Why should somebody want to start karate training? There are many reasons, including staying physically and mentally fit, learning how to defend oneself, and pursuing the deeper meaning of Karate-Do.

Beginners are always welcome in SKA. Regardless of your age, sex, or current physical condition, you can begin karate practice and enjoy it. Through serious martial arts practice, we can learn to face ourselves strictly and show our best spirit in all situations.

Originally this was the most important thing about martial arts–to reach a higher level, to become a strong human being. Strong doesn’t mean big muscles. It means who can be a more strict human being with himself. That is the ideal of martial arts.
– Tsutomu Ohshima.

We strongly encourage those looking to begin karate try a couple of practices before signing up. Trying practice for yourself will help you understand if our practice is right for you. Guests are welcome to observe practice as well. In SKA there are no contracts to commit to, so beginners are able to explore karate training without pressure.

Beginners practice side by side with more senior members. Because of this, it may seem as though beginners will be challenged with advanced concepts from day one, or that beginners would be holding back the progress of other students. However, this is not the case.

Karate practice has many layers. While practicing a technique such as “down block” as a group, beginning members will primarily be focusing on learning the basics of the technique and how to make it work, while the more senior members will be fine tuning their technique to make it quicker, more efficient, and more effective. Senior members never stop practicing the fundamentals. It is through this repetition that one gradually refines their technique over many, many years. Instructors always provide instruction that is appropriate for the level of the student.

When pairing up for partner drills or sparring, senior members are trained to push their juniors, but not to overwhelm or injure them. It is the responsibility of every black belt to pass down what they have learned to willing students. Therefore, facing an opponent that is of a much higher level than you is a blessing, as they will be able to help you develop in ways that less senior partners cannot.