How many students are in a class?
A more important question is, “How competent and experienced is the instructor? ” You can learn more in 5 minutes from a talented instructor than in 5 hours with a mediocre instructor – no matter what the size of the class. Good instructors prefer a mix of belt levels, ages and sizes. It is false that a small class is best. A small class might help with fine points and is great only part of the time. Larger classes afford a greater variety of partners for a constant change of fighting skills. Kinney Karate allows you the best of both world . Classes are separated depending on the class plan. At our Community Center locations we have the luxury of large workout areas. Most competing schools are only 1,500 square feet, allowing only 10-15 students at best. We are proud that we have large classes with experienced instructors providing both personal attention and the excitement of a room full of students and spectators.
What style of Karate do I learn?
Kinney Karate is a blend of Tang Soo Do, Ju-Jitsu and Aikido. Tang Soo Do is a Korean form of hand and foot control using strikes and blocks. Ju-Jitsu is a Japanese art form that uses manipulation and throws to disarm or defend against a grabbing assailant. Ju-Jitsu also uses blocks and strikes. Aikido is an art form using techniques that twist, bend and break joints and controls the opponent without strikes. Few schools teach these three important Martial Arts. In Kinney Karate we teach the principals and philosophies of the traditional art forms, while using modern applications and fighting strategies.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a gentle art, generally not involving strikes. Aikido consists of defensive movements designed to control an opponent with manipulation of joints to throw, hold, lock or achieve compliance from an attacker. We teach Aikido techniques and philosophy with the emphasis on precision. Results are very slow in comparison to Karate. This is why you see so few Aikido schools.
What is Ju-Jitsu? …. Judo?
Ju-Jitsu is the parental art of Judo and Alkido, and is actually more violent in nature than Karate because it involves more than just blows. It includes more powerful style techniques manipulating joints with throws and following through with strikes. Judo is the sport that was inspired by traditional Ju-Jitsu’s lack of competition interest. Ju-Jitsu and Aikido skills account for about 30 percent of classes at Kinney Karate. Michael Kinney studied Ju-Jitsu from legendary Master Ki Whang Kim and Jim Bregman, the only American Olympian (1950s) to ever win a bronze medal in Judo.
What is Tae Kwon Do?
Our style, Tang Soo Do, was the father art form that gave birth to Tae Kwon Do. Again, the traditionalists didn’t believe in competition. The Japanese occupied Korea and forbade the practice of anything but sport Martial Arts. No weapons were permitted and Tae Kwon Do was designed by the military to appease the need for a Korean National Art. Mr. Kinney is a certified Olympic Tae Kwon Do coach. Tae Kwon Do skills are included as part of the overall program at Kinney Karate.
Why do Black Belts fight beginners?
Black Belts are trained to bring out the best in you without the fear of getting injured by a beginner student. In any sport you must first train with a partner who is more skillful. Most intermediate and advanced students have been trained to assist beginners without contact.
When do I need safety gear?
Any student may order safety gear at any time. We offer the best priced quality gear through our Pro Shop. Male students need an athletic cup and supporter after Orange Belt and all students are required to wear mouthguards, handgear, footgear, and headgear during sparring sessions.
How do I encourage my friends to sign up?
Kinney Karate depends on “word-of-mouth” advertising. We offer a “two-week free pass” for your friends who ask you about your Karate lessons. It’s fun to work out with your friends. It improves your success, too!
Do you teach meditation in class?
Some instructors spend a great deal of time making students learn to meditate. The control and concentration required in the proper execution of forms, drills, sparring and other skills achieve the same state of mind as meditation. The answer is NO, class time is spent in action.
Why do we bow in class?
Bowing is an unspoken show of respect, discipline and order. It is a sign of commitment to the next task at hand. The quick bow is the most sincere way to say “thank-you,” or” I need to address you,” ” I need to leave”, “I need your attention” or” I am respectful of what you are telling me.”
Why do you use Korean commands?
We only use Korean for the traditional Korean names of forms, counting, stances and drills. Only a few words are used in class, so don’t worry. You can find a list of terminology here.
Are there any rules for students?
Students learn to respect the abilities of the upper belt levels. The upper belts are the models for the lower belt students. This relationship requires courtesy, not rules.
How often should I practice?
Students should always reinforce what they learn in class by reviewing the material often. Most beginning students have difficulty practicing because of a limited amount of knowledge. Students are expected to practice and learn to enjoy improvement by repetition. When learning a musical instrument, the student spends months not even able to play a comfortable tune. After constant repetition and determination, finally a song emerges. In Karate, the mind and body is the instrument.
How can I get my children to practice at home?
Children have difficulty practicing at home due to the nature of the art. It’s best to come to class and learn it right. Often, too much repetition done incorrectly at home can set the student back. Most kids practice in their rooms when no one is watching them. Give your kids some slack and we will direct home practice when they are ready for the discipline.
Do I have to learn to fight?
Free Sparring is only a small part of Kinney Karate. It can be taught without contact and takes a great deal of hands-on instruction. Most students who fear this activity can be slowly introduced to sparring with great results. Sparring is great exercise, and is a fast paced brain food much like playing chess at 100 mph. Almost all students who are hesitant to free spar learn to use the activity for stress management. It’s really a very safe part of Kinney Karate.
When will I be able to defend myself?
Students learn self-defense skills and fundamentals from the first lesson. Students must learn to relax and think in a realistic situation. Most students say they feel confident in a self-defense confrontation after a year in training, or the green belt level.
Do I have to take exams?
The motivational belt system used by Kinney Karate is successful and has been used for thousands of years in Asia. While a student may not be personally motivated by the belt, it is important that a student be promoted to guide instructors and fellow students toward the proper skill levels.
Is Kinney Karate a traditional school?
Yes, we do traditional forms and a traditional style. Mr. Kinney, however, is not the typical traditional instructor.
My child can’t concentrate-am I wasting my time and money?
Children come to Kinney Karate untrained. Noticeable progress may seem slow. How does a child learn if removed from the teaching environment? Patience is rewarded over and over when teaching coordination and concentration skills to children. We will keep working to effect positive changes, but sometimes it takes time.
Does Karate cause aggressive behavior?
Karate teaches self-control. Aggressive behavior is a symptom of low esteem. Karate builds character by providing a release of tension and stress. The Karate workout becomes an important part of the students lifestyle due to the unique sense of well being generated by the release of tension. The bully personality cannot maintain the training regimen for many reasons. Recent medical research has shown that aggressiveness is actually reduced significantly through Martial Arts Training – when the instructor emphasizes the control of the mind and the body. Many Karate styles fail to recognize the importance of properly focused discipline and the positive benefits of learning to respect advanced skills.
How will training benefit me?
When studying KINNEY KARATE, the student first begins to develop coordination and the ability to develop eye/hand/foot control. Soon breathing improves and muscles used in Karate become more flexible. Karate also develops self control, self confidence, and the ability to work with others. Most children are able to extend their concentration immediately. Parents report a dramatic improvement in school grades and interest in learning proper instruction. Students learn at a fast pace and are motivated by the desire to improve thru instructive positive reinforcement.
