Information for Beginners

Is karate for women and children? Yes, most definitely! Karate is for all individuals, regardless of age or physical fitness level. Shotokan Karate Academy in Topsham, Maine has students who range in age from 5 to 65. Shotokan Karate Academy provides a caring and safe environment where children and adults can learn the art of karate. Our program is pediatrician recommended for children, and the benefits for adults of all ages are numerous.

Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art. This means that improvement in character and mental discipline is as important as physical skill, if not more so. Shotokan Karate is meant to be accessible to all, including women, children, and those without great athletic ability. You are encouraged to progress at your own pace. We recommend that beginners train two times per week.

The students are all dressed the same, in a plain white gi (uniform) with a small patch above the heart to signify the roots that all students have in common. It’s not a boastful pride but one of loyalty and humility for one’s organization. The white gi is a symbol of purity of spirit, modesty, and cleanliness. The practical side of the gi is that it is loose to allow freedom of movement.

Modesty and Humility: That is what is taught and that is what is practiced.

Benefits of Training

The benefits of karate training for children include developing self-confidence, respect for others, sportsmanship, and improved concentration.

The benefits of karate training for adults include muscular and aerobic fitness, increased perceptual awareness, body alignment balance, stress management, and empowerment.

• Class Schedule

  Tiny Tots (3 & 4 year olds): Monday & Wednesday at 4:15 PM

  Youth beginners (5 years old and up): Monday & Wednesday at 5:40 PM, Tuesday & Thursday at 4:00 and also at 4:50 PM

  Youth intermediate: Monday & Wednesday at 4:50 PM, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:40 PM

  Youth advanced: Monday & Wednesday at 6:30 PM

  Beginner Adults: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM

  Adults (all ranks): Monday & Wednesday at 7:20 PM

  Special needs adults: Tuesday at 3:20 PM

• “The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
  ~ Gichin Funakoshi - Founder of Shotokan
  
  

  • Physical & Emotional Well Being For All Ages
  • Non-Competitive
  • Non-Contact
  • Family Discounts