Congratulations!
We would like to welcome you to GKR Karate Region 2 and trust you will enjoy your new path as a karate-ka.
We would like to take this opportunity to give you some insight into your training. We would also like to provide you with relevant information that you will find useful between now and your next class.
In your first class you will learn the basic hand strikes,kicks, blocks, stances and some Japanese terminology. It's quite a lot to learn in one lesson, so it's important not to put too much pressure on ourself to remember it all. So, if you wake up and feel that you have forgotten half of what you were taught, don't panic! It normally takes a new student up to 12 weeks to learn the basic techniques, and because karate is a personal endeavor, your instructors will help you to learn at your own pace. Remember, we're here to help you develop skills such as co-ordination, self-control and self-confidence. So taking a few lessons to remember even the basics is perfectly normal. It is all part of the fun and excitement of the learning this great martial art.
You may wake up in the morning with some soreness in muscles you never knew you had! Even though your first lessons aren't overly active, you will notice that training in karate will involve muscle groups that have been left dormant for many years. If you find yourself sore tomorrow, that's O.K! It does not mean you are not ready or able to take on this new and exciting sport.
Outlined below are some extra options to help your training. We have also included a summary of the techniques and terminology written in both English and Japanese. You may take some time between now and your next class to review these. They also serve as a reminder should you choose to practice at home. By the way, you do not need to study and learn the Japanese terms. We are positive however, that you will pick them up in class within the next 10 to 12 lessons.
Some options to help your training:
- GKR Offers training DVDs that cover every technique in the training format. We also offer DVDs that cover all GKR grading kata (patterns.)
- GKR can provide uniforms for our students and can deliver them to your class.
- If you want extra training, you may train in both classes on the one night. If you do, the second class is only half the training fee!
- GKR offers students the option to train at a number of venues. You are able to train on various days throughout the week including weekends.
- Your Instructors are here to help you every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to ask them any questions, at any time!