At National Karate, we understand that starting something new can cause new students, especially teens, to feel anxious and unsure about what they are getting into. Our teen and adult classes generally have a range of belt ranks from beginner through advanced belts. It might feel intimidating to start a class with students who seem to know so much more than you. If you are a teen starting martial arts for the first time, you might worry about being behind. It can seem like everyone else is already an “expert” because they started when they were very young. Nope! We get beginners of all ages from 4 through 74 starting at National Karate. Not only that, all of our students and instructors remember what it was like to be a new white belt. Everyone starts at the beginning and works through the same challenges. You’ll have lots of support! We believe it’s important to practice with peers of your age group and students who are your size and strength.
Here’s a little bit about what to expect in your first class.
On your first visit to the studio, you’ll meet the school director and head instructor. You can call your director and instructors “Mr.” or “Ms.” along with their name. When they speak to you or ask you a question, respond with a strong, “Yes, Ma’am!” or “Yes, Sir!” This is traditional martial arts courtesy and respect.
Your instructor will also help you select a uniform. The basic white uniform with the NK logo is the first uniform nearly every student starts with. Most students wear shorts or t-shirts under their uniform. This is totally acceptable, just make sure you’re wearing clothes that are easy to move in. No need for special footwear. We practice in bare feet for best control and balance.
You might see other students in different uniforms. White uniforms are for under black belts. Blue uniforms are for 1st Degree black belts. Red uniforms are for 2nd Degree and 3rd black belts. Black uniforms are for 4th degree black belts and above. Some beginning students might have a uniform with black trim and a large logo on the back. This branded uniform is an optional upgrade that you can purchase through your school if you’re interested. Ask your instructor!
After getting your uniform on, you can enter the classroom when it’s time for class. At National Karate, we follow traditional martial arts customs of respect and ask all students to bow before entering the mats to show respect for the learning space. If this custom conflicts with your personal cultural or religious norms, please chat with your instructor. They will be happy to work out an alternative with you. Your head instructor can also introduce you to any other instructors and assistants as well as connect you with students who are also beginners like you.
At the start of class, students line up in belt order starting with the highest ranking belts first. As a new beginner, you’ll be toward the end of the line along with other new classmates who don’t have a belt yet. Class begins when the student at the front of the line calls the class to attention (“Charyo”) and everyone bows on command (“Keyunge”). Don’t worry, these Korean words will quickly become familiar since they’re used every class multiple times. You won’t have to know how to say them right away! Your instructor will demonstrate how to stand at attention and how to bow properly.
After bowing in, class usually begins with a quick warm up and stretch. Each instructor has their preferred exercises, but they are typically simple warm-ups you may have done before such as sit-ups, push-ups and jumping jacks. After warm-ups, most classes review basic kicking and punching. This helps get students’ bodies moving and ready for karate practice. As a new beginner, you may have the chance to work directly with an instructor in a small group to help you become more comfortable with the new moves. Remember, every student in your class once was a beginner like you, and every student, even black belts, still practice the basics as they strive for mastery of their art. No one expects you as a beginner to be as fast and as technically proficient as someone who has been practicing for years. We’re just glad you’re there learning! Go easy on yourself and don’t forget, we all make mistakes; what matters is learning from your mistakes as you go.
Some of the first karate moves you’ll learn will be back first, back punch, front leg front kick and back leg front kick, among others. National Karate has a password protected student site with resources for beginners through advanced black belts. All your new curriculum is demonstrated by video on this site. You can also find instructions on practice ideas and how to tie your belt. Ask your instructor for more info and the password for this site!
The curriculum you practice in class will vary from day to day. Sometimes you might work on classical karate (the “art” of martial arts) which includes classical marching basics and form (patterns of specific moves done on specific timing that simulate a mock battle). Other classes might focus more on practical karate or karate skills you might use if you needed to defend yourself in real life. Practical karate includes drills like offensive combinations, pad kicks, and punch and grab defenses.
Classes for teens and adults are 30-45 minutes in length. At the end of class, students line up in belt order once again, and instructors might use this time to share announcements or give general feedback. The class ends as it began with the highest ranking students bowing the class out with the directions, “Charyo! Keyunge!” The instructor then dismisses the class by saying “Might for Right!” and all students respond loudly in unison “Might for Right!” National Karate’s Might for Right motto reminds all students that learning karate is a privilege, and these skills are only to be used when necessary to protect yourself or those around you from harm.
As a new beginner, you will be learning the foundations of your practice that are critical to being the best martial artist you can be. It can feel overwhelming at the start. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor questions or ask to have the moves explained more slowly or in a different way. They are there to help and want to support your success. Sometimes learning the basics can also feel repetitive or even boring. Keep working hard! Stay focused on the feedback from your instructors, and work hard every day. It will pay off!
At your first karate class, you can expect to meet your instructors and other students. After getting your uniform, you’ll do some warm-ups and begin learning basic kicking and punching techniques. You will also be introduced to the traditional martial arts customs and courtesies used in all National Karate classes.
No experience is needed to begin karate! Your instructors will start by teaching you very basic moves that will soon be the foundation of your karate practice.
For your first class, you will purchase uniform top and bottom. Most students wear a t-shirt or athletic shirt under their uniform top. Some students also choose to wear shorts under their uniform pants. No special footwear is required.
Beginner classes for teens are usually 30-45 minutes long depending on the class and location.
As a teen, you may be in a class with a combination of belt ranks. Some schools may have different classes for their teen beginner students and teen intermediate or advanced students, or all the belt levels might be combined. Regardless of the different belts in class, all students focus on their own level of curriculum.