Blue Ash Karate, LLC
About
Our art, Shuri-Ryu, developed from a traditional Okinawan martial art in the town of Shuri, Okinawa, near Japan. The translation means, "Way (ryu) of learning from tradition (Shu) to go beyond (Ri)." For students, that means beyond their challenges and conflicts in life, excelling in a martial art to protect themselves while training to develop perseverence and confidence. Students learn to think of themselves as problem solvers, leaders, role models, and mentors.
Every student learns differently and there's a combination of learning approaches that assists the child to excel. As an instructor that is a joy to learn and apply. However, there are things each student learns that benefits their fellow student and them in training together: self control, balance, memory, teamwork and discipline as examples. When we see those principles work together to benefit every student we are achieving our mission: to enrich lives by providing authentic training in the martial arts in a safe, fun learning environment.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New students may take a free trial class or immediately register into the Six Week Beginner's Program which includes a uniform. Students are on a first to last name basis. The new student begins and ends class with fellow beginners. They are taught how to enter and leave, our beginning meditation and warm up. Evaluation continues over the first six weeks to understand learning style and begin the basics: breathing, ways of standing and moving, self defense, cooperation and self control.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'd like to say I started teaching for my sensei (teacher) when I was a green belt. I went up for black belt in 1997 and have been teaching since. Now my rank is 5th dan (degree) in karate and 3rd dan in kobudo (traditional weapons). I attend seminars in my arts, karate, ju-jutsu, weapons, teaching methods, etc. I'm constantly learning and re-learning my arts. But to the students I don't think that matters very much. Students don't care how much I know, but they know if I care. If I'm not vested in their learning and performance, my rank and studies don't mean very much. So I keep class innovative, continually reviving past lessons, adding new insight, challenging all students, while striving to bring out the best from the newest to the most senior students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes. Class is Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Beginner's 6 Weeks: $79.00 includes uniform.
Class is by months in a session - varies through the year - includes time off and vacations.
White to Green Belt, 40-60 min., $65/month.
Purple to Black Belt, 90 min., $75/month.
How did you get started teaching?
When I was a green belt, or 6th kyu, my sensei asked me to teach his beginners from age 6 to adults.
All of my students learn how to teach. They begin by leading their own rank requirements in front of other students.
Teaching is also a required learning element for levels of brown belt and black belt.
What types of students have you worked with?
Great question. First answer, mostly good ones. A few that I've had to say, "Sorry, this is not a good fit for you. Let me recommend something else."
In my years of teaching, I've never had to dismiss a student. We've lost black belts to graduation, and good students to moving, other pursuits, and moving back to their homeland. We always miss good students.
If by types that means learning challenges? Yes, ADD students, Asperger's Syndrome students, students with self control issues, students who have trouble with focus, teamwork, balance, motivation, coordination, fitness, control, discipline, memory, teamwork, cooperation, knowing right from left? Yes, all of the above.
And I have students that excel in any, some, or all of the above from day 1.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
When a 10 year old white belt student gave a black belt answer to a question.
Classes are full of questions, from them and from me. If a student can't give an age or experience appropriate answer, we look for a solution. That solution usually becomes obvious through training.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask who their teacher(s) are.
If that teacher can't give an answer with a big smile of love and appreciation for his or her teachers, of if a prospective teacher says he/she doesn't have a teacher, or has grown beyond other teachers, consider another school.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do I or why do I want my child to train? What are my goals?
What will I commit to for myself or my child?
Then, again, think through things after talking to teachers.
• Find the martial arts platform and the teacher.
• Decide if that teacher is right for you. The teacher is doing the same.
• Think through making the committment to attend class, practice at home.
• Follow through. Do the six week program.
• Then re-evaluate.