Dear Student,
We hope that you will be happy with Kinney Karate after your previous experience in the Martial Arts. Advanced students are very appreciative of our approach to learning that they can find only with an experienced and active coach. We work hard at keeping students challenged and demand a high level of skill.
Approach your new material as “new techniques,” instead of modifications to what you already know, and the transitions will be much easier.
Please attend Kinney Karate classes wearing your former belt rank. We feel that you earned it and our staff will recognize your ability level regardless of rank. It is disconcerting for a beginner with a White Belt to work a long side a disguised “White Belt” with years of experience.
You probably have noticed that Grand Master Kinney prefers to be called Mr. Kinney by kids and Michael by adults. You will find out soon enough that more value is placed on true earned respect than titles or the blind respect most instructors demand. Mr. Kinney is very relaxed and informal as an instructor and doesn’t require sit-ups and push-ups for discipline. Even the most experienced students really enjoy the atmosphere and the attitudes of Kinney Karate classes.
All new students must learn the basics. However, you will also learn material more suited to your ability level. New students with previous experience must test starting at Yellow Belt, but can still wear their former belts. Most students test with Kinney Karate until they reach the rank that they feel comfortable with and then wear that belt rank.
Everyone’s safety is our major concern. We will work with you personally until we are sure everyone will be relatively safe from injury. We require safety equipment for sparring and it is your responsibility to make sure that you are outfitted properly for class
practice.
Best of Luck, and if you need any additional help please feel free to ask.
Sincerely,
Michael Kinney and the staff of Kinney Karate
