Kaizen Karate

The Inclement Weather Policy applies to all Kaizen Karate classes including after school programs, weeknight classes, and weekend classes. For updated closing information:

1. www.kaizenkaratemd.com – updates can be found on homepage, Twitter, and Facebook

2. Call our office at 301-938-2711. Voice mail will be updated at all times with closings and other important scheduling information. If no cancellations are announced, it should be assumed that the karate classes are being held.

Timing of Announcements

When possible, notification of class closing or class cancellations will be made by the following times:
-Morning cancellation or closing – announcement out by 6 a.m
-Afternoon cancellation or closing – announcement out by 10 a.m
-Evening cancellation or closing – announcement out by 2 p.m

Students are welcome to make-up missed classes at any Kaizen Karate location for up to 90 days after the missed class. Parents do not need to email or call our office regarding the make-up, simply drop by the class. Please inform the instructor of your regular class during class time if you do a make-up so credit is given for attendance.

• Black t-shirts for all students
• White t-shirts for black belts only
• *NEW* Red t-shirts that students can earn by:

Learning parts of the new Master Form Kata, based on belt rank, by May 5, 2012.

BELT REQUIREMENTS:

• White  – Orange: first 6 movements
• Yellow – Green: first 8 movements
• Purple  – Blue: first 13 movements
• Brown  – Black: first 21 movements +

Instructor Approval: Students can only order a t-shirt after their instructor has given approval.

QUESTIONS: info@kaizenkaratemd.com

We are proud to host our 3rd Annual Summer Camp this coming summer from June 18 – August 24, 2012.  We know that students have busy summers so we give the option to customize your schedule for as few as 1 week of camp and up to 10 weeks.

The intense training schedule during camp with black belt instructors allows students to improve their kicking, punching and blocking techniques.  Students will also learn Master Form and polish the moves within the kata and at the same time apply the moves in simulated situations.

Click here for more information

Once a student has completed their first 10 weeks of classes we encourage them to start weekend or week night classes.  Classes on the weekends and week nights are taught at an accelerated pace and allow students to learn material that might not be covered in most beginner classes.  In order for students to achieve intermediate and advanced belt ranks it is very important to consider training multiple times per week.

At Kaizen Karate we offer classes 7 days per week in MD, DC, and VA.  For more details on classes click here.

There are countless tips and pieces of information a student will hear throughout their time training in karate.  The three following tips are perhaps the most important pieces of advice that we can offer to a beginner level student:

1. Always keep your hands up
2. Always look where you strike
3. Keep your kicks and punches above the belt

In the Kaizen Karate system we ask that students have a full set of guards no later than yellow belt rank.  A student is welcome to invest in guards no earlier than after the first 8-weeks of classes.  It is very important to learn the basic kicks, punches, and blocks before participating in partner work and movement drills.

We suggest that youth level students order sparring equipment slightly bigger than needed in order to allow room for growth.  All guards should be based on the size of the foot guard.  For example, if a student wears a “child large” foot guard then they should also order the same size for their hand guard and other equipment.

Here are some tips to make sure students do not lose their sparring equipment:

1. Always write your name on all equipment with permanent marker
2. Carry all sparring gear in a karate bag that is used ONLY for karate
3. After using guards for class place bag in the same place every time

As we enter the fall season of karate classes we are sure to see a rise in the amount of students who are sick.  It is especially important to practice the following steps for karate students because we practice in very close proximity to our neighbors and their is often light touch / contact with other students during class time.  Here are a few tips:

1. Wash your hands
2. Avoid touching your face (eyes, mouth, nose)
3. Get enough sleep
4. Take your vitamins
5. Drink water

Please remember that if you are sick and there is a chance of spreading germs….STAY HOME and get some rest!!  Parents often encourage students to go to school even if they have a cough, runny nose, etc.  We ask that students skip karate class if they are contagious and make-up the class at a later date.

The amount of time between belt promotions in karate can vary depending on the school where you train.  In general, beginner level belts come much faster than intermediate and advanced level belts.  At Kaizen Karate some of our beginner level belts are based on attendance because we want to see our brand new students see success early in their training and build confidence in themselves.

As students move towards intermediate ranks, belt testing can range from 6-12 months between tests.  At advanced levels (brown belt and up) belt testing can take 12 months or more depending on frequency of training.

Overall, almost all karate schools will agree that the best time to test for a new belt is when the student is ready.  Students and parents should learn to trust their instructors decision on who tests at the next belt exam.

During your karate training expect some disappointments – such as when you do not take the belt exam because your instructor does not allow you to test.  DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!  No one takes every belt exam.

At Kaizen Karate we suggest the following ideas to help students achieve their new belt rank:

1. Attendance – must have 80% attendance record or better
2. Attitude – must demonstrate good sportsmanship towards peers, instructors, & parents
3. Karate – strong understanding of techniques

Students always want to know whether they should train with shoes on or go barefoot.  For kids classes we always suggest taking off socks and shoes and going barefoot for two main reason:

1. There is less chance for injury going barefoot because students who wear socks during class can potentially slip and suffer a head injury.

2. When no socks or shoes are worn it is easier to position a students foot to the proper kicking position.  Your foot is a weapon and it is important to learn how to use all possible striking surfaces to become an excellent martial artist.

Adult students are welcome to wear shoes during class if they suffer from any foot injuries, however, we do encourage all students to train in the more traditional manner which is without shoes or socks.