Questions and Answers for new students:

Q:  I want to start taking karate.  How do I get started?

A: Here's how to get started :

    -  Prospective new students should contact Sensei Clarke Woodfin at 410-349-1162 or Clarke@AnnapolisKarateClub.com before coming to their first class.  

    -  New students must have their paperwork filled out and notarized before coming to class.  This is an insurance requirement and there are no exceptions !  Please click on the "Paperwork" link at left to print the necessary forms and for information on where to get them notarized.

    -  For your first class, please arrive by 5:45 p.m.  Students must be ten years of age or older.  Exceptions are made down to eight years of age, if a parent is participating with the student.  Please wear sweat pants or modest shorts, and a t-shirt.   

Q:  How much does it cost ?

A: Cost:  $60 per student, annually.    There is a maximum of $150 per family.    The fee will be waived in the case of financial hardship.   Fees aren't due until after the first month of class. 

Q:  Where are classes held?

A: Classes are held every Monday evening at :

Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church

 235 Bay Dale Drive

Arnold, MD 21401

Q:  When are classes held?

A: Beginner Class : 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Bible Study from 7:00 to 7:30.  Upper level class is  7:00 to 7:30 p.m. Bible Study and karate from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.  There is also a Wednesday night class from 6:00 to 7:30 for those students who want extra training. 

Q:  What is the minimum age ? 

A:  10 is normally the minimum age.   However, we make exceptions down to age 8 as long as a parent is actively participating in the karate class.

Q:  What is the maximum age?

A:  There is no maximum age. 

Q:  What type of karate do you teach?

A:  We practice traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate.   It's one of the original forms of karate developed in Okinawa during the late 1800s and early 1900s.  We go to great lengths to practice and teach Goju Ryu as it was developed by the founder, Chojun Miyagi, who passed away in 1953. 

Q:  I've studied other martial arts in the past (i.e. TaeKwonDo, aikido, jiu-jutsu, judo, Kenpo karate, Shotokan karate, etc).   Will this previous knowledge help or hinder me?   Will I need to unlearn any habits?

A:  Previous experience in martial arts is helpful, and many of our best students have prior experience in other arts. 

Q:  I'm interested in taking karate, but I'm injured or out of shape.

A: As always, check with your doctor about any injuries you may have.   After that, please notify your instructors of any injuries you have before class.   As far as conditioning, don't worry.   Our beginning program will help get you into shape.     It's very common for older students to train in spite of any injuries they may have.  In fact, many people with knee or back problems like Goju Ryu because of it's low impact training.  We do very little jumping or leaping.   Goju Ryu is a well grounded and practical martial art.

Q:  My children are homeschooled.   Are they welcome to attend? 

A:  Yes, homeschoolers are especially welcome to attend.  We currently have several students that are homeschooled.   Homeschoolers typically count karate as their physical education requirement.