Beginner Classes

• Next beginner class starts: September 12, 2023
• Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:30 - 7:30pm
• Fees per term:
  • Students & SMUfit members: $65 (Must be 16+ years of age to register)
  • Community Members: $110 (Must be 16+ years of age to register)
• Location: Community Room, Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness, 920 Tower Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• To Register for classes please call the Homburg Centre front desk at 902-420-5555

At the Saint Mary's Club we respect and follow traditional roots of karate, but also value progressive thinking and sport level karate. We support members who wish to pursue karate for traditional training and fitness, but also those who would like to excel in karate as a competitive sport.

Our new students will learn the basic fundamentals of karate, including punching, striking, kicking, and blocking techniques, stances, basice sparring and their first kata (prearranged series of techniques).

Members who meet the attendance and proficiency requirements will be eligible to take their belts tests when scheduled. Once a new member has completed the beginner course they will be able to join the intermediate/dvanced class the following term.

For our new beginners - Please note: When you come to classes wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in such as sweatpants and a t-shirt. At some point if a new member wishes to continue with karate they will have to purchase an approved karate uniform (gi) in order to join the advanced class, participate in gradings, clinics or tournaments.

We also practice in bare feet and for safety reasons do not allow watches, wrist bands or jewelry of any sort to be worn during classes (this includes finger rings, ear rings, facial piercings of any sort etc.) 

Karate is a physical activity and both our beginner and advanced classes assume our members are in a reasonable state of health.

"The strong, positive values and sense of community are due to one person: Sensei Shannon."
~ Russell Fralich

Our Karate Classes

Shotokan karate classes are varied and interesting and are generally comprised of three parts:

Basics (kihon)

Basics or kihon are where a student learns the basic strikes, punches, blocks, stances and kicks that make up karate practice.

Kata

Kata are pre-arranged combinations of movements against potential opponents that may be performed slowly in a relaxed state, or with speed and intensity allowing for a complete physical workout. Kata help develop balance, strength, speed and coordination. 

Kumite (Sparring)

Kumite (sparring) in karate ranges from beginner level pre-arranged combinations designed to teach the student control and accuracy, to free sparring where students are able to perform any number of combinations of attack and defense against their opponent. Sparring at all levels is non-contact where discipline and control are exercised at all times.

Some beginner and advanced class members of the SMU Shotokan Karate club.