Can someone tell me how karate class works?

Question

Okay let me preface this by saying I am in my early 20s and I have been looking for a great way to get in shape besides running on my treadmill. I play softball once a week, but that is only for part of the year and is not enough. So my first thought was that I wanted to take a boxing or kick boxing class. However, the gyms here only offer the class once a week and I am looking for something more like 3 times a week. So my husband says to me, why don't you join karate? So first of all, can someone my age even go to a karate class? I thought it was for little kids. Second, would it be a good workout to go? How do karate classes work? I am going to feel really stupid if I get put in a class with little kids (anyone ever see that episode of Seinfeld?) So anyways, I need some advice on what I should do and how a karate class usually goes. Thanks!

Answer 1

Adult Karate classes should be as good a workout as kickboxing, if not better.  Karate is a striking art that fully encompasses Kickboxing, in fact many Kickboxing styles come from Karate.  Karate also includes other techniques such as joint locks, sweeps, take downs, even some grappling.  

Most adult Karate classes are 90 minutes and most Kickboxing classes are just one hour, so you will probably get a better workout with a good Karate program.  

BTW Seinfeld is hollywood, don't believe everything you see on TV.

Answer 2

Typically a good Karate school will start classes with a good 20 min work out. Than perhaps 20 min. Worth of drills which will be done at speed that will add to the workout. The final 20 min of class wil be possibly on developing a new technique or Kata or self defense. This will vary from school to school; however this is fairly typical of the schools I have visited and attended.

Absolutely you are not to old to learn a martial art. I started at 50 years old and now am a certified  Taekwando instructor and Personal trainer. Classes are usually divided by age groups. Little kids usually some cute name for classes like "little Dragons/ Ninjas/???/ " Juniors these from around 8 years though 12 years or 13, Adult from 13 years or 14 to really old (our oldest student was 71 when she started). Visit this site and look at the schedule to get an idea of how the age groups are separated in the class schedule. http://www.nckarateplus.com/

Answer 3

I'm happy to see you took the time to ask even though you already thought you knew it was only for kids. You've got a couple good answers on here already *nods at katana, jw, and sifu*

Yes someone your age can take classes. You should be put in a class with adults (kids joining that class are probably 13 or higher)

Yes it will be a good workout. I promise you will work muscles you don't normally work playing softball or on the treadmill.

Classes normally work where there is a warm up period, stretching, sit-ups, push ups, some cardio. Then learning techniques (striking if it's a striking art, grappling if it's a grappling art.... you get the idea). Lastly some sort of self defense, be it sparring, 1 steps... how ever the teacher chooses to train it that day.

You won't feel stupid because you won't be with kids.

There are all different types of martial arts. Striking, grappling, hybirds. Judging by your comments you looked like you wanted some form of striking art. Thats good it narrows your search. I wouldn't bother listening to any of us trying to tell you what style to take. If you want to use this forum in that type of way just ask a question to list striking arts. Then do a broad search on the ones you find interesting. We can't make the decision for you on this one. The reason for doing the research is to give you a back ground so when you go to the schools you have an idea of what it's supposed to be like and will help you weed out the phonies. You won't be fooled as easily. So right after I tell you not to listen to us i'll say if kick boxing interests you but you can't find the right place near you maybe Muay Thai is close enough. Look it up and see for yourself.

You also said you were looking for a work out, even if thats all you want you should still learn from a good teacher. why go for a year just to work out, find out you really like the art but have been learning from a phony. So take the time and find a good teacher.

Katana is a good source who will tell you like it is. Maybe shoot him a messege, I don't take a striking art myself and he'd be better prepared to help you in that area.

Good luck

Answer 4

you can join at any age,i were with people who are 5 and people who are 55 (are children people? lol)

basically they will warm you up, stretch you, teach you some stuff and tell you to practice at home (basically that simple)

eventually you will be tested and will most likely receive a new belt rank

Answer 5

We have had people in there 50's start in class, so age is no deterent. Most schools seperate their kids classes from adults.

What happens depends on the school. For instance in our school.

Two hour class

1 hour- Warm ups, Calestenics, body conditioning, and basics

2nd hour- Sparring, or kata, or self defense using kata motion, fighting drills with bags and pads, or a combination of the 3.

Like I said it depends on the school.

Make sure that you choose a good instructor and school. There are many answers on here about what to look for and what to avoid. Just do a search or E-mail me for a list.

Contrary to what all the UFC junkies/MMA wanna be's and fanboys want you to beleive karate is very good for self defense if taught and trained correctly.

Edit- Wow I am honered Big Dog.

Answer 6

Yes you can join class at your age. We have student of all ages and skill level. It will help you get in great shape physically. Every class if different. Check out some schools near you. Find out which one will help you achieve your goals.  Try to find a good school with good instructors. Take some trial classes before you make your commitment.

Good Luck

Answer 7

I agree, before you make a commitment (most schools require you to commit to a contract, of which vary from school to school), do a few trial classes.

Have you considered BJJ(Brazilian jui jitsu) classes at all? A great total body workout also. Perhaps give a bjj class a try also.

Karate is great too.

It really depends on the instructor. Have a chat to them and watch a few classes, but also give them a try.