FAQ & Contact Us
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Each dojo has a different cost as they have different lengths and frequency of training. But because all our dojos offer your first trial lesson free it's best to come down and try first! Wear comfortable loose-fitting sports clothing for your trial lesson. If you enjoy it and want to join, there is an annual membership fee (pro-rated from July each year by term), the cost of the gi (karate uniform) and club badge, and tuition fee which is paid by term.
We sell gi's at a discount to the retail stores together with our club badge.
What are the benefits of learning and practising karate-do?
Karate-do develops physical, mental and spiritual strength. Physically it conditions the body, increases flexibility, helps co-ordination, improves fitness and improves posture. Mentally, students learn respect (karate-do is said to start and end with "rei" or bowing), discipline, self-control and through the process become self-confident. Spiritually, kata (a pattern of movements) is a meditative art that helps practitioners find inner peace and quiet, leading to greater compassion and self awareness.
What is special about your style compared to others?
Our style specialises in kata, which is said to be the heart of true karate-do. Kata is a series of movements that are rooted in combative techniques but stylised for physical conditioning and made into patterns to make it easier to remember. Kata is also a form of meditation practice, helping our students develop the content of their character at the same time.
We regularly practice "bun-kai" which is application of these techniques in a controlled environment so as to be able to understand the true meaning of what we are doing.
Of course, we also practice "kumite" (sparring) and are involved in sports karate, many of our previous athletes have gone on to become Oceania and national champions in both kata and kumite, and have also received sports scholarships to university as a result.
What ages do you teach?
We teach both children through to adults from age 7 and above. It is never too late to start training! Although we accept kids older than 5, we generally only have them train gradually and ask that parents do not expect too much from them at this early stage of their development.
Children: ages 7-12
We teach a mixture of self-defence, kata and sports karate to our students who have begun to grasp the basics of karate. The emphasis is on physical exercise and self-control. Our students learn balance co-ordination, self-respect, confidence, discipline and how to avoid confrontation before it becomes physical. However if necessary, they learn how to control an attacker using kicks, punches, strikes and techniques of restraint. While we keep things interesting with a few karate-do inspired games, this is not the major focus of our classes.
Teens and Adults: age 12 and above
The focus is the same as for children but on a more realistic scale. Our students study self-defence, body movement, kata and kumite (fighting). We aim to install self-esteem, confidence and discipline to our seniors. The training is challenging both physically and mentally, and best of all it's extremely interesting. Seniors can also learn the art of Kobudo (Okinawa weapons), which compliments Karate and is of great benefit for understanding the ancient ways and history of the martial arts. Why come to learn from us? There are very few traditional karate schools on the Central Coast that have teachers who can instruct you in a legitimate karate system based in Japan. All of our teachers have trained in Japan and hold grades issued by the Japan Headquarters.
Are my children safe with your teachers, are your teachers accredited?
Yes! All our teachers are accredited with the Australian Sports Commission's National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS). This means they are professionally trained coaches that undergo required periodic training and working with children checks and clearances. This is exemplified in our zero serious injury rate in the history of our club.
Can and should girls do karate-do?
Yes! We have many girls that do karate-do and find that they generally do very well. Girls benefit from knowing self-defence techniques, reinforcing good posture and increasing their flexibility. Some karate-do styles rely on strength, however our style is balanced and relies on good basic technique and with a focus on movements, our style is better suited for female practitioners than most other ones.
How often should I train?
We believe that the best approach to learning the art is to practices twice to three times a week. Generally once or twice a week with a class and the other time at home practicing the movements. If your local class is only once a week, you are able to join other club's classes free of charge.
Is karate-do an Olympic sport?
Sports karate (as opposed to traditional karate-do) is being trialled in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and looks set to become a permanent sport of the Olympics.
Will I be able to enter tournaments?
Itosu-kai is a member of the Australian Karate Federation and as such actively encourages its students to enter tournaments when they are considered ready. You may not wish to become involved in Karate competition, and that's fine, however you will be pleased to know that the school boasts many current and former International, National & State Champions, whose experience will be invaluable to you. Please feel free to send us an email or better still come down to the dojo should you require any further information.
I have learnt karate-do before - is my previous experience recognised?
Previous experience is recognised if you have been graded in another recognised karate style and can produce the relevant certificate signed by the sensei. This allows us to know the grade you have attained as every club has a different coloured belt system. To save you from buying a new belt, we will award you the relevant coloured belt in our system only after your next grading.
If you have been graded by a non-recognised or non-mainstream style, or cannot produce the relevant certificate from a recognised style, we won't make you start all over again, and upon your first grading we will award you the relevant grade based on competency and ability.
Do you offer Kobudo (Weapons) classes?
Weapons classes are held for students with suitable experience, generally black belt and above. The student starts off with the Bo (6ft stick) then Sai (metal farming implements) and then progresses through a variety of ancient Okinawan weapons. Only select students are accepted to study the art of Kobudo (weapons) and an interview is required prior to being accepted.
Do you have international dojo's?
Yes we do! You can find a list at the bottom of this page of all other international Itosu-kai club locations by country.
Ok - I'm convinced, how do I get in contact?
Please see below details and visit our classes & locations page to find out more about where and when our classes are on.
Ok - I'm convinced, how do I get in contact?
Call us now for any other questions!
Nippon Karate-do Itosu-kai
Email: info @ itosukai.com.au
Our global club locations
We are proud to be a part of a global network of dojos and branches. This means that no matter where you are in the world you will have people with common values, techniques and purpose to meet and train with:
Oceania
Japan
China
Hong Kong
India
Iran
Malaysia
Pakistan
Philippine
Sri Lanka
Europe
Denmark
Ireland
Italy
Spain
Sweden
North America
South America
Argentina
Chile
Costa Rica
Venezuela
Africa
South Africa
Tunisia
We are also proud to be associated with the following associations: