CLASSES

Our Shotokan Karate classes are held at Foothills Activity Center, Multi-purpose Gym, 3rd Level

(The Foothills Activity Center is located inside the Foothills Mall, right across the East parking garage)


241 E Foothills Pkwy, Ft Collins, CO 80525



Beginners/Intermediate TUE & TH 5-6pm

Advanced TUE & TH 6-7pm


HOW TO REGISTER

We actively seek non-discrimination. Our ideal training groups include all ages,
skin colors, genders and orientations, and social-strata, thus benefiting everybody.

FEES

Training fee/per person/month is approximately $50. This monthly fee varies a little according to the exact number of classes offered that month. Training fees are due to the City of Fort Collins Recreation Program (see https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/registration.php?2= ). A reduced fees program is available for those who qualify (see https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/reducedfeeprogram.php).

If students choose to test into the karate color-belt ranking system, they must become ISKF (International Shotokan Karate Federation) members (yearly membership fee is $45). A testing fee and a certificate (of rank) fee also apply to those who test; these are lower amounts.

​ After the first month of practice, students who want to continue training must wear a white do-gi (karate uniform). You can buy these on your own or else your instructor can order them for you at a discounted price; entry-level prices are between $20 and $50 depending on size.

DOJO RULES
(dojo etiquette and student behavior)

  1. Always bow when entering and leaving the dojo.
  2. Arrive early. If late, wait at the edge of the dojo-floor in seiza (kneeling position) until permitted to join. Bow, and go to the back of class.
  3. Always bow to your training partner as a sign of respect.
  4. Always address your instructor as “sensei”, and your seniors as “sempai”.
  5. Once on the dojo floor, focus exclusively on karate. No talking is allowed once class has started.
  6. When receiving instruction, answer with a “hai” (it means “yes” in Japanese).
  7. Do only what instructed and only when instructed to do it.
  8. Do not leave class early. If you absolutely have to leave, ask permission from sensei (instructor) first.
  9. If you become ill during class, ask sensei for permission to leave.
  10. If you need a drink of water, ask for permission first. Wait for permission from sensei to re-enter.
  11. Wear a white gi (uniform) and keep it clean. No markings allowed on gi except the ISKF patch. Beginners can wear loose clothing.
  12. No jewelry is allowed in class as it can be dangerous to partners and to oneself.
  13. Impeccable personal hygiene is required.
  14. In a karate class it is considered impolite to talk, to keep your arms on hips or across chest, or to lean on walls. If your belt needs re-tying, do it at the back of dojo, facing away from the front.
  15. Never abuse your knowledge of karate; on the contrary, use it to keep everyone safe.
  16. Learn, understand, and follow the principles of the Dojo Kun (see below).
  17. Because of the nature of the training and to promote everyone's safety, we tolerate no deviation from class etiquette.

​DOJO KUN
(five principles from Master Funakoshi)

Seek perfection of character (Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto)
The techniques are but the tool for shaping the spirit and through that, the personality of the student. This shaping will never be complete, requiring a lifetime of development.

​​ Be faithful (Makoto no michi o mamoru koto)
Guard the path of sincerity; make sure your practice is sincere. This principle is a reminder that honest commitment is pre-requisite and encourages one to be a truthful member of the karate family.

​​ Endeavor (Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto)
Always feed the spirit of effort. As a karate student, you must strive towards your training goals.

​​ Respect others (Reigi o omonzuru koto)
Have the deepest regard for courtesy and be humble. We always need each other to grow as human beings and to shape our character for the better.

​​ Refrain from violent behavior (Keki no yu o imashimuru koto)
Karate is a self-defense art. We need to continuously strive to keep calm inside. Control always comes from within.