Where to begin?

[hsphouse]

Hello.

I want to start learning kyokushin karate but I have no idea where to begin. I have no previous martial arts experience.

Do I just turn up to any dojo and sign up, or do I need to contact them by phone first?

Also, I'm a total beginner, so would they put me in a group with experienced students or would I get separate training as a beginner?

I live in Sydney Australia.

Thanks.

[ANTSAN]

Osu, welcome to K4L, you're pretty much spoiled for choices in Sydney to start Kyokushin. Starting in Kyokushin isn't really any different to beginning a sport or participating in any other activity in my opinion, just turn up speak to the instructor and he'll let you know what to do from there. At my dojo the Sensei usually has a quick chat with new practitioners and tells them to follow as best as they can. Goodluck!

Osu!

Edit: Also have a look here for Sydney Dojo's im personally under Shihan Jim Phillips who has a few dojo's in Rosebay, Homebush and a few more (I think) Link: http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/australia/

[Nix]

Welcome hsphouse,

Yup, ANTSAN has pretty much got it spot on. You're lucky to have so many options, and in your case I would probably use a wee bit of time to find out some things about the respective dojo. Call them and ask how to proceed, do they have any beginner's classes and whatnot. Remember not to sign up for anything, unless you're absolutelly sure this is the dojo for you!

And while we're at it, we have a section on this forum specifically intended for introductions. You're very welcome to create a thread there, and let us give you a proper hello.

~ Nix

[hsphouse]

Thanks for the replies.

One other question, I've been googling kyokushin lately and realised that there were so many divisions. Are there any significant differences in the teaching methods that may hinder my learning of karate? If so, which organisations are safe, and which orgs should I avoid?

Thanks in advance.

[ANTSAN]

Most organisations train with the goal of continuing sosai's lagacy in Kyokushin. As such it is not so much the organisation you choose that is important but more so the quality of the teaching that occurs within each dojo.

The only thing I'd consider which probably won't even be relevant for you is to avoid a dojo which is independant as this could prevent you from participating in Tournaments, Kata comps, Camps etc. as generally (but not always) each association only holds these events for their own members.

[ksan]

Originally Posted by hsphouse

Thanks for the replies.

One other question, I've been googling kyokushin lately and realised that there were so many divisions. Are there any significant differences in the teaching methods that may hinder my learning of karate? If so, which organisations are safe, and which orgs should I avoid?

Thanks in advance.

Osu, welcome to K4L,

Each org has good and bad instructors, this also is influenced by your personal needs and expectations from karate. The best way to go about is to take a class in each dojo (or a few in each dojo) and then decide.. some dojo`s tend to have speciallized (more fighting/sparring/more technical/more allround) Just google the instructors and you will get a lot of info. If there are any really bad instructors in Sydney that you need to stay away from, the australian members of the forum might want to send you a PM about that (its not allowed to post things like that in the public forums)

Good luck in finding a dojo, keep us posted on your search and where you ended up.

Osu

[Nix]

I doubt that question can be answered objectivelly. IKO1, IKO3, IKO4 and WKO all derive from the same organisation (IKO) that split up into other organisations following Mas Oyama's death in 1994. They all teach the same kyokushin, and you can most probably enter the same tournaments. If the atmosphere seems nice and the teaching is good, then the organisation the dojo is affiliated with is irrelevant.

[ANTSAN]

Originally Posted by Nix

I doubt that question can be answered objectivelly. IKO1, IKO3, IKO4 and WKO all derive from the same organisation (IKO) that split up into other organisations following Mas Oyama's death in 1994. They all teach the same kyokushin, and you can most probably enter the same tournaments. If the atmosphere seems nice and the teaching is good, then the organisation the dojo is affiliated with is irrelevant.

Correct, and this is probably where asking the instructor of each respective dojo is important at this point to get a definitive answer

[ksan]

Originally Posted by Nix

I doubt that question can be answered objectivelly. IKO1, IKO3, IKO4 and WKO all derive from the same organisation (IKO) that split up into other organisations following Mas Oyama's death in 1994. They all teach the same kyokushin, and you can most probably enter the same tournaments. If the atmosphere seems nice and the teaching is good, then the organisation the dojo is affiliated with is irrelevant.

Dont forget the IFK, if i am not mistaken, they are also represented in Australia

[kyokushin4life]

Other members have said it.

Also try out any dojos that are available to you then choose one that suits you the best! Everyone has to start somewhere! Good luck with your first session(s). Please let us know how you go.

Osu!