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Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to bring up the corresponding answer.

Q. What is Karate?
Traditional Karate is a beautiful, ancient, weaponless art of self defense thought to have originated is Okinawa during the Middle Ages, and was influenced by Chinese martial arts. In the early seventeenth century the Japanese Satsuma clan occupied Okinawa and imposed severe restrictions on the native population, including a ban on weapons. Karate was practiced in secret, and the art became essential to the survival of many Okinawans, who had no other means of protecting themselves and their families from bandits and occupying forces.

In 1922 Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate to Japan, demonstrating in Tokyo at the National Athletic Champianships. In the early 1930's Master Funakoshi had established his own school in Tokyo. Funakoshi practiced calligraphy under the pen name Shoto, and his students referred to the school as Shotokan, which means "Shoto's School". Eventually, Funakoshi's system of Karate came to be known as Shotokan-ryu , and is one of the four major systems of traditional Karate practiced today.
Q. What style of Karate does Midwest Karate teach?
At Midwest Karate traditional Shotokan Karate is taught.
Q. Is Karate a contact sport?
We train in a style of Karate that is non-contact.
Q. What sorts of things will students do in a typical class?
Most trainning consist of three main things, Kihom (basics), Kata (Logical arrangements of blocking, punching, striking and kicking techniques in certain set sequences.) and Kumite(sparring). Training will always start with a warm up and stretching. Some strength training, self defence and other activites will also be included.
Q. Will I Train with people my own age?
Classes are divided into age groups. we also offer beginner and advanced classes, as well an all age class on saturdays so that famillies can train together.)
Q. How old do you have to be to join?
We have a wide range of classes to support many different ages. Anyone ages four and older are able to join.

Announcements

50+ Yoga

We are proud to offer a new Yoga class for those 50+, starting March 19th and Running until May 26th. Please click here for more information

4-6 YR Seminar

We will be having a Seminar and Grading for the 4-6 Yr Group, with Sensei Minarik on March 18th. This will take place 10 - 11AM on Sunday the 18th.

Seminar/Grading

We will be having a Seminar and Grading with Sensei Minarik on March 16, 17, 18th. Please click here for more information.

New Yoga Classes

We are also proud to offer additional Yoga classes offered by Diane Barker. These will begin in the new year, Click Here for more information.

Acroyoga

We are pround to announce that Raquel Jenkins will be offering Acroyoga classes starting at the end of January. Please see The poster for more details, or see the Classes Page for info on Raquel.

Testimonials

My first thought when my 9 yr old son wanted me to join Karate with him was "I'm 42, I'm way too old to start learning Karate...all that kicking and punching and probably a lot of exercising."

But, I really wanted to do an activity with my boy so we researched different clubs and because of the quick responses to our inquiries we joined Midwest Karate. There was a one hour "Family Class" on Saturdays which was perfect for us.

I say "us" but one hour a week didn't sound so bad for me. With just a few classes in I was immediately impressed with Sensei Minarik and the assistant instructors, all are positive influences and great with the students.

I was also impressed with the way my body was moving....I wasn't feeling so broken down all the time. I could really tell my energy levels were up throughout the day, especially at work.

Well, it's been over a year and a half and I'm 44 now. I feel great physically and mentally and try to get to class at least two, sometimes three times a week. My daughter has also joined and now the three of us go to the Family Class.

I'm proud to say that Karate has become a part of my family's lifestyle. I'm proud of me and my children as we progress to higher ranks and I'm happy I finally realized that I am not that old.

- Rob Miller

Contact US

Email us: midwestkaratesk@gmail.com
Call Us: (306) 382-7434
Or Visit Us At: 506 Duchess Street, Saskatoon SK
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