As of March 11, 2021, Solano Country has entered the Red Tier, and fitness centers are allowed to open at a 10% capacity.
We currently offering Teen & Adult classes in a Hybrid format.
Please see details here on our re-opening procedures for hybrid classes.

Adult Karate Classes

Class Times
We are offering virtual training during the pandemic for all levels, beginning through advanced, for Teens & Adults, ages 12 and up. We offer two classes:

GENERAL CLASS
(ages 12+)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
6:30PM - 7:30PM - Virtual

ADVANCED CLASS
(ages 12+, Brown Belt and above)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7:45pm - 8:15pm - Virtual

GENERAL CLASS
(all levels)
Saturdays
10:00am - 11:30am - Virtual*

*We may plan outdoor training on Saturdays with social distancing and masks in a local park.

​​Please contact us to inquire about joining and scheduling an introductory Zoom session. 

​
Benefits of Karate Training
Through Traditional Karate instruction in a safe and caring environment, students will receive these benefits and much more:

• Learn  Concepts of Self-Defense
• Improve Cardiovascular Fitness
• Develop Coordination, Flexibility, Strength, Balance, and Good Posture
• Improve Ability to Focus
• Improve Visual Perception and Processing
• Improve Timing and Speed

Plus...

• Learn how to set goals and achieve them, in supportive environment
• Improve Self-Esteem and Respect for Self and Others
• Make new Friends

What to expect
In our Adult classes, we teach agility, coordination, timing, and strength exercises through a series of drills, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) with emphasis on good technique, breathing, and perseverance. 

We are not overly militaristic, but we do show respect to the Sensei and to each other by bowing at the beginning  and end of class and to our training partners in drills. We expect that students will be on time to class and give maximum effort while present. 

We follow a typical Traditional Karate belt ranking system. Readiness for testing will be determined by the Sensei and is based on the length of time training, student's general progression and learning of kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), coordination and timing, and kumite (sparring) skills. 

Ranking
​Our ranking system consists of 10 kyu (pre-black belt grades) and then proceeds to Dan level (Black Belt).
Kyu Levels

• 10th kyu (White)          Beginner
• 9th kyu (Yellow)           Kata: Taikyoku 1-3
• 8th kyu (Orange)          Kata: Heian Shodan
• 7th kyu (Blue)               Kata: Heian Nidan
• 6th kyu (Green)            Kata: Heian Sandan
• 5th kyu (Purple)           Kata: Heian Yondan
• 4th kyu (Purple)           Kata: Heian Godan
• 3rd kyu (Brown)           Kata: Tekki Shodan
• 2nd kyu (Brown)          Kata: Tekki Nidan, Bassai Dai
• 1st kyu (Brown)            Kata: Tekki Sandan, Kanku Dai

*Exam Fees for kyu grade tests range from $30-$55. 

Dan Levels (Black Belt Level)

• Shodan (1st degree Black Belt)          Kata: Empi, Join, Jutte
• Nidan (2nd degree Black Belt)           Kata: Hangetsu, Gankaku, Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho
• Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt)         Kata: Sochin, Chinte, Ji'in, Nijushiho
• Yondan (4th degree Black Belt)         Kata: Meikyo, Unsu, Wankan
• Godan (5th degree Black Belt)          ​ Kata: Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho

Ranking continues to 10th degree Black Belt, which is generally reserved for the founder of a style or system.  
*Dan Level candidates are notified of the testing fee when invited to test

We also practice other kata that are not included on the list above, but they are not currently required for rank testing, though a spirit of curiosity and love of learning of new and different forms always encouraged.

• Kitei (Created by Hidetaka Nishiyama and included in later editions of Sugiyama's 25 Shōtōkan Kata)
• Tetsuhiko Asai Katas (Suishu, Junro katas, Meikyo Nidan, and others)
• Katas Created by ISKA Founder, Master Vincent Cruz (Shimei, the "Instances", and others)

Tournament Competition Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities year round throughout the Bay Area and beyond to compete in Traditional Karate tournaments. Training at the Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy will prepare students for tournament competition, if interested.

Please email us or call us at (707) 745-1275 to learn more. ​