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Questions about Karate

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Q. What is karate?

A. Karate is a martial art and system of self-defense that originated hundreds of years ago in Okinawa. Karate is much more than merely physical. It is founded on a grand philosophical tradition based on Bushido. Through hard training and practice, karate develops not only the body, but also the mind and character.

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Q. What is the purpose and goal of karate?

A. The ultimate purpose of karate is not physical prowess or the winning of matches, but the development of balance, harmony and spiritual and physical strength through strict, disciplined training. Karate schools you in natural, effortless action, and imbues you with an openness, peace and wholeness of character that vastly enriches day-to-day life.

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Q. What sort of karate does the JKI-TT teach?

A. The JKI-TT teaches traditional Shotokan karate as developed by Master Funakoshi Gichin.

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Q.What is the Shotokan style of karate?

A. Shotokan karate is one of the most widely practiced forms of karate in the world today, and one of the most traditional. Introduced to Japan from Okinawa by Master Funakoshi Gichin, Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques.

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Q. What is the WKA’s philosophy of karate?

A. The JKI-TT Karate philosophy is to: • Improve technique as a sport • Enjoy Karate practice as a means for developing a healthy body and mind. • Learn self-defense as a martial art. ​Through intense practice, the physical and mental aspects of karate can be brought together. The result is the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of body and mind.

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Q. Can anyone practice karate?

A. Yes! The only real requirement is a disciplined commitment to work hard and train patiently. As long as that commitment is there, karate is for everyone ―regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background.

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Q. Do I need to be in excellent physical shape to start karate?

A. No. Since karate will gradually improve your fitness as you progress. At the JKI-TT, our focus on the basics and on correct form make it easy for beginners to train together with experienced individuals yet still progress at their own level of fitness. If you are less fit, your progress at the start will simply be more moderate; as your fitness improves, so will the pace at which you advance.

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Q. What is expected of me if I join?

A. Four things. Commitment to your karate training, regular attendance at classes, to give your karate training your maximum effort, and to work hard during practice. You are expected to demonstrate the respect, humility and courtesy upon which karate’s long-standing tradition is founded. And of course, you are expected to pay your membership dues and other fees on time.

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Q. What will training involve?

A. A typical karate class usually begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by the various training exercises. The exercises are divided into three main categories: kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real opponent. There will also be times when you are taught theory, dojo etiquette, and the more philosophical aspects of karate.

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Q. What are the benefits of traditional karate training?

A. Physically, karate is good for the heart, strengthens bones, builds muscle, creates resilience, develops hand-eye coordination, and makes the body less susceptible to sickness and injury. Mentally, karate helps develop patience, discipline, perseverance, as well as concentration and focus. Spiritually, karate builds confidence, develops self-control and increases calmness and peace.

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Q. How long does it take to learn karate?

A. It’s up to you. There is no finish line.The more you practice, the more you will improve ―for your entire life. You progress through a series of colored belt levels (10th to 1st Kyu). After that, you qualify to test for your black belt, and progress through another 9 degrees of black belt (1st to 10th Dan). A student is eligible to take ranking examinations every 4 months once they meet the minimum class attendance requirements. The 1st Dan requires a minimum three years of diligent training. Karate-do is not just something to be learned, but something to be lived.

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Q.Do I have to wear a karate uniform?

A. Eventually, yes. Karate uniforms (gi) and belts (obi) are available through JKI-TT. Inquire at your dojo for more details.

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Questions about Membership

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Q. How do I become a member?

A. Joining the JKI-TT requires filling out an application form and paying the appropriate membership fees. The JKI-TT offers two kinds of membership: Individual Membership, for people interested in joining as an individual and attending one of our dojo near them and Club Membership, for those wishing to affiliate their dojo.

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Q. How much does membership cost?

A.The monthly cost may vary between dojos. Please contact the authorized JKI-TT representative for information on the specific fees required in your area.

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Q. Is there a JKI-TT dojo near me?

A. JKI-TT has two branches one in Port of Spain and the other in Arima.  Feel free to go in person to observe how a typical class is run. You can make any such arrangements directly with the instructor once you've received the dojo information through calling.