Honolulu Uechi-Ryu FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any fees?
No. Just lots of dedication, persistence, and sweat is required.
Can you teach my child?
Children over the age of 11 years of age may participate, but a parent should remain throughout the class as an observer or participant. Unlike most commercial Karate schools, we do not function as a glorified daycare facility.
Can anyone join?
Can you teach my child?
Children over the age of 11 years of age may participate, but a parent should remain throughout the class as an observer or participant. Unlike most commercial Karate schools, we do not function as a glorified daycare facility.
Can anyone join?
As a non-commercial school, we can afford to be selective about who we teach. We only accept students of good character who are genuinely interested in learning. Other than that, everyone is welcome.
How often should I train?
You can train one day or two. It’s up to you. You will progress faster if you attend both weekend sessions.
What is the enrollment process?
We are pretty informal. This isn’t a business. We do take safety seriously and have an enrollment form that you are required to fill in, so we have some information about you and so we have somewhere to record things like fees paid. We would like your email address so we can let you know about unforeseen and coming events. We also need to know who to contact in the unlikely event of an accident.
Do I need a uniform?
It's up to you. At some point, if you are interested in gaining higher rank, you might want to buy a uniform. We do not sell them. If you want to buy a karate uniform you can purchase one on Amazon or other internet seller. Uniforms should be plain white. Most new uniforms come with a white belt.
When you have a uniform, and have demonstrated that you are serious about training, we’ll give you a dojo patch for the uniform. You should sew on the patch at the earliest opportunity. It is required for grading.
What about grading fees?
We decided long ago that we did not want to sell grades for money. We grade on attendance, knowledge, ability, and attitude. So we do not charge for Kyu Rank colored belt grading. At Honolulu Uechi-Ryu, we only use four belt colors: White, Green, Brown, and Black. There is a $250 testing fee for Black Belt ranks, but it is paid directly to the UIKA. All Black Belt Dan ranks are registered with the UIKA and are something to be very proud of.
I’ve graded to another belt color? How do I get a new belt?
You can buy a new belt from the same place you bought your uniform.
How often should I train?
You can train one day or two. It’s up to you. You will progress faster if you attend both weekend sessions.
What is the enrollment process?
We are pretty informal. This isn’t a business. We do take safety seriously and have an enrollment form that you are required to fill in, so we have some information about you and so we have somewhere to record things like fees paid. We would like your email address so we can let you know about unforeseen and coming events. We also need to know who to contact in the unlikely event of an accident.
Do I need a uniform?
It's up to you. At some point, if you are interested in gaining higher rank, you might want to buy a uniform. We do not sell them. If you want to buy a karate uniform you can purchase one on Amazon or other internet seller. Uniforms should be plain white. Most new uniforms come with a white belt.
When you have a uniform, and have demonstrated that you are serious about training, we’ll give you a dojo patch for the uniform. You should sew on the patch at the earliest opportunity. It is required for grading.
What about grading fees?
We decided long ago that we did not want to sell grades for money. We grade on attendance, knowledge, ability, and attitude. So we do not charge for Kyu Rank colored belt grading. At Honolulu Uechi-Ryu, we only use four belt colors: White, Green, Brown, and Black. There is a $250 testing fee for Black Belt ranks, but it is paid directly to the UIKA. All Black Belt Dan ranks are registered with the UIKA and are something to be very proud of.
I’ve graded to another belt color? How do I get a new belt?
You can buy a new belt from the same place you bought your uniform.
What are Kyu and Dan ranks?
Karate has a grading system which helps reward students for their progress and to provide an ongoing incentive. There are 9 kyu grades and three colors of belt prior to the Black Belt or Shodan. Honolulu Uechi-Ryu follows the IUKF Black Belt Test Guide pertaining to syllabus and time in rank requirements.
I'm visiting Honolulu soon on vacation - Can I come train with you?
Maybe. If you're a nice person with good character and no hidden agenda. Give me a call and we can talk. Or just stop by.
Will I be able to break boards?
No. Maybe. Why?.... Karate should be a life-long journey. A blackbelt is not a destination. Breaking boards is not as important as some people think it is. It's more important to be healthy, able to defend yourself, develop a good character, and to be a nice person. Focus on those things first.
I'm visiting Honolulu soon on vacation - Can I come train with you?
Maybe. If you're a nice person with good character and no hidden agenda. Give me a call and we can talk. Or just stop by.
Will I be able to break boards?
No. Maybe. Why?.... Karate should be a life-long journey. A blackbelt is not a destination. Breaking boards is not as important as some people think it is. It's more important to be healthy, able to defend yourself, develop a good character, and to be a nice person. Focus on those things first.