Questions and answers
Everything new students and parents usually ask. Still wondering about something? Call or text 832-275-3900.
Where is Fulshear Family Karate?
Classes are held inside the River Bend Baptist Church building at 27600 FM 1093, Fulshear, TX 77441, just west of FM 1463. Directions and parking.
When are classes?
Monday and Tuesday evenings. Children ages 3–6 train from 6:30 to 7:00 pm. Children ages 7–13 and adults train from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.
What ages can join?
Students can start at age 3. There is a class for ages 3–6 and a class for ages 7–13 and adults, so parents and children can train at the same time.
Do I need any experience?
No. Classes are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups, and each group has its own instructor.
What style of karate do you teach?
Zen Do Kai karate. Fulshear Family Karate is a member of the Zen Do Kai Association. The system is based on Shotokan Karate, the Japanese style founded by Gichin Funakoshi, and adds techniques from other martial arts, especially for self-defense.
What will students learn?
Five areas: basics (stances, hand and foot techniques, breathing and dojo etiquette), self-defense, kata (forms), traditional Okinawan weapons (bo, sai and bokken) and controlled sparring. More about the curriculum.
What happens in a class?
Every class starts with a 10–15 minute warm-up of stretching and limbering, followed by the main instruction. The class for ages 7–13 and adults is one hour; the class for ages 3–6 is 30 minutes.
How does the belt system work?
There are 10 ranks: gold, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown 1st, brown 2nd, brown 3rd and black belt. Basics, self-defense, kata and weapons are tested at every belt test; sparring is tested from green belt up.
Is sparring full contact?
No. Full-contact sparring is not allowed. Sparring is controlled, and sparring gear and safety equipment are required from gold belt and above.
Do students have to compete?
No. Tournaments are optional. Many students compete in local and state tournaments, and tournament preparation is available on request.
Who teaches the classes?
The school is led by Master Wade Kirkpatrick, a 6th-degree black belt, eight-time Texas State Champion and the club's founder. He teaches with Robbie Gorringe and Kristen Schmid. Meet the instructors.
How do I sign up or ask a question?
Call or text Sensei Wade Kirkpatrick at 832-275-3900, or email [email protected].