Who can practice karate?

Anyone can practice karate regardless of their background or physical abilities.

What style of karate do you teach?

We teach Ryuei Ryu Karate which originated from Okinawa, Japan. Please see Ryuei Ryu History for more information about our traditional style. 

If I have previous martial arts experience, do I need to start from a white belt?

Every dojo (martial arts school) and style of martial arts is different. What you may have learned in one dojo may not meet our requirements. Our instructors will determine what level and grade the student should be placed at. 

I have a gi (uniform) from another dojo. Can I wear it?

We wear a traditional, white gi during training. When you come in for your first class at Avalon Karate and Fitness, we recommend wearing shorts or sweat pants and a t-shirt, or something you can move around comfortably in. (No dresses or skirts permitted)

How often do you have promotion tests?

There are 10 standard kyus (grades) before you reach a black belt rank. Avalon Karate and Fitness follows that traditional standard. Students will only test when the student meets the requirements and our instructors approve. The frequency in which a student will test is dependent on the student. We have approximately five to six promotion tests during the year. Your student will not be required to participate in all or any of these tests, but will be invited to promote if eligible. 

Do you require students to participate in tournaments?

We offer participation in many sanctioned tournaments, but do not require students to participate in them. Students that participate in tournaments can gain experience in a competitive environment. Tournaments offer 3 types of events: kata (forms), kobudo (weapons), and kumite (sparring). Students have a choice to compete in one, two, or all events.