- What is Kyokushin?
- What is Kobudo?
- What qualifications do your instructors have?
- At what age can I start training in Karate?
- How long will it take me to get a black belt?
- Will I be fighting other people?
- Will I be expected to enter tournaments?
- I am training for the first time, what should I wear
- How often do I need to train?
- Will I have to break boards?
- I have trained in another style, does that count towards this training?
- I’m a Knox parent/student, where can I get some information on the training program?
- Does it matter what Dojo I go to?
- Have another question?
Kyokushin is a full-contact style of Karate. Karate has many different styles with different focuses. Read more about Kyokushin here.
Kobudo is an Okinawan weapons-focused martial art. Weapons include the Bo (staff), Sai (truncheon) and Eeku (oar). Read more about Kobudo here.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Several of KIMAA’s leading instructors, including Shihan Lipman and Shihan Cunningham, were trained and graded by Sosai Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. You can read more about KIMAA’s Karate instructors here. Shihan Lipman, Shihan Cunningham, Sensei Mark Shelmerdine and other black belts have been trained in Kobudo by Sensei Hokama, 10th Dan and leader of the International Hokama Kobudo Organisation. You can read more about it here.
At what age can I start training in Karate?
At KIMAA we accept students in the children’s classes age 5+.
How long will it take me to get a black belt?
If you have never done karate before, but train hard and consistently, then you could achieve the level of shodan (first level) black belt in as little as 5 years. It can take more, depending on one’s own ability and level of training. The journey to black belt, and beyond, is a personal one and the length of time it takes does not matter; you are only compared against yourself.
Will I be fighting other people?
Kyokushin is a full-contact karate style. A big part of our Karate training is kumite (sparring or fighting). You will often do kumite in class, but your instructor will never make you do more than you are capable of.
Will I be expected to enter tournaments?
No. Tournament fighting is not a requirement of Kyokushin. However many students as they progress through the grades look to tournaments as a way of personally challenging their capabilities. As a student you will have the opportunity to enter non-contact, semi-contact, full-contact or kata tournaments.
I am training for the first time, what should I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing such as tracksuit pants and a t-shirt is fine for your initial lessons. Once you decide to join you may purchase a karate uniform, known as a dogi from your instructor. A dogi costs $65.00.
Most people new to karate will train at least twice per week. For the lower grades this is OK but as you progress through the senior grades, you will naturally start to train more, doing classes that are geared to the more advanced techniques of the senior grades.
Will I have to break boards? <
Breaking (tameshiwari) tests technique, develops strength, and a positive mental attitude. Breaking boards, or tameshiwari, is easy once you learn the correct techniques and understand the physics behind the technique. Board breaking is not taught until the senior grades when students have become more confident in their ability to do breaks and have the technique necessary for tameshiwari.
I have trained in another style, does that count towards this training?
All new students are welcome to train with us at Kyokushin. Please let your instructor know if you have trained elsewhere. You will be assessed when you join.
I’m a Knox parent/student, where can I get some information on the training program?
Knox training times can be found on the Turramurra Dojo page. Other information about the Knox Grammar School Karate program can be read about here.
Does it matter what Dojo I go to?
No, you are welcome at any Dojo. All Dojos are led by accredited KIMAA black belts. Feel free to try KIMAA at whichever Dojo is most convenient for you.
For those who are Sydney-based, Kobudo lessons are not held at Turramurra Dojo. Sydney-based students will need to go to Annangrove Dojo for instruction. Read more on Kobudo training information here.
Have another question?
Pay us a visit or contact us.
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia 