CAN I WATCH? Absolutely!! You should watch to make sure this is what you're looking for. Visitors and spectators are welcome at ESKC. Watch an all-ranks or beginners class. This is what you'll be experiencing. See SCHEDULE for times. We are conveniently located in Ellwood City, PA which is a short drive from both New Castle in Lawrence County, Beaver Falls in Beaver County and Cranberry and Zelienople in Butler County.
I DON'T WANT TO FEEL STUPID. Nobody does! As with any new experience, there is a certain amount of anxiety. You will feel awkward for a short time, but that will quickly change. Everybody starts at zero. We've all been there and understand the feelings of the first couple of classes.
WHAT IF I'M NOT IN SHAPE? This is a great place to start!! You will build flexibility, strength and endurance gradually. You may still get sore muscles....but that's a good sign! Shotokan karate provides excellent over-all body conditioning while also learning self-defense and other skills. If you have concerns, a visit with your doctor may be a good idea. Additionally, ESKC requires physician clearance for certain conditions.
WILL I GET HURT? Typically, shotokan karate has fewer injuries than most sports. The stretching and warm-up at the beginning of class help prepare the body and prevent injury. Additionally, ESKC is a non-contact club. We don't hit each other; we only make contact with things. Over time you will gain enough skill to decide where your target will be: one inch away, at the skin or deeply penetrating. Students learn to execute techniques at full speed and power without injury during training, or to inflict devastating damage in a self-defense situation. Even though shotokan karate is very safe, there is still risk; there is potential for mild bruising, particularly when blocking or being blocked. See the TRAINING and DOJO pages for more info.
WHAT WILL IT COST? ESKC'S fees are extremely reasonable, and there are no contracts. There is a monthly fee for training (family rates are available) and a nominal annual membership fee to belong to the ISKF. Eventually, once you have tried it and are committed, you will purchase a gi (white training uniform), which is priced based on size (usually $20-$25); your first gi usually will last 2-3 years. Since they are not readily available locally, ESKC orders them. No other equipment is required. Testing is conducted about every four months. A nominal fee is charged to host an examiner from the ISKF; the fee includes belt, certificate and expert instruction before and/or after the test. Call to inquire about prices (724-752-5338).
WHEN DO I START? You can jump in and start mid-session or you may start as a group with other new students at the beginning of a new session after rank testing. Mighty Mites (Ages 6-8)start together when a new class forms after testing. See the TRAINING page for more info. (724-752-5338).
WHAT WILL MY CHILD GAIN? First, it's fun. Second it's hard work, providing a sense of accomplishment, increasing self-esteem. You will see improved physical fitness: strength, endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility. You will see improved mental fitness: self-discipline, concentration, confidence. And, of course, they will learn self-defense skills and gain friendships.
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