1. What do I call you?

Master instructors are referred to as “Shihan” (shee-hun), Instructors are addressed as “Sensei” (sen-say), and all assistant black or brown belts are addressed as “Senpai” (sen-pie).

2. What is this place called?

We are the Academy Of Karate. The word for training center in Japanese is “Dojo” (doe-joe).

3. What do you teach here?

We teach a traditional Japanese form of martial arts called Karate (kara-teh), Aerobic-

Kickboxing, Power-Kickbox, Kobudo (Traditional Weaponry).

4. What is Karate?

Karate (kara-teh) is an ancient form of martial arts from Okinawa and Japan. There is only one root for Karate, and that is Japanese. Many schools seek to misinform the public by claiming

that they teach Tae Kwon Do/Karate, and so on. Our style of Japanese karate is “Shotokan” (show-tow-kahn). The main purpose of training in karate is to develop inner as well as outer strength. Respect, honor, humility, character, patience, fortitude, along with perseverance,

fitness, and proper of knowledge of self-defense.

5. What is the difference between Shotokan and Tae Kwon Do?

A very basic, yet crude explanation is that Tae Kwon Do uses 85-90% kicks and only 10-15% hand techniques. Shotokan on the other hand, uses 50% hands and 50% kicks.

6. Is Shotokan superior to Tae Kwon Do?

It all depends on what you wish to learn. However, in overall depth of knowledge,

authenticity and realistic application for martial arts, Shotokan has been proven to be superior

due to the extensive and applicable arsenal of movements including grappling, locking and throwing techniques, which are lacking in Tae Kwon Do.

7. Who are my instructors?

Sensei Hojati in West Hills and Sensei Claycomb in Duarte, are two of the finest Shotokan

karate and Aerobic-kickboxing instructors in the U.S. Sensei Allam Bouziane is also the Chief instructor of our international branch in Manama, bahrain They have a combined experience of

over 65 years, and hold black belt rankings in a multitude of other martial arts as well.

8. How do your membership programs work?

Basically, you purchase a specific number of classes, and they expire in a certain amount of

time i.e. (100 lessons/one year, or 50 lessons/6 months). Once the expiration time has passed,

any remaining classes are null and void.

9. How often must I attend classes?

We recommend that you participate in classes at least 2 – 3 times a week. However, in

instances when such is not possible, we can make special arrangements on an individual basis.

 11. WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN?

You may begin on the day arranged by your Sensei. Otherwise, you may start immediately.

12. Do I need a uniform?

Cardio-karate requires no uniforms. As for Karate, your enrollment fee provides for a uniform and a patch for karate classes.  Please take care to sew the patch on immediately. 

13. Do I have to fight?

We do not fight. The sparring that we teach is for fun, fitness, self-defense and competition. Beginner students do not spar until 6 to 12 months in to their training. When you are ready, your Sensei will tell you, and arrange for purchase of your equipment.

14. Will I get hurt sparring?

Every effort has been made to ensure your safety. However, as with any physical activity, there is a possibility of becoming injured. To date, no student has been seriously injured on our academy premises, from training in sparring or other activities offered here.

15. Why should I purchase my sparring equipment from the academy?

We have researched and experimented with all the sparring equipment that are available. The equipment that we recommend is by far the best. Our insurance requires us to make sure that each piece of the equipment is purchased through the academy.

16. What if I am late?

If you are going to be late to class for more than 10 minutes, you may observe but may not participate in the class.

17. What If I miss the class?

Attend another class at your own level, on another day (give us a phone call first please), or schedule a private lesson. Classes and private lessons are based on availability.

18. What are private sessions, and are they necessary?

From time to time we may recommend a private session. Everyone  can benefit from special private lessons with Sensei, or a semi-private lesson with our assistant instructors.  We recommend at least two private lesson on bi-monthly basis.

We only require private lessons for anyone who has been absent for more than three weeks.  This will ensure that your progress is in-line with your class.

19. Do I have to take a private session?

No. But if your instructor recommends it, you are more than likely in need of one.

20. What if I miss my private lesson?  

You will be charged for any private lessons that you miss, unless you provide us with a minimum 24-hour cancellation.

21. May I invite a guest to join our classes?  

We will be pleased to have any of your friends join us. We’ll even provide you with special invitations if you wish.  We only ask that guests attend with prior notification.

22. When will I achieve my black belt?

This is a difficult question to answer. Everyone learns karate at a different pace. Physical, mental, and spiritual development required to achieve a valid black belt from our school, requires 3 – 5 years of training. Regular attendance, attending special seminars, private lessons, special abilities, diligence in practice and perseverance play important roles.

23. How do I test for my next rank?

We test our students 6 times a years. Anyone may test, however this does not constitute an automatic pass. . Each test takes you one step closer to your next rank. You do not receive a new belt every

time that you test, however your performance is graded and corrections will be made for you

to implement. When you are ready, your Sensei will inform you that you will be testing for a new rank. Your only goal should be self-improvement, not belts.  As you improve, you will automatically go up the ranks. Don’t worry about belts. Make them the last thing on your mind.

24. What should I do, if I become sick or go on vacation?

Inform the academy immediately. If you are sick, stay home and rest. If you are going on

vacation, let us know when you will be leaving, so that we can update our records.

25. Why am I/my child taught by different instructors, from time to time?

This allows the student to see the technique from a different point of view. Each instructor

has a special talent and brings a different level of understanding to the technique. Our

research has shown that children learn easier from someone that is almost their own size, and

they have a better perspective of the techniques when they look across, and not upwards to observe it.

26. What do I do, if my child shows lack of interest?

27. I heard that Tae Kwon Do is an Olympic Sport, what about Karate?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved karate as a sport. In 2008 karate will be a demonstration sport, and in 2012 it will become a medal sport.

28. Will you train us for sports competition?

Yes and No. Our main goal is martial arts, and the physical, mental, and spiritual development that it entails. That alone is a goal that requires much hard work. However, when the time is right, your Sensei will introduce you to competition part of karate as well. But not before you are ready. Remember, Karate is a discipline with a sport aspect, not a sport.

29. Why don’t we do acrobatics, like some other karate schools?

Acrobatics are not part of the true applications of karate. Although some schools promote such movements, they don’t have any place in a realistic training or self-defense exercise. We do promote gymnastic camps, where our students learn more about these movements, and we support our students who wish to take gymnastics as a supplementary activity to their karate training.

30. Are there any holidays that are observed by the academy?

Yes. Please consult your academy’s rules and regulations.

31. Is bowing a religious practice, and do I have to bow?

No. The bowing that we do, whether from the seated or standing position, is for respect only.

32. Why are some of the students wearing black or red uniforms?

They are members of our elite training team. The red uniforms belong to S.T.O.R.M. (Special Team of Role Models) members. After two years in S.T.O.R.M. membership, the students may qualify to become a Black Belt Team member. For more information on this subject, please contact our administrators or your Sensei.

33. What are weapons, and when do I start learning them?

We only teach traditional Okinawan/Japanese weapons for aesthetical purposes . Although they also help greatly improve your coordination, and strength. You must be a member of S.T.O.R.M. or Black Belt Teams in order to be admitted to these classes.

34. Are children granted black belt ranking?

Junior black belts are a rare breed of individuals, who after much dedication and practice, are allowed to wear the provisional black belt. Their rank is registered as a “Provisional/Probationary Black Belt” until the age of 16. They also have a substantial amount of requirements to fulfill by that age.

35. Is tournament participation mandatory?

No. But tournament participation helps us overcome many fears and weaknesses. Additionally, they help us understand more about the areas where we need to practice and develop.

36. Why should I compete?

Competition brings the best and worst out in us. It helps us focus harder on our training, and helps us showcase our talents, while examining our weaknesses. You’ll meet a lot of wonderful people through competition that you wouldn’t have otherwise. Best of all, you both share something in common.

For Further Information or To Discuss Any Specific Concern That You May Have

Please Make An Appointment With Your Instructor, Or The Academy’s Administrator