Friday, November 14, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions


Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
W(beginner)

Where and how did karate originate?

Karate evolved on the Japanese island of Okinawa where the carrying of weapons was forbidden.  Read more about the fascinating history in our blog post The history of Shotokan karate.

Karate uses many Japanese words. Where can I find an explanation of the terms?
Yes that is correct. The word karate, for example, means empty hand.  Find more meanings of karate words in our blog post The karate vocabulary.


What is a grade?
A grade is a measure of the level of attainment of a Karate student. 

How do the system of coloured belts work?
Shotokan uses a system of coloured belts to indicate rank.  Each grade or rank is marked by a different coloured belt, starting with the White belt and progressing to Black. Below the black belt, grades are referred to as Kyu, Black belts are called Dan. Belts indicate experience, expertise and seniority.

A beginner is a White belt.

8th  Kyu  Yellow................. syllabus (white belt testing for yellow belt)
7th  Kyu  Orange...............  syllabus (yellow belt testing for orange belt)
6th  Kyu  Green.................  syllabus (orange belt testing for green belt)
5th  Kyu  Blue....................  syllabus (green belt testing for blue belt)
4th  Kyu  Purple.................  syllabus (blue belt testing purple belt)
3rd  Kyu  Brown.................. syllabus (purple belt testing for 3rd brown belt)
2nd Kyu  Brown.................. syllabus (3rd brown belt testing  2nd brown belt)
1st  Kyu  Brown.................. syllabus (2nd brown belt testing for 1st brown belt)
1st  Dan  Black (Shodan)..... syllabus (1st brown belt testing for 1st Dan)
2nd Dan  Black (Nidan)........ syllabus (1st Dan testing for 2nd Dan)
3rd  Dan  Black................... syllabus (2nd Dan testing for 3rd Dan)
4th  Dan  Black................... syllabus (3rd Dan testing for 4th Dan)
5th  Dan  Black (Godan)....... syllabus (4th Dan testing for 5th Dan)

What is a grading?
Gradings are where students get the opportunity to show to the Chief Instructor and other Dan grades how they have progressed since their previous grading. 

How long between gradings?
The minimum amount time between moving from one grade to the next, up until brown belt (3rd Kyu), is 3 months. From brown belt to Brown & one white stripe (2nd Kyu) takes a minimum of 6 months, and a further minimum of 6 months must go by before reaching Brown & two white stripes (1st Kyu). A full year must pass before a student becomes eligible to grade for the Black belt.
At a grading you are asked to demonstrate skills in front of instructors.  

How much will it cost?
R 330 affiliation fee per member per year. (R400 for seniors 3rd Kyu brown 1 and up)

R 330 training fee per month per person
R 330 per grading (held 2 times per year)

R 330 affiliation fee per member per year. (R400 for seniors 3rd Kyu brown 1 and up)

R 330 training fee per month per person
R 330 per grading (held 3 times per year)

R 400 affiliation fee per member per year

R 330 training fee per month per person
R 330 per grading (held once per year)

Family Discounts

R330  _ 1 person

R630  _2 people from family
R900  _3 people from family
R1120_4 people from family

R3500  _1 person

R6100  _2 people from family
R8100  _3 people from family
R9500  _4 people from family

Training fees are accepted by Debit Order / Credit Card / EFT (additional administration fee charged if paid by EFT)


Training fees are strictly payable in advance at the start of each month by debit order.


What if I want to cancel?
Two months’ written notice is required to end this contract.
Fees are payable for the full calendar year.

How do I register to become a student?
Note: The registration form is a PDF document and you will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and complete it. Follow this link to download and install Acrobat Reader if you do not have it.

What is your bank details?

Karate Company , 
Standard Bank
Brooklyn Branch 011245
Account Number: 013 017 713



The Karate Academy is a Karate school in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.  To find out more visit our website or Facebook page.

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