Frequently Asked Questions for Students and Parents

Over the years, we've found that students consistently ask the same questions, so we've created this F.A.Q. to address the most common ones. If you have questions you do not see listed here, please do not hesitate to ask. We're here to help.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your class begins.
  • Put all clothing (shoes, jackets, etc) in the changing rooms and shoe racks.
  • Limit food and drinks to lobby area only.
  • If you are late for class, enter the training room, bow, wait to be recognized, exchange a bow with the instructor, and join class.
  • Please give 24 hours notice when cancelling a private lesson, or it will be forfeited.
  • DO HAVE FUN!!!

Don’t:

  • Don’t wear jewelry of any kind during class. This includes earrings, necklaces, rings, toe rings, etc.
  • Don’t wear jeans or any other sweat pant or heavy clothing under your gi (uniform).
  • Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the school. We’d also appreciate refraining from smoking outside the studio as well - we are promoting a healthy life-style.
  • Don’t leave any personal belongings in the changing rooms overnight. When in doubt, we throw it out!

Highly Appreciated:

  • Uniforms should be neat and clean for class. Wash your uniform every time you wear it.
  • Make sure you are wearing an official Busto’s black karate t-shirt under your uniform. No other shirt is permitted.
  • If you think your uniform is a little worm out, it already is time for a new one. Talk to one of staff and they will assist you with a new purchase.
  • Fingernails and toenails should be clipped, and hands and feet should be clean.
  • If your child is ill, please keep them at home.
  • Do not change your child in the lobby area. That is what the restrooms and changing area is for.
  • Mothers are not allowed in the boy’s room. Likewise, fathers are not allowed in the girl’s room.
  • Please do not attempt to communicate with your child during class. It is distracting to the other students and instructors, and can be quite dangerous.
  • We appreciate your being quiet in the lobby - please.
  • Please do not leave younger children unattended in the lobby. We cannot be responsible for their safety.
  • Please pick up you child promptly after class. If someone else will be picking them up, please let us know in advance.

Questions and Answers

Click any question to display the answer.

  1. White
  2. Yellow
  3. Orange
  4. Purple
  5. Blue
  1. Green
  2. Brown III
  3. Brown II
  4. Brown I
  5. Black (1-10)

(All children under the age of seven receive ½ belts in between full belts)

Answer: Once you have the requisite number of stripes for your belt, one of the instructors will notify you that you are ready to test for promotion. If you are not sure whether or not you are ready, please speak to one of the instructors.

Answer: This belt signifies an instructor who has attained the rank of brown belt, and has shown exceptional physical and teaching abilities. The Sempai (assistant) is not a black belt, but is in training for one.

Answer: All black belts that teach are referred to as “Sensei” (sen-say.) However, just because a student is a black belt does not mean they are a Sensei. That is a separate promotion. 1st-3rd degree black belt instructors are referred to as “Sensei,” 4th-6th degree black belts are referred to as “Renshi.”

Answer: At Busto’s Karate, we have a variety of training curriculums. You can stay on the regular path and achieve your goals, but if you or your child want to be challenged more, ask one of the instructors and they will let you know if now is the right time to augment your training.

Answer: We recommend two to three times per week. In the first class, you will work on a particular move or skill. In the following class, you will work to earn your stripe. After achieving a certain number of stripes, you will then be ready to test for your next belt.

Answer: At Busto’s Karate, making sure that each and every student gets the right amount of attention is our goal. Every class has a minimum of three instructors or assistants, resulting in a great instructor/student ratio.

Answer: The curriculum we follow is called Kenpo Karate. Kenpo Karate is a mixture of Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan, American and Hawaiian styles. It uses hard & soft techniques as well as a mixture of flow to incorporate an explosive barrage of blocking, striking, kicking and punching.

Answer: We have "Tiny Tigers" as young as 2½ years old. Once they finish potty training, they are ready for martial art training!

Answer: The answer for this one is a resounding yes! A large number of students at Busto’s are confident and amazing females. Some people think that boys are more coordinated and capable. We throw all those stereotypes out with the garbage. Our girls are capable, tough, strong and lethal warriors.

If you have any other questions that are not addressed here, feel free to speak to one of the instructors.