Karate FAQ

Where did Sensei learn karate?

Sensei Sandra obtained her black belt as a direct student of Panamerican Shitoryu President Master Shoko Sato (8th Dan), after training in Venezuela for many years  Her most admired teacher there was Master Sato, but she also received instruction from a wide range of key teachers. While training in Venezuela she became an elite competitor, national champion in the specialty of ‘kata’ and member of the Venezuelan National Team. See more.

I’m an adult but I have never done martial arts before.

Sensei Sandra’s adult classes are suitable for beginners and no particular level of fitness is required. You’re welcome to book a trial to have a good go at it. During your first year of practice you’ll learn strong foundations that will lead you all the way to black belt. We have prepared an outline of what can be expected in our karate classes. Follow this link.

Can I start martial arts lessons anytime, or should I wait until the beginning of a season? 

Every season is karate season, and the sooner you start the better. Here is a link to our trial form. We look forward to you joining us.

Do you teach over school holidays?

Yes! Classes continue as normal over school holidays. Classes do not stop and start, but are delivered every week for sustained training! Check out our class timetable.

When does the dojo close?

Classes are delivered six days a week, every week spanning our training period mid-January to late-December. The dojo closes on public holidays, and during our end of year Christmas break.

Am I able to come in and watch a karate class before I book a trial lesson?

Karate classes are private events intended solely for the viewing of student’s family and guest friends. As we maintain a safe and suitable training environment, we do not open classes to the public for viewing.

How do you tie a karate belt?
If I want to compete, how many hours of karate training should I do per week?

Three or more lessons per week. But adult training programs and kids training programs for this purpose are individualised. Consultations to plan a specific training program are available for tournament prospects.

Do you spar in the karate classes? 

Yes. You can opt out of sparring. There will be alternative activities for those who have no interest in sparring.

How do I buy a karate uniform?

We provide uniforms to members in the DOJO. You can buy a uniform on the online enrolment form or in the office. We will make sure you receive the right size. We embroider the uniforms and will have them ready for you before your first class.

Do I have to buy a uniform?

No, you don’t have to buy a uniform. You can wear clothing suitable for stretching/workout, until you are ready to get one. No rush.

I am a member and am now ready to buy a uniform. How do I do that?

If you have already joined and are now ready to buy a uniform, just let us know by sending an sms or email, or by advising in the DOJO. You can receive it at your next class.

I already have a uniform. May I use it?

You can use your current uniform if it is plain white with no logo. If your jacket has a logo of another school or style, please remove the logo.

Is there free parking? 

We have plenty of free private parking right outside the DOJO.

In addition, there is free street parking. We are located very close to more than 1000 free 3 hour carparks in the Woolworths and Coles parking lots (a few metres from the DOJO). We value plentiful and easy parking!

Tell me about pricing

Tuition is four-weekly as a recurring charge. There is no contract. We offer once-weekly training as a minimum. We have a once-off membership fee and no recurring annual fees.

Do you offer family discounts?

Yes! We offer family members discounted tuition. Membership discounts are also offered for spouse/partners, as well as siblings.

What are your payment methods?

We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express, as well as visa debit card and debit mastercard.

visa, mastercard and american express logos
Will my credit card details be safe?

Yes. Our website is secure and you can make a secure payment from our site. You know our website is secure because our URL begins with ‘https://’ and not ‘http://’. The ‘s’ refers to the fact that the site has active Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, creating a secure and encrypted connection on the internet. You will also see a padlock symbol either in the address bar or in a corner of your browser window, depending on which browser or browser version you are using. If you don’t see these two things on a website, it means it is not secure and you should not make a purchase from it. In addition to this, we use Stripe as our payment platform. Stripe uses technology called Stripe.js, which means that your credit or debit card information is never sent to our server. Instead, data is sent directly to Stripe, who maintains the highest and most stringent level of internet security: they are certified PCI Service Provider Level 1.

My Amex card doesn’t have a CVC / CVV code. What do I do?

If you would like to pay using American Express but your card is without a CVC, enter ‘000’ instead. Alternatively, some AMEX cards have a four-digit CVC/CVV code on the front of the card.

What happens if I arrive late to class?

Great question! Sensei will explain all these things to you when you start out, but here is a sheet showing how to come into the dojo if you’re late to class.

okukan karate coburg
OKUKAN Karate Melbourne

Phone:

0490 112 360

Address:

9 Hunt Street, Coburg, Melbourne Australia, 3058

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 8:30pm

Saturday 7:00am to 5:00pm

Closed: Sunday and public holidays

Email:

[email protected]

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