Frequently Asked Questions

There is no "best" age for starting karate training. We have had people sign up from the minimum age to in their 60s and everywhere in between. 

We do limit the starting age due to age restrictions for advancing to black belt and having found that when a skilled individual advances too quickly, they are stuck at one rank having to wait to advance, and often get frustrated and bored. 

Our determination for advancement in rank is based on individual progress with the curriculum, and not a strict series of movements that must be performed to an expectation not possible by someone being too young or too old to achieve. 

The white uniform we wear to train is called a "gi." When you sign up for your first session in the Introductory Class, students are not required to purchase or wear a gi while training. After the first session of training and students move from the Introductory to Beginner Class, a gi is required. If you are interested in attending events outside of regular weekly training like tournaments and training seminars, a gi is also required. 

We do not use weapons or break boards in our regular classes, and it is not a requirement for any rank advancement. We do sometimes have special trainings outside of regular weekly classes where this may be included. 

We typically recommend signing up for the Intro class. This will help both you and us determine what big differences there are from your previous time and help us better place you within our rank system if there are a lot of similarities. After a few classes in the Intro class, we will determine if staying in the into class is the appropriate fit, or if moving to the beginner, intermediate, or advanced class is a better option. 

On the class registration, the ranks will be listed by belt color. However, if there has been some time between the last time you have trained and signing up now, you can attend classes not intended for your rank to refresh yourself on things that may be a little harder to remember. For example, you can sign up for advanced class and still attend the intermediate or beginner classes at no additional charge. The topics covered will still be geared towards the ranks for that class, but may be helpful in bridging the time gap in training. 

UKAI Midwest conducts “Evaluations.” This term is sometimes viewed as interchangeable with “Test” or “Exam", however, we see a distinction between them. 

A test has an emphasis on achieving the next rank and focuses on whether the karateka passes or fails. The priorities for tests are for the achievement of rank first, and feedback is secondary. 

The evaluation model focuses on feedback and continuous improvement. Each and every time a karateka trains, they are evaluated by their instructor and peers. They receive feedback regularly.  The emphasis is on progress made and informing the karateka of what they are doing well and what they need to improve. An evaluation cannot be passed or failed. If, after completing an evaluation, a student is deemed ready for their next rank, they will be promoted and will then pay the fees required for that advancement. No payment is required if the karateka does not advance. Karateka are encouraged to be evaluated formally by a panel whenever they have the opportunity, even if they are not eligible for rank advancement. 

Evaluations for rank advancement are held once per session depending on the readiness of participants. They will occur at the end of a session. On special occasions, a second evaluation will be held during the session to accommodate peoples schedules and student's readiness. 

Advancement is at the discretion of the instructors and must be earned. To determine readiness, instructors focus on progress over the entire session. We compare your current skills to your previous skills, not other students' abilities.  To be eligible, you must attend at least 50% of the classes in a session and must spend at least 3 months learning a new kata before you can be eligible for advancement. 

For the ranks of white with a yellow stripe to brown with a white stripe, you will not be required to attend an event outside of the regular weekly classes in order to advance in rank.

Once you begin to evaluate for solid brown belt and higher ranks, you will need to attend a certain number of trainings and events outside of regular weekly classes that are outlined in the Shodan Academy material you receive at brown belt with a white stripe (3rd kyu).

If you meet the age requirements, progress at a constant pace, and take no time off from your training, the minimum amount of time it will take will be 3 years. However, it typically takes individuals an average of 4 years. 

The UKAI and the Midwest dojo's believe that there is a level of maturity required for individuals to be eligible for the rank of Shodan (Black Belt). In order to meet all of the responsibilities of providing feedback and awarding rank, officiating in tournaments, and assisting with teaching and instructing, a person must have the maturity to handle these responsibilities. We fully believe that physical skill alone is not enough of a requirement to achieve Black Belt, and while people younger than 12 may possess the physical skill, they may also lack the emotional and intellectual maturity to handle such responsibilities. It is also not a guarantee that if a person meets the minimum age requirement that they are automatically guaranteed to be eligible for advancement. 

In the Kyu Ranks there are different colored belts to distinguish in individuals progress towards achieving a Dan rank or black belt. The kyu ranks have some belts that are solid, and others that have a stripe through the middle of the entire belt. Some dojos may use tape or a patch to also distinguish between the two ranks where the color remains the same. The stripe is alway in comparison to the solid colored rank, and depending on the stripe, will determine if the rank is higher or lower. A white stripe means that they are lower than the solid colored belt, whereas a black stripe indicates that the rank is higher than the solid colored belt. The chart on the Belt and Rank Information page has a visual guide to which ranks correspond to which belt colors and stripes. 

There are four aspects to each evaluation for each rank. As an individual progresses higher in rank, the difficulty of the requirements becomes equally harder. 

Kata - also known as a "form" in some other martial arts styles. It is a series of techniques performed individually in sequence. Each rank has its own specific kata to be completed in order to progress to the next rank.

Kihon - these techniques and combinations are performed in place or moving in a strait line either forwards and backwards. 

One-Step Kumite - Techniques performed with a partner. This is a more controlled version of kumite "free sparring" that emphasizes body shifting and different angles.

Habitual Acts of Physical Violence (HAPV) - Self defense escapes and controls. 

A full list of the specific requirements can be found in the UKAI Midwest Handbook here