All the information you need to start can be found below.
We welcome beginners, experienced students, those long out of practice, and visitors to join our classes. We train according to JKA standards, with the traditional approach to karate-do taught by the late Mori Sensei of New York.
Everything is built on a foundation of fundamentals, or kihon, one of the three elements of karate training. The others are kata, or formal exercises performed solo, and kumite, or sparring. Technically Shotokan karate is based on deep stances, use of the hips and core, and a straight posture. It involves punching, striking, kicking, blocking, and other techniques, all practiced with precision. Training in a traditional martial art is like learning a new language. Kihon is the vocabulary; kata is the classic literature; kumite is conversation—learned first in set-piece exchanges, gradually proceeding to a free and spontaneous sparring.
We welcome beginners, experienced students, those long out of practice, and visitors to join our classes. We train according to JKA standards, with the traditional approach to karate-do taught by the late Mori Sensei of New York.
Everything is built on a foundation of fundamentals, or kihon, one of the three elements of karate training. The others are kata, or formal exercises performed solo, and kumite, or sparring. Technically Shotokan karate is based on deep stances, use of the hips and core, and a straight posture. It involves punching, striking, kicking, blocking, and other techniques, all practiced with precision. Training in a traditional martial art is like learning a new language. Kihon is the vocabulary; kata is the classic literature; kumite is conversation—learned first in set-piece exchanges, gradually proceeding to a free and spontaneous sparring.
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Location
Berkeley City Ballet
1800 Dwight Way Berkeley, CA 94703 Entrance in the Back, off the small parking lot We're a seventeen-minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART station, with abundant free street parking. (The small parking lot is not available for use.) There's a gate off the parking lot that leads to the entrance in the rear. The door is locked; just knock if no one sees you.
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Class Schedule
We have classes three nights a week, starting January 6, 2025.
Mondays: 7:15 to 8:45 PM Wednesdays & Fridays: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Classes are open to all ranks. Beginners are welcome, but should contact the instructor about their sessions. The class schedule may be adjusted accordingly. Please arrive with time to change (there is a men's and a women's changing room) and start class on time. We will clean the floor before class. Be respectful of the dancers, who complete their classes before our sessions. Every class is conducted in traditional fashion, beginning and ending with a formal bow. At the end of each class we repeat the five Dojo Kun, or moral precepts for training. Students must be 12 years of age or older, unless at least one parent takes the class with the child, and then only with permission of the instructor. COVID PRECAUTIONS: Masks are not required, but you are welcome to use them. One can be provided to you for $3. The instructor may wear one. The dojo has two HEPA filters which will be running during class, and a door will be opened when it is warm enough. |
Fees
Visitors: $30 per class
Member adult: $130 per month
Visitors under 18: $25 per class
Members under 18: $100 per month
All fees must be paid with cash, check, or Venmo. No credit cards. Checks must be made out to T.J. Stiles.
Visitors: $30 per class
Member adult: $130 per month
Visitors under 18: $25 per class
Members under 18: $100 per month
All fees must be paid with cash, check, or Venmo. No credit cards. Checks must be made out to T.J. Stiles.
Uniforms
Beginners may start in regular exercise clothing. Before graduating from the beginners course, at the end of the first month, a traditional all-white Japanese karate-do gi (uniform) is acquired. These can be purchased from the instructor, or acquired independently. Beginner's uniforms are not expensive.
For all ranks above beginner, a traditional all-white Japanese karate-do gi is required in all classes.
If you have a rank in Shotokan karate from an organization not affiliated with the JKA, you may wear your belt until you test for a JKA rank.
Beginners may start in regular exercise clothing. Before graduating from the beginners course, at the end of the first month, a traditional all-white Japanese karate-do gi (uniform) is acquired. These can be purchased from the instructor, or acquired independently. Beginner's uniforms are not expensive.
For all ranks above beginner, a traditional all-white Japanese karate-do gi is required in all classes.
If you have a rank in Shotokan karate from an organization not affiliated with the JKA, you may wear your belt until you test for a JKA rank.
Rank Examinations
Kyu examinations (for ranks below black belt) will be held quarterly. The testing fee is $30. In addition, to test for rank a student must be a member of JKA Shotokan Karate-Do. Annual memberships cost $15, plus $2 handling fee.
Dan (black-belt rank) examinations are held twice yearly with the JKA SKDI in New York and the summer gasshuku, usually in a Northeastern state. Notice will be posted if special examinations are scheduled for San Francisco or the Bay Area.
Etiquette
Respect is the foundation of traditional karate-do. We bow when entering and leaving the dojo, to show respect for where we practice. We bow to each other, and to the sensei, or teacher, who bows back. You address the instructor by his or her name, followed by "sensei," as in "Stiles Sensei." We kneel together for a formal bow at the beginning and end of class.
Kyu examinations (for ranks below black belt) will be held quarterly. The testing fee is $30. In addition, to test for rank a student must be a member of JKA Shotokan Karate-Do. Annual memberships cost $15, plus $2 handling fee.
Dan (black-belt rank) examinations are held twice yearly with the JKA SKDI in New York and the summer gasshuku, usually in a Northeastern state. Notice will be posted if special examinations are scheduled for San Francisco or the Bay Area.
Etiquette
Respect is the foundation of traditional karate-do. We bow when entering and leaving the dojo, to show respect for where we practice. We bow to each other, and to the sensei, or teacher, who bows back. You address the instructor by his or her name, followed by "sensei," as in "Stiles Sensei." We kneel together for a formal bow at the beginning and end of class.
A Note on Liability
Properly practiced, traditional karate is quite safe. However, every student will have to sign a liability release. Respectful and safe behavior is required at all times. The instructor reserves the right to expel any student for dangerous or disrespectful behavior at any time.
Properly practiced, traditional karate is quite safe. However, every student will have to sign a liability release. Respectful and safe behavior is required at all times. The instructor reserves the right to expel any student for dangerous or disrespectful behavior at any time.