FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I join?
If you would like to watch a class or if you have
any questions, call Jennifer or Ken at (780) 707 3693 or email
us.
What’s this about a free uniform?
The Northern River Karate School gives new students a free uniform.
The traditional white gi and belt is ideal for this work, and helps
new students feel included in the dojo (training) community.
How old is too old, how young is too young?
There is no upper age limit to membership in the Northern River Karate
School. We recommend children start no younger than eight years old.
Any child under thirteen years old must be accompanied by an adult
registered in the program. (see Family Rates below)
How
do the Family Rates work?
Association fees are two-for-one for families. So, two family members
can join the program for the same price as one. Additional family
members pay $25 each per month. Click here to see our Fee
Schedule.
What
are "Family Classes"?
Classes are organized in a traditional way. That is, all ranks and
all ages work together in the same classes. Classes are structured
so that beginners can work at their own level.
Where
are the classes?
Classes are held in Edmonton, Alberta in the Belgravia Community Hall
(11540 73 Ave.). Click here to see the Class
Schedule.
When
are the classes?
Karate classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00pm to 8:00pm, and Saturdays
10:30am to 11:30.
Northern River Karate School
also hosts a Yoga Class Tuesdays 6:15 to 7:00 pm, a Kobudo Class (traditional
Okinawan weapons) Thursdays 6:30 to 7:00 pm, a Sitting Meditation
session and a Qi Gong Class Saturdays 10:00 to 10:30 am.
Click here to see the Class
Schedule.
How
big are classes?
Class size varies, but we feel that overly large classes detract from
a healthy learning environment. Classes are rarely as large as 15
students, and usually 10 students or fewer.
What
if I am late for a class, or if I have to leave early?
Naturally, you always miss something of value when you miss part of
a class, but we feel it is better to come to part of a class than
to not come at all.
What
does it cost?
The basic rate for membership in the Edmonton Northern River Karate
School Association is $60.00 per month, paid with 12 post-dated cheques.
This basic rate will cover two family members. Additional family members
pay $25.00 per month for membership. Click the links to see our Fee
Schedule, or to learn about Association
Memberships.
Do
I need to be in shape before I start?
No. After all, being “in shape” is specific to specific
activities. So you may be in shape to run a marathon but that does
not mean you are in shape to lift a heavy weight, for instance. Increased
levels of fitness occur naturally as Karate students work through
the curriculum.
The Northern River Karate School
has a curriculum and a grading system but no time minimums. So, you
will move at your own rate through the curriculum until you are fit
enough for more advanced work. In addition, NRKS workouts are not
run in a militaristic fashion and all students are encouraged to be
attentive to their own needs and not push themselves too hard too
soon.
Do I need to come to every class?
The three-classes-a-week schedule is a very good one for most students
but you will need to find a schedule of classes that works for you.
Click here to read Ken’s
articles on class attendance.
How
is the school organized?
The Northern River Karate School is run by the Edmonton Northern River
Karate School Association, which is a non-profit society. There is
a volunteer board that all adult members are eligible to participate
in. The board supports the school through fund raising, events coordination,
and community service and gives members resources for their Karate
training. The Program Director and head instructor is Ken Read, Uechi
Ryu Godan (5th degree black belt). Click here
to learn more about the association and its mandate.
Who
are the teachers?
Ken
Read, Uechi Ryu Godan (5th degree black belt), is Northern River
Karate School’s Program Director and Head Instructor. Ken teaches
most of the Karate classes, and leads the Saturday morning Sitting
Meditation session and the Qi gong class.
Jennifer
Bustin, Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt), is the school’s
Personnel Advisor and Sempai (most senior student). She helps Ken
keep track of everyone’s progress and readiness for rank promotion.
Jennifer leads the Tuesday evening Yoga Class.
J.C.
Jones, Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) teaches the Thursday evening
Kobudo Class (Traditional Okinawan Weapons).
Is
the school part of something bigger?
Yes. Ken’s teacher is David
Mott, Hatchidan (8th degree black belt). David’s teacher
is George
Mattson, Kudan (9th degree black belt). George’s teacher
was Okinawan Grandmaster Kanei
Uechi, who studied with his father Kanbun
Uechi. Kanbun studied in China with Shushiwa
in the early 1900’s.
This lineage continues into the
indefinite past. Currently, David Mott teaches at his
Cold Mountain Dojo in Toronto, the most senior Uechi Ryu school
in Canada. Through David Mott, we are affiliated with George Mattson
who teaches in Boston, Mass. and heads the International
Uechi Ryu Federation. All our black belt ranks are certified by
the IUKF, through David Mott.