FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost and when are the classes?

This is definitely our most frequently asked question.  

You can click here for a printable cost sheet and class schedule.

Can I start anytime?

Yes!  Our program is set-up so that anyone can start anytime and be able to jump right in with the rest of the class.  You will be learning the same things that everyone else is and instantly feel welcomed and be part of our "dojo family".

I have heard that Karate can help someone become a better person, is that true?

Absolutely!  Character Building and leadership training is our main goal for our students.  These traits will transfer into every area of a student's life so that they can excel in what ever they do.  We encourage our students to be the best that they can be each step of the way.

My child has ADD / ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism or some other mental or physical limitation, can he still do karate?

The answer is a resounding YES!  We have had and currently have students with these conditions.  That is one of the unique things about karate.  It is very individualized.  You are able to learn at your own pace without having to worry about keeping up with everyone else on the playing field.  Yet you still have the encouragement and support of your classmates.  You won't be left out or the last one picked.  You are part of the team!

How long does it take to earn a Black Belt in this style?

       -   The general rule is about 4 years.  However I must emphasize at this point that our goal is not to simply produce black belts.  We would love for all our students to continue in karate and earn their black belts, but that is not our main objective.  Studying karate is much more than just earning belts.  There are goals along the way, such as different belt colors and ranks, but karate is meant to be a life long experience.  If we just simply kept promoting students to new belt levels just for the sake of promotion, we would be doing them an injustice.  In our style you definitely have to earn your belt.

Why would I choose Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan over another form of martial arts?

        -    That is a good question.  We believe that all martial arts schools have something to offer.

Our dojo (school) is what is known asa "Shibo Dojo".  That means it is directly associated with the internationally recognized Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Association under the direction of Grand Master Hanshi JuDan Shugoro Nakazato.  Being part of such a well established organization brings authenticity, accountability and truly traditional karate.  We have a lineage that we can trace back hundreds of years.

Click on the link below to see a worldmap of Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan dojos.

Shorinkan dojos worldwide

Tell me more about your style.

        -    Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan, also known as Kobayashi-Ryu, is a traditional form of Okinawan Karate.  It's movements are very fluid and focused on keeping your body weight centered.  This helps you to maintain body control so as not to be pulled off balance in the event of an attack.  It uses both hands and feet evenly to provide a well rounded means of self-defense.  Please view other pages on this site for more information.

It seems that many karate schools have separate classes for adults and children.  Why do you put them together?

      -   We are following the example of my immediate instructor Sensei David Rogers.  At his dojo in California, parents and kids learned together.  That is how I (Sensei Paul) got started in martial arts by wanting to spend more time with my kids.  At our dojo here in Canon City, we are not just family friendly, we are family based.  We put the word family in our name because we wanted everyone to know that our school is this definitely a safe place for families.  We set-up our classes according to rank, so all ages can participate together.  It creates a great environment for families.

With all this emphasis on families, would an individual feel left out?

        -    Certainly not.  My wife and I have four kids and we know how much the busyness of life tries to keep families apart so we are simply giving families an avenue for spending time together.  We welcome people of all ages and make them part of our "dojo family".  Each student also receives personal attention from me, Sensei Paul.