Do I need any experience?
Absolutely not! Beginners are welcome! You do not need any previous martial arts experience. Most students have never had any martial arts training, and if they have, it was years ago.

Do I need to be in shape? 
No, we will get into shape. Classes at the beginning start slow to help students get the basics down. Definitely be prepared to work up a sweat.

I’m 30 (or, 40, 50, 60, 70), am I too old?
Age isn’t a factor, Goju Ryu Karate focus very much on your breathing, coordination with the movements. In addition, by focusing on flexibility at the beginning and at the end, you will feel much younger in a few weeks or less.

Do I need a uniform (gi)?
A uniform is preferred, but not required. If you have a white uniform from another school you may wear it without any patches on it.

How often are classes offered?
Core classes are offered twice a week. As interests develops we aim to add a kids class and more adults/teen classes. Students may come as often as they like. When there is no class, it is encouraged to participate in other classes at the facility: http://www.clubone.com/Classes?club=Pleasanton

Can I come to try a class?
Yes. All students may try their first classes for free without any obligation. The gym has a 3 day trial pass, so urge to take advantage of the other gym facilities during the trial period.

Do I have to show up to every class?
No. Of course, with only two core classes per week, it’s important to try to come as often as possible.

Can women participate in karate?
Karate is something women excel at on a level equal to that of men. Only in tournaments are there separate men’s and women’s divisions.

Do I have to let someone know I’m coming to class if I’ve never been there before?
Yes, please contact the instructor to give him a heads up and come 15-20 minutes before your first class to fill out the appropriate forms at the front desk of Club One Pleasanton.

I have previous martial arts experience, do I need to start over as a white belt?
This is a possibility as belt ranks from one dojo to another is relative. We strive maintain a high level of karate. Please discuss your situation with the instructor prior to participating in your first class. Contact the instructor.

Are there belts? What do I need to know to promote?
Yes. Ideally, it is a goal of each student to attain a new rank each semester, but this is dependent on how often you are able to attend class, and how often you train on your own. Like anything else, “Karate is like boiling water. If you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.” – Gichin Funakoshi After joining you will be presented with the promotion requirements.

Is there a risk of injury?
We have a very good reputation of keeping members injury free. Bumps and bruises may come from body conditioning and sparring, rarely ever does anything occur beyond that happen. Our most important concern is safety. As we age our bodies become more injury prone and here we train and condition the body to try to prevent them.

What is the different between Tae Kwon Do and Karatedo?
In Korean “tae” means “to strike with foot”; “kwon” means to strike with fist” ; and do means “way” or “path”. So, “tae kwon do” means “the way of the foot and hand.”

In Japanese, “kara” means “empty”; “te” means “hand; “do” means “the way of…” just as in Korean for ‘do” in “Tae kwon Do”.  All together, “karatedo” means “the way of the empty hand”

Both arts incorporate striking with the hands and feet, however, karate focus on closer combat where the hands are more prevalent. In Goju Ryu, traditionally, high kicks are not present nor was it part of the training regiment, but they are great to be able to keep the back and hamstrings flexible. Karate uses various hand techniques, as well as the elbows, knees; as it is a close combat martial art.

If you have trained in Tae Kwon Do before, you are welcome to train with us where you will be challenged to use your hands and body in close distances and have many opportunities to use the various kicks.