HOW TO GET STARTED

Grand River Karate has a very welcoming atmosphere. Our instructors are all volunteers who enjoy all aspects of the art. They’ll answer your questions, support your training and encourage your progress. Here’s how to find out if Grand River Karate is the right fit for you.

Free trial lesson
Come try out a class. We offer a free trial lesson. All you need is a t-shirt and track pants or shorts.

After the class, a sensei will ask for your feedback. You can ask questions and register or take some time to think about it.
Class times are:
Tuesday: 7:30-9:00 P.M.
Thursday: 7:30-9:00 P.M.
Saturday, all Belts: 9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.
Saturday, Yellow Belt and Up : 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class so we can show you the facilities and answer any questions.
What to expect at your first class
You’ll need to sign a release form before starting your trial class. We’re considered an athletic program, so you'll need to sign this form for insurance purposes.

Please let us know if you have any health issues or injuries so that our instructors are aware of your condition.

We strongly recommend you remove jewelry, watches, bracelets or wristbands of any kind, as these could get damaged or accidentally injure your partner while you’re training.

See Dojo Etiquette, below, to get a basic understanding of the rules of the dojo.
The Workout
Shido Kan Karate allows you to go at your own pace. Each class covers different material. And remember, no matter what your physical fitness level when you start, after a few classes you’ll be able to do more.

NOTE: If you haven't exercised in a while, it’s important to take it slowly. Never over-exert yourself. Feel free to adjust or replace any exercise that doesn’t feel right for you with another exercise, a low impact movement or a stretch.
  • 15-minute warm up: stretching, cardio and strengthening exercises.
  • Basic movements: blocks, strikes and kicks. If you’ve never studied the art of karate you may feel a bit uncoordinated at first. Not to worry! This is normal. We were all like that when we started!
  • It takes about two weeks to get really comfortable; it’s awkward but it’s fun and interesting at the same time. So just do your best to follow along
  • Partner training: you’ll be paired up with a more experienced member who will guide you through the drills. All our members know how to support learning so you can take your time and relax as you train
  • Kata work: pre-arranged dance sequences made up of several karate movements. Kata help develop the connection between memory and coordination
  • Informal training time: practice break falls, self-defense or do bag work
Membership
Registration is free. All registered members in the adult class must have a uniform.

A grading requirements booklet will be sent to you by email or provided as hardcopy if requested. The requirement booklet helps you track your progress and tells you what you need to know to be ready to be graded for stripe or belt promotion.

Membership costs:
One month: $40
Three months: $100 (includes free uniform for new members)
Uniform: $40
Requirements on DVD: $25
Style crest: $10
Belt gradings: $30 (includes belt and certificate)

There is no fee for stripe (progress) gradings.

Dojo Etiquette
(a dojo is Japanese for "training hall" or "place of the Way")
  • When you enter the foyer, please remove your shoes and line them up neatly with the other shoes by the left wall. No shoes are allowed in the dojo. We train in our bare feet, so it is important that it is kept as clean as possible.
  • Bowing: Students are to BOW as they enter and leave the dojo. What does bowing represent?
    • It shows respect for the art and the people involved
    • It is a reminder that you are ready to train at your fullest for each class
    • When leaving the bow is to remind you to take the knowledge of what you have learned into your daily life
  • Students are to call black belt instructors sensei ("sen say"). Sensei means "teacher" in Japanese.
  • Students may call the non-black belt assistants or those of higher rank sempei ("sem pie"). Sempei means "senior" in Japanese.
  • Students are expected to use the restrooms prior to class, not during. If you absolutely need to use the restroom during class, you must let your Sensei know first. This is so we know where everyone is, for their own safety.
  • Students are not to talk during class, especially while a Sensei is speaking. The only time you may talk is if your Sensei is asking questions.
  • If you are late for class and have missed part of the warm up, please do push-ups and/or sit-ups to warm yourself up.
Your Karate Uniform
  • Your uniform - your gi ("ghee") - and belt - obi ("oh bee") - must be on properly when you come onto the dojo floor, whether you arrive wearing your gi or coming out of the change room. The belt is tied in a reef knot. If you have trouble with your belt, ask a senior student or instructor to show you how to tie it. A simple mnemonic is "right over left, left over right".
  • Keep your gi clean. Students who continually wear torn or dirty uniforms will not be permitted to train until their gi is repaired and cleaned or replaced, since these uniforms present both health and safety hazards for their fellow karateka.