FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We start with a Trial Lesson, where we identify your goals and what you hope to get out of a martial arts education, as well as introductions to basic techniques (punches, kicks, blocks, and stances). Your training then progresses over the course of a curriculum designed to instill strong foundational skills with an emphasis on their practical usage. Karate students achieve colored belts to indicate their progression through the curriculum. These belt colors are as follows: White (beginner), Blue, Yellow, Advanced Yellow, Green (intermediate), Advanced Green, Purple, Advanced Purple, Brown (advanced), Advanced Brown, and then Black. With these belt levels come different areas of curricular focus. At the beginner level, students focus primarily on basic techniques (punches, kicks, and blocks) and learning to apply them practically and effortlessly in a variety of contexts. At the intermediate level, students begin utilizing those basic techniques in more complex ways -- these include kata (forms) and partner drills. At the advanced level, students' training shifts from the technical to the conceptual -- how can we combine basic techniques with advanced ways of thinking as it relates to self-protection and self-improvement? Each student is unique, and will progress at his or her own pace. There is no "right" amount of time to spend at a given rank, and each student will set their own goals for what they want to get from karate training.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began my martial arts education in 2001 in Goju-ryu karate under Shihan Jim Chillemi, a 6th Degree Black Belt, and earned my Shodan black belt from him in 2005. Most recently, I was promoted to the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in 2013 and continue my training predominantly under him. Additionally, I've had the privilege to train with Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, a 9th Degree Black Belt in the Kyokushin style of karate and founder of the Seido system, for several years, earning advanced rank under his training. I've also trained in Okinawan Kobudo (traditional weaponry) under Sensei Marvin Labbate, 8th Degree Black Belt, in Taekwondo, and the Filipino art of Kali under Datu Rich Acosta.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My students have ranged from young children (beginning at 5 years old) to adults, and include students with ADD/ADHD, autism, physical limitations (old injuries, inflexibility, etc.) and much more. Moreover, I strongly believe that karate is a lifetime pursuit -- there is no age limit on when you can begin your karate training. I've had students who began training in their 50s, 60s, even 70s! Karate should be for everyone, and if you have the interest and the dedication to pursue a martial arts education, I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.