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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENROLL AT GENBU-KAI OF VIRGINIA?
Contact us for our rates! We offer Military, Senior, Student, and family discounts.
Fees for special events like examinations, tournaments, or clinics also apply.
Tuition and exam fees, along with the costs of kobudo equipment, are the ONLY mandatory costs for advancing in the program.
All other activities, while encouraged, are optional.
DO I HAVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT?
We do not require any contract, instead we offer a month-to-month payment plan so students can train as their schedules allow. This allows our military and student population the flexibility to focus on training and studies as needed.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN A BLACK BELT?
You earn a Black Belt by showing that you...
Train hard and train regularly
Have learned and can demonstrate all the technical requirements
Have improved yourself consistently throughout the training program
Black Belts are not earned only by the amount of time enrolled in the program.
You must be serious, train hard, and practice regularly and often. If you do, it may take three or four years, assuming you pass regular exams. Don't be disappointed if it takes slightly longer depending on your particular circumstances. It is a personal goal, not a race against others. Remember the purpose of karate training:
Not to conquer others, but to conquer the weaknesses within oneself.
It will take longer if you don't attend an exam or did not pass because of not preparing for it by practicing regularly. This type of delay can and should be avoided!
WHAT ABOUT UNIFORMS?
A karate uniform is called a gi (pronounced "GEE" with a hard 'G' as in "good").
You are not expected to wear one on your very first day, but you should purchase one to wear in class as soon as you are ready to commit to the program. Wearing your gi displays commitment and promotes class unity.
Only plain white cotton gi are allowed. You should purchase a high-quality gi from your instructor.
Until then, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants and a T-shirt, will do.
WHAT ABOUT BOARD BREAKING?
Breaking wooden boards, people, and other objects, is not part of the Genbu-Kai training program.
Breaking bad habits and building good character through the practice of strong fundamentals is our focus.
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE OF KARATE CALLED?
Genbu-kai of Virginia trains in Shito-Ryu.
WHEN ARE CLASSES?
Most classes are divided into ability levels to facilitate learning for each student. Our class calendar is located here.
HOW DO I BEGIN?
Visit any of our practices (The latest schedule is located here) and you may watch or join in. After class our instructors will answer any questions you may have.