The Japan Karate Association of Boston 
Beginner's Classes
When
A new Regular Beginner Class, for ages 8-years-old and up, starts the first Tuesday of each month.
We now offer a Children's Beginner Class for ages 5- to 7-years-old. This class starts the first week of January, March, May, September, and November.
For class times, see the Beginner's Schedule below.
Frequency
Members of the Regular Beginner Class attend a separate class twice a week for one month before joining regular classes. After the first two weeks, you may also attend the Saturday morning Intermediate class.
The Children's Beginner Class meets twice a week for two months before joining the regular classes.
Duration
After one month, most students of the Regular Beginner Class are ready to start attending the intermediate class. However, if you miss practice several times, you may want to repeat the beginner class for a second month.
Clothing
Beginners should wear loose-fitting, body-concealing clothing, such as sweats. When you join the intermediate class, you will be asked to buy a karate uniform (keiko-gi).
Price
Please see the Membership Fees Page.
Beginner's Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 6:10-7:10p Regular Beginner* 8-years-old & up |
5:00-5:45p Children's Beginner* 5- to 7-years-old |
6:10-7:10p Regular Beginner 8-years-old & up |
5:00-5:45p Children's Beginner 5- to 7-years-old |
11:00-12:00p Intermediate (Regular Beginners welcome during their 3rd week) |
*Please arrive 15 minutes before your first class to allow time to register.
For the complete schedule, see our Class Schedule page.
Related Information
Previous Experience
If you have experience in another martial art, you will probably want to take the beginner class. Techniques can be very different among the martial arts, even among different styles of karate.
If you have experience in Shotokan Karate, please consult Sensei Toryu on whether you should take the beginner class. Important factors are whether you remember the kata and whether you are in shape to handle the aerobic and strength-oriented drills.
Picking a Martial Arts School
There can be large variations among different martial arts schools. Even within a single style, such as Shotokan Karate, classes may be taught differently depending on the teacher and organization. We recommend you watch a class, especially a beginner class, before you participate. Also, talk to people who train there or who know the school and its instructor.
One advantage of JKA Boston is its affiliation with the Japan Karate Association World Federation and Shotokan Karate-Do International. These organizations ensure karate is practiced at the same high standards throughout the world.