U.S. Yoshukai Karate of Georgia

Karate, when practiced correctly, is very safe. There are some inherent risks with practicing any style of Martial Arts but we are careful to mitigate risk of injury by having actively involved Assistant Instructors who are extra sets of eyes for our Sensei to be sure all students are following the rules and safety procedures. Accidents can happen so while Karate is not completely risk-free, we strive to maintain a low-risk environment safe for all learners.

As mentioned in the Yoshukai Student obligations and the dojo rules listed below, Karate is much more than just physical self defense. Karate involves training the mind and spirit as well. Discipline instilled in the dojo transfers to many other areas of the students life and has been show to help students increase grades and decrease behavioral issues. While every child is different, they will all learn respect, manners, and discipline in the dojo that can be harnessed outside of class instruction to help with general life skills. Your child will learn skills of self-defense but will also receive instruction on when it is appropriate to use those skills and the importance of understanding ones own strength.

Point Sparring is a style of fighting that brings together all of the basic skills and applies them to a fight for points. Students wear padded gear on their head, feet, and hands as a minimum (optional chest, groin, and shin guards) and are required to wear a mouth guard. There are certain areas that will give the opponent points if they are able to strike there such as the front of the body above the belt but below the neck, the sides of the torso, and the top and sides of the head. We explain Point Sparring to the kids like a game of tag. The goal is to get points in the correct area, not to use every bit of strength you have to harm the other person. All Sparring is supervised by Sensei as well as assistant instructors to ensure safety protocol is being followed. While hitting directly in the face is not allowed we understand that accidents do happen and we address them as soon as they occur. Japanese Semi Knockout Fighting is also a part of our style but is an optional, full-contact fighting. Knockout Fighting is not a requirement for testing but rather an optional addition and competition area for students with parental approval.

Bowing in Martial Arts is a tradition due to the culture from which our style originated. U.S. Yoshukai Karate originated in Japan. In Japan, bowing is not a sign of worship as many North American cultures see it, but rather a sign of respect. We bow into and out of the dojo and when we begin and end class to show respect to our Founder, our Director, and our Sensei. We also bow before beginning an activity with partners and again upon its conclusion to show respect to our classmates.

We do introduce different types of weapons systems to the students and train them in how to properly handle, store, and use them. Our 3 main weapons are the Nunchucks, The Bo Staff, and the Sai. All of these weapons, when used under safe supervision and according to established dojo rules of weapons etiquette, are safe for the students. Accidents do occur, for example stubbing a finger on wooden nunchucks when going for a catch, but with practice these are few and far between. Sensei and the assistants are keeping close eyes on the students when weapons are involved and take immediate action as soon as someone shows disregard for weapons etiquette to prevent harm to the students.

Just as Karate in general and Sparring mentioned above, Breaking feats are not 100% risk free but we do everything we can to mitigate risk to make the activity as low-risk as possible. Basic breaking of boards consists of a 1 inch thick Eastern White Pine board of different sizes depending upon age. Students will be taught how to correctly break these boards using hand and foot techniques. As long as students follow the instruction given there is a very low chance of injury. If students choose not to follow direction the risk does increase. For the heavy breaking feats these are generally reserved for adults only as the risk of injury increases when using other materials like Bo Staffs, cinderblocks, and concreate. These larger breaks are not required for belt testing and are used for show at events. Basic board breaking is required to advance through the belt tests.

Please indicate any medical issues or accommodations needed for your child on the registration form AND reach out in person to Sensei or one of the assistant instructors so we can identify the child and provide the needed accommodations. If it is a physical accommodation needed please indicate specifically what they cannot do on the form so we know not to push the student in that area. We welcome all students of any age 4+ with any accommodations- just let us know!

Testing fees are intended to cover the cost of the belt and certificate as well as the purchase of the boards for breaking and fees due to the U.S. Yoshukai Association for each testing student. Testing takes place roughly every 3 months and testing and association fees are paid directly to the Sensei, not the Recreation Department. The Recreation Department only handles the monthly fee for class.