FAQs

Do I have to spar?

Light and minimal-contact controlled Sparring is the best way to hone your basic skills and prepare for the worst-case scenarios. While not required for anyone that only wants to study kata, sparring IS required for anyone that plans to pursue a Black Belt.
I want to learn self-defense: is Karate good for self-defense?

When learned correctly, Karate is well rounded and teaches the fundamentals of striking, throwing, grappling, escapes, and submitting attackers.
What is the difference between “Karate-Do” and “Karate-Jutsu”?

The Japanese use of the word “Do” means “way of” while the use of the word “Jutsu” means “art of”. Karate-Do is more formal and stricter when teaching the techniques as they have been passed down. Karate-Jutsu uses the fundamentals in a more flexible way with the philosophy that if it works for you, it works. This is similar to the differences originally in Judo and Jujutsu (also known as juijitsu).
What is Komainu Ryu Karate-Jutsu?

Karate is a fighting system that blends elements of striking, locking, throwing, and stand up grappling. Arguably, karate is considered the original “mixed” martial art as it combined various elements from other established fighting styles that originated in China and Japan into a coherent system by practitioners in Okinawa. Komainu Ryu Karate-Jutsu borrows from both the Japanese influenced Isshogai Ryu Karate-Do, which is an American Karate style with practical universal karate fundamentals, and the Korean aspects of Tang Soo Do which was heavily influenced by Shotokan karate. Komainu Ryu blends this with parts of American kick boxing, United States Army hand-to-hand combat, and the Israeli self-defense systems.
Do you teach women Karate?

Absolutely!
Do you teach children Karate?

Yes, however, Children below the age of 13 will be evaluated to see if they are suitable for an adult class. We do not have a children focused class.
Do you teach sport Karate and compete in tournaments?

Yes and No – we teach practical Karate which is useful in the modern world for self defense, but we do encourage sport competition and can prepare any student interested in competing in Kata and point-fighting using USKA and NASKA rules.
Do I have to wear a uniform? What if I want to learn a martial art and not receive a belt?

Students do not have to wear a uniform at first, but will be required if they want to pursue a belt in Karate-Jutsu. We do offer a non-traditional program that is self-defense focused that does not require a uniform that is taught concurrently; please inquire for more information.
I am older, out of shape, or have a medical condition; can I still learn karate?

Karate is designed for the average person to be able to condition themselves and learn practical techniques that can be used in self-defense. Our curriculum is designed to take the individual’s needs into consideration. Please contact us and we can discuss any concerns with training.
Will my belt by recognized by other schools?

American Ronin Martial Arts and Komainu Ryu Karate-Jutsu is recognized by several associations and Grand Masters in other arts nationwide.