Information for beginners

Is Karate for Women and Children? Yes, most definitely! Karate is for all individuals – regardless of age or physical fitness level. Shotokan Karate Academy in Topsham, Maine has students that range in age from 5 to 65. Shotokan karate Academy provides a caring safe environment where children and adults can learn the art of karate. Our program is pediatrician recommended for children and the benefits for adults of all ages are numerous.

Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art. This means that improvements in character and mental discipline are as important as physical skill, if not more so. Shotokan Karate is meant to be accessible to all, including, women, children, and those without great athletic ability. You are encouraged to progress at your own pace. We recommend that beginners train 2 times per week.

The students are all dressed the same, in a plain white gi (uniform) with a small patch above the heart to signify the roots that all students have in common. It's not a boastful pride, but one of loyalty and humility for one's organization. The white gi is a symbol of purity of spirit, modesty and cleanliness. The practical side of the gi is that it is loose to allow freedom of movement.

Modesty and humility: that is what is taught and that is what is practiced.

Benefits of training

The benefits of karate training for children include developing self-confidence, respect for others, sportsmanship and improved concentration.

The benefits of karate training for adults include muscular and aerobic fitness, increased perceptual awareness, body alignment balance, stress management and empowerment.

 

Introductory Program

Welcome to the Shotokan Karate Academy introductory program. Shotokan is a traditional style of karate from Japan. The Japanese translation of karate is "empty hand." Traditional implies striving for personal excellence and is a sound scientific basis for our technical practice.

Our purpose is self-realization. Students improve in the areas of confidence, concentration, self-discipline, and fitness. Appreciation for others is highly valued and merely learning how to fight is not. Nobody sits on the bench in our classes. All students get the benefit of being on the best team without being required to spar or enter competition. These positive values can be instilled only if a commitment to practice is made and honored. We are a family of dedicated committed students and parents and we are looking to attract other families equally dedicated.

We have both youth and adult beginner classes. Parents and other siblings are welcome to observe the classes. Although visitors are always welcome we must ask that there be no playing or talking during class. The students will get the most benefit per class if we have their undivided attention. Our classes are designed to accommodate the student who has not taken karate previously as well as those with previous experience. Advanced youth and adult classes are also offered.

The introductory program consists of two weeks free and includes a free uniform. Please evaluate our program during the first three sessions, and if you feel it meets your family’s requirements and schedule, then let's determine the best enrollment plan for the twelve-month orange belt program at the fourth session.

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