Frequently Asked Questions & Common Concerns
- Will I learn to defend myself?
- Will it make my child violent?
- I have a few injuries, can I still train?
- I feel a bit awkward in new environments, I'm not sure if I can do this.
- Am I too old?
- Is my child too young?
- I am competitive by nature is there an avenue for competition?
- How long has the instructor been training?
- I used to do another style can I retain my rank?
- Do I need to be physically fit before starting?
- Will I need to break things?
- Have I started too late? Is a black belt unattainable?
- What is the difference between Chito-Ryu™ and..... other forms of Karate (Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, GKR, Kyokushin), Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Kick Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Tai Chi or some other martial art?
- How much does it cost?
Will I learn to defend myself?
Developed over centuries Chito-Ryu offers practical and effective self defence techniques that can be applied by anyone regardless of age, size or gender.
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Will it make my child violent?
There is no first attack in Karate. Chito-Ryu focuses on the development of children both physically and mentally of which self defence is a part however courtesy, respect and discipline are equally (if not more so) emphasised. Anyone behaving in a violent manner either inside or outside of training will be expelled from the association. Rather than encourage violence Chito-Ryu discourages aggressive behaviour and gives children a controlled environment to practice safely.
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I have a few injuries, can I still train?
Chito-Ryu was developed by a medical doctor and has been found to be particularly beneficial for certain injuries. Always tell your instructor what your restrictions are and back-off in class if you feel you may be irritating an injury. We urge anyone who has health or injury concerns to visit their GP for advice prior to participation.
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I feel a bit awkward in new environments, I'm not sure if I can do this.
You will find your local dojo (training centre) a non threatening, friendly environment. Senior members and instructors are welcoming and in no time at all you will feel a part of the dojo.
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Am I too old?
No, you are not too old! We have had members who have commenced training in their 50's, 60's and 70's.
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Is my child too young?
Generally children need to be 5 years and older.
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I am competitive by nature is there an avenue for competition?
Chito-Ryu holds regular tournaments for those that wish to compete. Protective equipment is used and qualified officials manage the events.
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How long has the instructor been training?
In Chito-Ryu, the minimum training requirement for a Junior Instructor (Jun-Shidoin) is 5 years. The minimum requirement for an Instructor (Shidoin) is 10 years.
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I used to do another style can I retain my rank?
The vast majority of people that start Chito-Ryu start as a white belt. Those that have previous training may progress through the ranking system at a faster pace.
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Do I need to be physically fit before starting?
No. We suggest that if you have not done any sport for a period of time or have any doubt as to your health to visit your GP for advice.
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Will I need to break things?
No.
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Have I started too late? Is a black belt unattainable?
It is never too late to gain benefit from training in Chito-Ryu. With perseverance and effort you will attain a black belt.
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What is the difference between Chito-Ryu and..... other forms of Karate (Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, GKR, Kyokushin), Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Kick Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Tai Chi or some other martial art?
Unfortunately we cannot give you much more than a cursory surface level answer about other martial arts. But we can tell you a lot about Chito-Ryu. For example, Chito-Ryu is a traditional form of Karate originating from the combined strengths of Shuri-te and Naha-te, two of the native martial arts of Okinawa, and built upon a foundation of sound physiological knowledge (as the founding instructor of Chito-Ryu Dr Tsuyoshi Chitose, was a medical practioner in addition to being a master of the martial arts). Chito-Ryu incorporates, punching, blocking, kicking, throwing, pressure points, joint locks and weapons training (and much more).
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How much does it cost?
We are not the cheapest, but we are affordable for nearly everyone. If you can afford to eat take away once a week, you can afford unlimited training with us. We make no apologies for our pricing, because it takes money to provide quality customer service and operate a professionally presented and fully equipped dojo. For more information, please take a look at our schedule of fees.
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Schedule of Fees
Monthly Tuition, Membership & Insurance - At Sunshine Coast Karate we have a simple monthly fee which is paid automatically via a billing company. Monthly fees incorporate: tuition, membership with the International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation of Australia Inc, and player accident insurance. We offer: children's rates, adult rates and family discounts. Every year, due to our rising costs, we in turn raise our prices, but once you join as a member the tution component of your fees are locked in for life, unless you stop training for more than 3 months or cancel your training program and then re-start. We believe in rewarding our loyal members. Our current fees are $75 per person. Family rates are full price for the first 2 people and then $40 per person thereafter.
Uniform - Once you get started you will also require a uniform, prices for new uniforms start at $50. If price is a concern, we often receive second hand uniforms (of varying quality) which are available for free or for a very small price.
Grading Fees - The price for grading fees up to black belt are just $25 and are internationally recognised.
Protective & Training Equipment - Most students do not require any equipment, but if you are interested in competing you can purchase the necessary protective equipment from us, cheaper than most sporting goods stores.
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