1. What is our style?
         Bushido Martial Arts practises Shorin – ryu karate.

2. Where does this style come from?
         Shorin – ryu was developed in Okinawa, Japan and used for self-defence purposes. 

3. How many belt levels are there?
         There are 12 belt levels from white belt to 1st degree black belt.

4. Who is the highest ranked Black Belt in our style?
          The highest ranked black belt is Shuguro Nakazato. Nakazato holds the rank of 10th degree black belt. He currently lives and trains in Japan.             Sensei Sharon’s instructor Pat Haley trains with Nakazato on a yearly basis.

5. Who does Sensei Sharon train with?
         Sensei Sharon trains with Pat Haley and is a member of the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Association.

6. How does a student achieve a new belt level?
         A student is required to learn various components of our karate system. These components are referred to as stripe requirements. Successful             completion of a stripe requirement is designated by a stripe being placed on the student’s belt. A student must have three stripes on their belt             to be eligible to test for the next level.

7. What is a belt grading?
         A belt grading is a test of each student’s skill level in karate. At a grading one can expect to be tested on all of the stripe requirements up to               their level. A grading is meant to test a student’s physical and mental ability. In order to succeed at a belt test the student must show proper              dojo etiquette, spirit, and skill for the level being testing.

8. When are belt gradings held?
         Belt gradins are held every three months in December, March, and June. The monthly calendar will provide dates and times for all belt                        gradings.

9. What are Kata and Kumite?
         Kata is a sequence of pre-arranged movements that contain self defence and hidden karate techniques. The Kata in our system has evolved                over many centuries, and is the exact same as the kata practised by Shuguro Nakazato. Kumite (sparring) is the art of fighting. Kumite is                   strictly regulated. Proper equipment is mandatory.


10. What other classes and events does Bushido Martial Arts offer?
       Bushido Martial Arts offers:
             •Little Dragons Programs
             •Youth Classes both Beginner and Advance
             •Adult Classes
             •Kubudo Classes
             •Self Defence Seminars
             •Bunkai Seminars
             •Summer Spirit Camps
             •Private and semi-private lessons