“Four Seasons has karate lessons?!?” I’m asked that question at least once a month by a member who sees me wearing my uniform in the hallway. In short, yes we do – and have for almost 20 years.
Four Seasons offers karate classes (specifically, the “Shotokan” style) to members age 6 and up. Classes are all held at Four Seasons I. Students aged 6-8 meet once per week, either on Monday or Wednesday, from 4:45 to 5:30 pm. Everyone else (age 9+) meets up to three times per week, Monday and Wednesday night from 5:30 to 6:50 (beginners are excused at 6:15) and Saturday morning from 10:15 to 11:15 am.
Most people already know that karate will keep you in shape, improve your flexibility, quicken your reflexes, etc., and many people tell me that they’ve always wanted to try karate, so why not? There’s a good chance that they have some misconceptions, so I’d like to clear them up right here.
“Isn’t karate just something kids do?” Absolutely not. Anyone can do karate and everyone can benefit from it. We’ve taught students as young as 6 and as old as 65; we’ve taught doctors, school teachers, bus drivers…just about everyone. It’s no coincidence that several of history’s greatest karate masters lived into their 80s and 90s when the average life expectancy at the time was about 40.
“But I’m not flexible/strong/fit enough…” Leave that to us. Come to us just as you are and karate will make you flexible, strong, and fit. Many people think “karate” is what they see on TV – all sorts of flying, spinning, screaming, and kicking. I assure you, most of that is just TV. Real karate looks much more down-to-earth, with a foundation of simple blocking, punching, and kicking techniques that anyone can learn.
“Aren’t martial arts lessons expensive?” Not at Four Seasons. There is an extra charge for karate lessons, but it only costs $18/month for youth ages 6-8 and $36/month for ages 9+ … and there’s a 10% discount for additional family members, when you register at the same time.
“I don’t want to have to compete.” Neither do we. We don’t train for tournament karate – we train for personal betterment and self-protection. If you want to compete, we’ll support you, but it’s certainly not mandatory.
“Isn’t karate dangerous?” If you practice long enough, there will be some bumps and scrapes along the way. Believe it or not, you’re many times more likely to be injured playing football, basketball, hockey, and even volleyball. Karate is safe because we practice it safely.
Most of this has explained what karate isn’t; now let me tell you what karate is. Athletic activities like basketball, aerobics, and running were designed to be an enjoyable way to improve your strength, flexibility, and general health – but not karate. Karate was designed to save your life – it just happens to improve your health, strength, and flexibility along the way. Put simply, no one has ever been cornered in a dark alley and thought to themselves, “Thank goodness I jogged 3 miles this morning.”
If this has answered some of your questions, or if you have others, or even if you’re just curious, please come and watch class during any of the times listed above. See what we do for yourself. We’ll be happy to see you.
For more information about enrolling, observing classes or Shotokan Karate please email Karate@4seasons-club.com.
Written by Sensei Ed Chandler