And not just FAQ… SAQ! Should be asked questions.
🥇Why Choose Ishinryu
We are the most experienced and accredited dojo in the Sutherland Shire, training over 3000 students over 4 decades.
We are affiliated with Karate Australia. We’re the only dojo in the Sutherland Shire with this affiliation. We offer insured, nationally recognised pathways in karate. This includes state and national representation.
And… we’ve been finalists in the Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards for SIX consecutive years (and a few before that, too). Our students and families show us their recognition of our value by casting their vote 💛.
📍 Getting Started
Where are you located?
Level 1, Menai Indoor Sports Centre. MISC is behind HomeCo on Allison Crescent, Menai.
Drive past McDonald’s, through the next roundabout—we’re the great big building on the right.
What do I need to wear for my first class?
T-shirt, and shorts or tights. Whatever you feel comfortable in, and able to move freely with punches and kicks. We train barefoot on tatami (rubber safety mats). No jewellery or watches. Bring a drink bottle, too.
Where do I purchase my uniform and gear?
All uniforms and sparring safety equipment are available at the Menai dojo.
What time should I arrive for my first class?
Arrive 10 minutes early. We want to meet you and describe the class you are about to experience. You can also ask any questions.
🗓️ Training Options
How often can I train?
4–7s train once per week. Ages 8+ can choose 1, 2 or 3 times a week. You are not fixed to certain classes in the term and can make up a missed class at any time in the term. You can also change your schedule each term to suit your seasonal routine.
Does how often I train affect my progress through the belt levels?
Yes—more training helps, but home practice and revision matter too. Consistency and focus determine progress. The instructors set the grading and training goals for every student, every term. This is possible because our instructors get to know every student, and how they learn.
🥋 Training & Progression
How do the belt levels work?
Gradings, and earning of new belts, are evidence of improvement and development. Students progress through coloured belts from white to black. There is an option of half belts for students who aren’t ready for their full grade. Karate is unique because it feels like a team sport. However, it consists of individuals progressing at their own pace.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
Under 4 years for dedicated adults; around 10 years for kids. Black belt is the start of true learning in all martial arts.
Can I still join if I’ve done martial arts before?
Yes—you maintain the dignity of wearing your current belt whilst we assess where you best fit within Ishinryu. There are many commonalities between karate styles. It is common for students join us each term with previous experience.
How often do we fight?
Most classes involve safe, structured partner work wearing safety equipment or holding kick bags or focus mits. Students who are keen to pursue sport karate should consider joining our competition squad. The entire focus there is on techniques, tactics, and sparring.
What’s the difference between karate and other martial arts?
Karate focuses on striking, kicking, discipline, and structure. It builds control, confidence, and practical skills. All martial arts have a strong focus on self-discipline and self-reflection and are highly recommended for everyone.
🛡️ Safety
Is karate safe to learn?
Yes – safety is built into everything we do. We wear sparring safety equipment in all partner drills. We have regularly repeated and practised protocols for all activities in the dojo.
What rules and guidelines do you follow?
We follow World Karate Federation rules and Karate Australia guidelines. For students 15 and under, no head contact is permitted.
How do instructors manage safety?
Instructors are trained in concussion protocols and injury prevention. We also teach students how to fall and land safely (so valuable for outside the dojo, too).
Are injuries common in karate?
Very few injuries happen in the dojo—you’re more likely to get hurt outside! We maintain an extremely structured and safe training environment.
👨👩👧👦 For Families & Parents
What will my child gain from karate?
Confidence, focus, coordination, and resilience—on and off the tatami, supporting success in school, at home and in other sports. We are relentless in pursuing improvement for every student. We work with parents to determine how best to motivate and develop their child. Please read our Google reviews for glowing reports from parents.
Do women and girls do karate?
Most definitely YES. Over one-third of our members are women and girls. Our Chief Instructor is female and she is one of the most highly decorated Ishinryu karateka worldwide. We offer a welcoming, inclusive and appropriately challenging space with strong role models.
Can I train with my child?
Yes! Our Saturday family class is designed so that kids aged 5+ and parents can train together. You warm up as a group, then are split for part of the class by age and/or grade.
Can I watch my child train?
Yes! This is encouraged. There is a seating area right next to the tatami.
What if my child is shy or nervous?
This is normal and common, and our instructors are skilled at settling the kids in. We can tell you many stories about the kids who sat under their mum’s chair whilst their sibling trained, to how over time they gradually sat on the edge of the tatami and finally, eventually, joined the class. You won’t recognise these kids now -they are vocal and leaders and making such wonderful, wonderful progress. This takes patience. We have lots of that. Confidence builds quickly in our supportive classes.
💳 Pricing & Membership
Is there a membership fee?
Yes. It is paid annually and includes membership of our national body, Karate Australia (this is who all students are insured with) and Ishinryu. It starts from the day you join, giving a full 12 months of benefits.
How are class fees structured?
Fees are based on school terms and training frequency. There are no recurring payments, and you can change your frequency of training each term based on your seasonal needs.
Is there a family discount?
Yes! We have so many families and it is a priority to look after them. 10% off term fees for all 2+ families training.
How do I pay?
For training fees it is online via our booking system – you are sent a link each term. Purchases in the dojo are via Square (cc or debit card) or cash. There are no processing fees.