Karate FAQ
Q: Do I have to sign a contract?
A: No. At Grey-Bruce Ryusei Karate, we try to keep our prices low. You don’t have to sign a contract. Here you sign up in sessions, but these sessions are pro-rated so you can join anytime.
Q: Besides the cost of classes and annual fees you spell out, what other costs are involved?
A: If you want a karate uniform, the costs vary. A student uniform embroidered with the Ryusei crest. Students also have the option of buying sparring gloves (though the club has some of its own, which students can use). If students attend special clinics, reasonable costs will be charged. But these are optional. To test for a colour belt and certificate costs $30. Grey-Bruce Ryusei Karate holds at least two gradings per year.
Grey-Bruce Ryusei price list
Q: What are the differences between the martial arts?
A: Karate, taekwondo and kung-fu (wushu) are Japanese, Korean and Chinese martial arts that primarily involve kicks, hand strikes and blocks. Judo, jujitsu and aikido offer throws, grappling and groundwork. The recent phenomenon of mixed martial arts, as its name suggests, offers a mixture of these skills.
Q: What is the difference between Japanese and Okinawan karate?
A: Karate originally developed in the kingdom of Okinawa, with heavy influence from nearby China. (Japan annexed Okinawan in the 17th century.) Karate travelled from Okinawa to Japan in the early 20th century, where the art’s sporting aspect was developed, and the grappling and weapons aspects of the original karate were ignored, since mainland Japan already had its own grappling and weapons traditions. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the original Okinawan karate and its highly effective self-defence applications.
Q: What martial art is best for me?
A: That depends on what you like and what you’re suited for. Go to different martial arts clubs, watch classes, take trial lessons, ask lots of questions and decide for yourself. The martial art and club you like best is the best one for you.
