Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

Did anyone on here ever take Karate classes?

DH and I signed up to take classes for 2 months. Our 1st lesson was one on one w/ the instructor which was great. I signed up on the spot.

The next class was with adults of all different levels. There were 2 other girls besides myself, and one of them was a BLACK BELT.

We all paired off w/ a partner, and of course I was with the other woman who was the Black Belt. I just wasn't comfortable with the different levels being mixed. I mean, it was my second class, and I was being KICKED and PUNCHED by someone w/ a black belt. There was a bag between us, but still! DH got hit in the mouth accidentally (his partner missed the punching bag DH was holding) and he started bleeding!

I was just so turned off that I don't want to go back. Is this normal for Karate Schools to mix all different levels like that?

Message edited 8/27/2007 9:18:10 AM.

Re: Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

Actually, I thought it was normal and that's why I never joined. I've always wanted to but being paired with someone more experienced was always my fear.

Re: Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

We've been taking karate this summer and that is normally what happens in our classes

Re: Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

This is normal in my school. I think it's actually better this way. If you were paired up with another new person, you both are learning the techniques and it's easy to get lost. Mixing the ranks lets the advanced students help the newer students learn. It also helps the advanced students reaffirm what they know (or don't know). The black belt is kinda the veteran on the team and can help you out with the way things are done in the school and with the things you are trying to learn. Ask questions if you have any...they should be glad to answer. Don't be intimidated by the belt. They say in our school, "a person with a black belt, is just a white belt who didn't quit".

You should keep it up. It's healthier (in the long run) and addicting.

Re: Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

Thanks for the responses. This is what I was afraid of, I guess.

I was just taken aback by it. Had I known there was so much physical contact I never would have signed up for 2 months.



I guess I just have to make the best of it now!

Re: Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

Our classes are mixed. However, the black belt should have known better, and toned it down. I'm a brown belt, and I'm often paired with white belts. I think one reason, is that I'm pretty good at helping the newer people with techniques, and can give them good pointers.

Never be intimidated by a belt. I've fought with white belts who have had dozens of years of training in other arts, and beat the !%@# out of me. I've also beaten the tar out of black belts. (During the sparring classes, not the classes where we are working on techniques)

In my school, we separate the technique class from the kickboxing class from the grappling class, so if you aren't comfortable with one type, you don't have to go to that class.

Re: Question about Karate Classes - is this normal?

No. I went to Tae Kwon Do and the classes were split according to level. Sometimes they had mixed classes e.g a stretching class.