Florida Okinawa Seidokan Karate

At the Seidokan Community Dojo we can begin training students as young as six years old. 

As with any discipline, it depends on the child and their ability to learn.  Before beginning any program, the student is evaluated in the classroom with an instructor and other students.  Their ability to follow directions, contribute to the group dynamic,  and perform simple kicks and punches will be the measures for both instructor and parents to see if Karate is a good fit.   This allows the child to get a feel for what karate is about.  Afterwards, the instructor will talk with the child and parent(s) to find out how the child felt and what the parent(s) thinks.  If everyone is comfortable, the student  is welcomed to join for long term training.

Usually age is not a deterrent to starting Karate.   The art of Okinawa Seidokan is an art not only befitting the youth.  Okinawa has the largest number of people living to 100+ per capita than any other place on earth.  Okinawa Karate is an art avidly pursued by seniors and does not rely on power and speed.  At our school, we want you to succeed at your goals.  You work at your own pace, set your own goals and we help you reach them.  If there are health concerns, it is recommend consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.   Even if your doctor sets restrictions, it is possible for us to adjust our program so you can still enjoy the benefits of Karate.

The short answer is yes.  We are teaching a serious martial art designed to hurt an attacker.  In the school, the risks and dangers are managed. At Seidokan Karate, we do what we can to prevent serious injury between dojo mates with best safe practices.  We start with attitude and courtesy and move through the syllabus with measured increased and managed violent conflict resolution.  We teach a defenders has choices.  We do not teach students to only react; but keep a calm head, think, and choose outcomes. 

We do not view Karate as a sport but a lifestyle.  Nor do we submit practitioners to gladiatorial combat.  We create an environment of control and discipline where Karate is something we do with one another not against each other.  

Q4:  IS THERE ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED?

Yes, there is.  After the initial trail period is over, the committed student will be required to have a class uniform.  During the first trial-week the student may wear regular workout clothes that cover their knees.  Tee-shirts are OK. 

Other items will be required for training at different levels along the way and the instructor will advise the student and parents when they become necessary for entering into a new level of training.  We have dedicated sources of the following items that have been vetted and meet quality and safety specifications set down by style standards and insurance requirements.  All items will be purchased through the instructor approved sources and not substitute with other third party vendors.  Following is a list of required items over the years of a students training life-cycle.

a.  Karate Uniform (specific to their class)

b.  Uniform Patch

c.  Mouth Guard

d.  Groin Protector (youth and adult male)

e.  Boxing Gloves (leather)

f.  Grappling Gloves (open fingered)

g.  Shin & Instep Protectors

h.  Grappling Uniform

i.  Weapons (Traditional Okinawa Weapons: Bo, Tanbo, Sai, Tonfa, and Kama)

j.  Simulated Weapons: Knife

Fees are very affordable but similar to other sports. 

Karate Program:

                           $30 per month for the first student in each household

                           $5 additional for each household member after.

There are no contracts. 

As a student progresses through out their Martial Arts Career other programs will be opened.  This is inclusive of structured classes or private lessons in the disciplines of:

-- Okinawa Traditional Weapons:  Bo, Tanbo, Nitanbo, Tonfa, Sai, and  Kama.

-- Japanese-Okinawa Classical Weapons: Sword, Naginatta, Yari

-- Japanese Swordsmanship:  Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido

-- Kickboxing

-- Standing and Ground Grappling

At Community Martial Arts, we have different programs; uniform and equipment fees vary based on your goals and the curriculum you want to learn.  It is best to schedule an appointment and introductory class to determine the program that best suits your needs.

A1:  If coming from another martial art, Community Karate has a specific and involved curriculum you are required to learn.  There is no equitable way to evaluate rank from one martial art to another.  They are not equitable.  In most cases we would start you at the beginning but your prior experience should allow for quicker advancement as the program is self-paced.   Fast promotion is not a guarantee but based upon your accomplishment in the curriculum.  

A2:  The exception would be a sister Okinawa Shorin Ryu style having a lineage and curriculum similar to our own and seeking to convert to our system/school.  This would be in the same family of martial arts making conversion possible.  Prior certification documents and a letter of recommendation from your instructor, and references would be required and reviewed.  We would then conduct a placement evaluation and curriculum gaps would be identified.  Before any advancement in our system would be considered all of the training gaps must be completed before moving forward.  Schedule an introductory class and we will get you going.

Community Karate can work with your school's athletic director and establish a program that allows you to receive a High School Sports Letter for participation at our studio.   Contact us for more details.