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Frequently Asked Questions 1. When and where are classes held? 2. What do you teach? 3. What is your style of karate called? 4. Does you school belong to an organization? 5. Do you teach weapons combat? 6. How about board breaking? 7. How much does it cost to train? 8. Do I have to sign a contract? 9. What about uniforms? 10. What ranking system (color belts) do you use? 11. How long does it take to get a black belt? When and where are classes held? JIKF offers classes in the Jefferson and Shelby counties of central Alabama. See our class schedule for class times in your area or contact us for more information. What do you teach? We teach karate, the self-defense system originally from Okinawa and Japan. There are three main areas of practice: Kihon (kee-hohn) - basics, "building blocks" of karate technique Kata (kah-tah) - prearranged series of movements Kumite (koo-mee-teh) - sparring drills practiced with a partner More than that, we teach Karate-do ("way of the empty hand"): how to use our training in the art of karate to make us stronger members of our families, communities, and society. See the page about Karate-do for more detail. What is your style of karate called? Japan International teaches Heiwa-do (hey-wah-doh), a traditional Japanese style of karate. Heiwa-do literally means "Way of Peace and Harmony". The name implies both "stopping conflict" and "living in a peaceful and harmonious way". See the page about Karate-do for more detail. Does your school belong to an organization? JIKF is part of the Japan International karate system, with locations in North America and Southeast Asia. Our headquarters is in Hawaii. We participate in amateur traditional karate events, such as those hosted by other Japan International Karate schools and those on a more national scale. Do you teach weapons? Yes. Karate is interpreted as "empty hand", but it was also a defense against armed opponents. Training with traditional weapons can be a useful and fun addition to your "empty hand" training. Weapons training, called kobudo (koh-boo-doh), is offered only in special classes. You may have to meet some technical requirements before being admitted to kobudo classes. We focus on the art of the bo (staff), the sai, and the sword (bokken and katana). How about board breaking? Breaking wooden boards, people, and other objects, is not part of the Japan International training program. Breaking bad habits and building good students through the practice of strong fundamentals is our focus. How much does it cost to train? See our page on costs and current pricing. Rates may vary according to current promotional offers, family rates, payment methods, length of commitment, and facility costs. You should always contact us for current tuition rates before committing to the program. Fees for special events like examinations, tournaments, or clinics also apply. However, tuition and exam fees, along with the costs of kobudo equipment, are the ONLY mandatory costs for advancing in the program. All other activities, while encouraged, are optional. Do I have to sign a contract? JIKF seeks committed students. We offer several short- and long-term programs that reward the most committed students while still being a good value for anyone who wants to try karate training. What about uniforms? A karate uniform is called a gi (pronounced with a hard 'G' as in "good"). You are not expected to wear one on your very first day, but you should purchase one to wear in class as soon as you sign up for the program. Wearing your gi displays commitment and promotes class unity. Only plain white cotton gi are allowed. You should purchase a high-quality gi from your instructor. Until then, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants and a T-shirt, will do. What ranking system (color belts) do you use? See our Ranking System. An instructor can give you more information on what's required at each rank. How long until I can get a black belt? You earn a Black Belt by showing that you... Train hard and train regularly Have learned and can demonstrate all the technical requirements Have improved yourself consistently throughout the training program Black Belts are not earned only by the amount of time enrolled in the program. You must be serious, train hard, and practice regularly and often. If you do, it may take two or three years, assuming you pass regular exams. Don't be disappointed if it takes slightly longer depending on your particular circumstances. It is a personal goal, not a race against others. Remember the purpose of karate training: Not to conquer others, but to conquer the weaknesses within oneself. It will take longer if you don't attend an exam or did not pass because of not preparing for it by practicing regularly. This type of delay can and should be avoided! Didn't find an answer here? Please browse the web site for more details. If we can help answer your questions, or if you didn't find something that you think should be here, please contact us.

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