QUESTIONS ABOUT TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KARATE
Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Morrison, Evergreen and more!
There are many different martial arts and many ways of teaching them. On this page, we answer some of the most common questions about martial arts, martial art training, and training at Denwakan. If we haven’t answered your questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, or come visit a class!
I’ve heard of karate and judo and tae kwon do. What is the difference?
Will studying Wado make my child violent?
I’m not in very good shape. Can I still study Wado?
How long does it take to get a black belt?
Do I need a uniform to practice in?
Will studying Wado keep me safe on the streets?
How long a contract do I have to sign in order to study at Denwakan?
I used to study a different style of karate. Can I keep my rank?
I’ve heard of karate and judo and tae kwon do. What is the difference?
Let’s take karate vs. judo first. Karate is to judo as boxing is to wrestling. Karate is mostly kicking and punching. Judo is throwing and grappling, no striking allowed.
Tae kwon do (and moo dul kwon) is a Korean martial art. Karate is Okinawan or (in the case of Wado karate) Japanese. Both karate and tae kwon do are punching and kicking arts. However, tae kwon do places heavy emphasis on kicking and somewhat limits punching. Karate teaches fewer types of kicks, but much more punching is allowed.
Will studying Wado Karate make my child violent?
Just the opposite. One of the most important lessons of martial arts is self-control. With training, children learn to control their emotions as well as their body in difficult situations. As they gain confidence, they learn to see that there are alternatives to violence in almost any situation. The first rule of self-defense, after all, is to avoid dangerous situations in the first place. In addition, children are taught that they must not use their skills inappropriately and that they may be expelled from the class for doing so.
I’m not in very good shape. Can I still study Wado karate?
Absolutely! Wado karate workouts are vigorous, though. Before embarking on any vigorous exercise program, consult your doctor. You can expect to huff and puff, sweat, and be a bit sore. You may find a few bruises, too! Wado is great training for endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. A little discomfort is OK, injury is not. No one expects you to train through injury. As long as you try your best, you are welcome in class.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
There is no timetable for achieving rank. If you train only to get a black belt, you’ll find yourself frustrated and envious, and you may never reach this goal. Train to be your best, train for continuous improvement, and you will achieve the rank you deserve.
Do I need a uniform to practice in?
To start with, no. Just wear loose, comfortable exercise clothing — weight-training baggies or sweat pants (no shorts, please) and a t-shirt are fine. Once you decide to stick with karate, you will be expected to wear a karate gi (uniform). Any of the senior students at the dojo can offer advice about purchasing a gi, and the dojo itself has a certain number of gis for sale.
Will studying Wado keep me safe on the streets?
This is a difficult question! Studying Wado can increase your self-confidence and poise, making you seem less like a victim to a potential attacker. It can help you to recognize a potentially dangerous situation and avoid incident. The ability to kick, punch, and move well in the face of physical aggression can be useful. Just being physically fit is an advantage. However, kicking and punching cannot stop bullets. There is no clear answer to this question.
Three times a week is optimal. Our experience is that people do not progress well if they train fewer than three times a week. However, if you can’t train that often, don’t let that stop you from trying Wado! Come talk with Mr. Kurobane. You can make arrangements that fit your needs.
How long a contract do I have to sign in order to study at Denwakan?
There are no contracts. Dojo fees are paid on a month-to-month basis. For details, see Fees
I used to study a different style of karate. Can I keep my rank?
Sorry, no. All styles of karate are somewhat different. You may find that your experience in another style helps you to progress faster in Wado. Then again, it may actually hold you back a little until you adjust to the unique features of Wado. These are experiences that several Denwakan students have had! Once again, let us emphasize that if you are practicing only to achieve rank, you will have a frustrating time of it.
I’m a Christian/Jew/Muslim/non-religious person. Do I have to accept Buddhism in order to study Wado?
No, you don’t. We have ceremonies and customs that we keep as part of our martial arts practice. They include recitation of the dojo precepts before and after each practice session and a moment of meditation. We also do a lot of bowing, as a sign of respect to the dojo, to the founder of Wado, to our teachers, and to our fellow students. None of these activities are religious in nature.
Did we answer your questions? If you have a question we’ve missed, please contact us. Better yet, come watch a practice and talk to the students and instructors.
First rate traditional Japanese karate dojo. Sensei Kurobane has 40 years of teaching experience. He adapts his teaching methods to the student’s age and abilities with students ranging from 6 to 65 yrs old. Injuries are minimized, the training is both physical and mental. It applies well to everyday life and refines character. The students are friendly and helpful, some have been with the dojo for decades. The karate style is very efficient and logical. Highly recommended!!
