Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to expand the answer.
Proficiency depends on the amount of time a student trains and varies from person to person. Many students tell us they feel more confident after just six-eight months. Adult students take approximately four years to reach black belt and children about six years.
We recommend two to three classes per week from white belt to brown belt. Some practice at home will help too but is not necessary. At the advanced ranks of Brown Belt and Black Belt most train three to four times per week to keep their skills honed.
At the WSK, we organize classes by age and skill level. Children's classes are separate from adults so each can learn at their own pace. Also, beginners are separated from advanced students.
Contrary to popular belief, karate students are actually more controlled because of their training.
At the Wenatchee School of Karate, we emphasize how to resolve conflict and demonstrate self-control under pressure. Aggression is channeled into assertiveness, but never violence.
The bow in Asian cultures is the equivalent of a handshake in Western cultures. We attach no religious connotation to it at the Wenatchee School of Karate.
Yes and no. The principles of distancing, timing, speed and strategy are developed through sparring. These are an integral part of a student's karate development and the reason why we include sparring drills in classes. The sparring class at the WSK is, however, optional.
Injuries are very uncommon at the Wenatchee School Karate because a qualified Black Belt Instructor supervises each class. Protective gear is used in sparring to reduce the chance of injury even more. That being said, karate is a contact sport. Students must fully understand that participation in karate could result in injuries. Students choosing to train must accept all elements of risk involved.
Colored belts denote skill level. In order they are: White, Yellow, Gold, Orange, Purple, Green, Brown and Black. Children under 13 utilize striped belts in between belt colors. Promotional exams are held three times each year in January, May and September.
We have additional classes that you may use to make-up absences or use as extra training time.
Our youngest students start at age four and we have yet to find an upper age limit for our adult students.
We have taught many people with varying disabilities. We are willing to work with students to adapt our curriculum and teaching methods where possible. Our desire is to make karate training as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.
