?
A: You don't need a gi and you don't need any equipment to start out. Just show up in clothes you can work out in.
Q: What if I am not in shape?
A: We'll work on that. Everyone has a starting point, we will go from there.
Q: What if I am really uncoordinated?
A: We can help. Don't expect it to come overnight.
Q; What if I have a medical conditon? (Such as existing injury, asma, etc)?
A: Be sure to inform Sensei or the person leading the class. You know what you can or can't do. If you are unable to do a technique or exercise, don't.
Q: Will I get beat up the first day?
A: No. We are nice to new people. Learning to defend oneself and/or "fight" is a process.
Q: Do you compete in tournaments?
A: Yes, both instructors and kyus(non-black belts) in our dojo compete internationally in full contact (knockdown) tournaments. Participation in tournaments is strictly voluntary and requires intense training outside of class. Remember our focus is on real life self-defense.
Q: Do you do "point sparring?"
A: No. Like all Kyokushin, we are a full conact dojo. But you are welcome to goto any tournament you would like.
Q: Do you do Kata?
A: Yes. We are a traditional system, which therefore includes Kata
Q: How do I test for belt rank?
A: Belt tests consist of cardio, kata and fighting portions. Testing for blue belt requires: member in the club and International Kyokushin, knowledge of the first three katas and completing two full contact two-minute fights. Higher ranks have greater requirements.
Q: Can I come on a Saturday if I don't know how to fight?
A: Yes. We'll teach you. That's the point. Pads and mouth guards are required for all sparring. Talk to Sensei Keith before participating in the sparring class!
Q: I only want to come for Kumite class, can I?
A: Generally, if you are coming to Kumite class it is expected you are also attending regular class as well. However, exceptions can be made, speak with Sensei Keith for approval.
Q: I have a gi or uniform from another system. Can I wear it?
A: Yes. That is fine, but please speak with Sensei Keith before first time in class.
Q: What belts are there?
A: In order, white, blue, yellow, green, brown, black. There are degrees of black.
Q: How do I address the Black belts?
A: You should use the title and then the name, ie Sensei Keith. Shodan -(1 Gold bar) and Nidan -(2 gold bars) are addressed as Senpai (Sempai). Sandan(3 Gold bars) and Yondan (4 Gold bars) are Sensei. Godan (6 gold bars) and above are Shihan.