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Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to start at our school is our Unlimited 2 week trial. It’s only $29.99 and you can come to our classes as much as you like for 2 week. The Unlimited 2 week trial provides a Dojo T-shirt and a white belt.
Our 2 week trial is designed to introduce you to Emerald City Karate. During the 2 week trial, you will have the opportunity to: learn fun and exciting Karate techniques, familiarize yourself with the etiquette of karate, and get involved with Emerald City Karate’s training procedures. This class will give you an opportunity to make your decision for yourself using first hand information.
New students should wear loose fitting clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. Shoes and socks are not worn during class. If you’re taking our unlimited 2 week trial, you’ll be wearing Dojo T-shirt. A uniform (Gi) can be purchased (or ordered) at any time.
For Little Dragons (Ages 4-6), we encourage them to come once a week for 30 minutes. We have a option for them to come twice a week too.
For Youth & Adults (Ages 7 & Older), we recommend two classes per week, plus a certain amount of practice time in between classes as the perfect level of training. This allows the student time to work on techniques between classes and become confident with them before new concepts are introduced.
The bow is a symbol of respect in Asian cultures and is just like a western handshake.
Karate students are actually more controlled because of their training. At Emerald City Karate, children are taught that the martial arts are not to be used in aggression, but rather to defend oneself only in the most extreme situations. We teach conflict resolution and self-control so students will learn to keep their cool in stressful situations. Aggressive behavior is channeled into assertiveness to increase the child’s self esteem, increase self-discipline, self-confidence, and build character.
Injuries are very uncommon at Emerald City Karate because a qualified Black Belt Instructor teaches and supervises each class with safety in mind. Protective gear is required while sparring to reduce the chance of injury even more. However, Students must fully understand that participation in karate could result in injuries. Students choosing to train must accept all elements of risk involved.
Kata is a choreographed series of blocks, kicks and punches. The patterns are like dances that have been passed down from generation to generation. In kata students learn to challenge themselves and discover that their only enemy is self-doubt. By practicing proper basics, kata improves coordination, concentration and confidence.
Can't find your answers here?
Please contact us at emeraldcitykarate@gmail.com for more information.
“I first started training under Sensei Tobey in 2008. When I first started my training I was a pack-a-day smoker. I had tried to quit smoking many times but had failed. I promised Sensei I’d quit before my black belt test. I no longer smoke, and I believe that my training in Shudokan Karate under Sensei Tobey gave me the mental discipline that I needed to quit.”
-Thom E – Adult Karate Program
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“My 7-year old son and I have been going to Emerald City Karate for several years now. We have had a great time and always look forward to our family/youth class. As well as teaching about karate and Japanese culture and language, Sensei Tobey provides great lessons on how to work hard and patiently to succeed in anything. It’s also a great way to get mid-week exercise!”
Alan H – Youth & Family Program
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“Sensei Tobey is my son’s Karate teacher (we’re in the 4 to 6-year-old class). As a teacher of small children, I find him to be a wonderful combination of patience, discipline, and fun. He is very passionate about teaching Karate and it shows. He relates to the kids very well and can teach boys and girls equally, not only the physical skills of Karate but mental focus skills as well. It’s been a great experience for my son and I highly recommend Sensei Tobey and Emerald City Karate to anyone looking to enroll their child in a martial arts class. “
Yvette H (Karate Mom)
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Before joining Emerald City Karate I had no experience playing sports or participating in exercise programs because I didn’t like physical activities. So I didn’t expect I would be able to keep training for more than a month or so. But I found it to be fun immediately. The karate class has a variety of different subjects that keep students from being bored. Also, Sensei Tobey knows how to encourage students and allows them to have fun while feeling good about themselves. He likes telling jokes and making students laugh but his passion for teaching karate is always distinctive and serious. Because of his encouragement, I have kept training for a long time and even now I am training in Japan! Karate has taught me the joy of exercise and improved my concentration and it continues to teach many students to practice better manners and etiquette.
It is my pleasure to recommend Emerald City Karate for your exercise and experience in martial arts.
-Kaoru M: Adult Karate Program
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“I cannot say enough good things about the programs offered at Emerald City Karate. If you have children, this dojo (school) is a wonderful environment for them to learn traditional Japanese martial arts, self-discipline, and to have a great time!”
-Samantha: Karate mom
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