Please see Karate Classes for more details!

People use the martial arts in many ways. It has ancient roots in multiple countries in Asia. For combat. Self-defense, a hobby, a way of life. For strength or relaxation…

Do you pickup/drop-off kids?

No. You (and your kids) are solely responsible for your kids to enter and depart and remain at your class/program/event, on time.

How do I benefit from a martial art?

Martial arts let you build confidence, get good exercise, develop character, become self-disciplined, be able to use self-defense, obtain coordination, acquire timing, gain precision, add to your control, increase your respect, create kinesthetic skill, improve overall health, decrease stress, ramp up your power, add flexibility, better your balance, and bring more dexterity. It has quite diverse benefits, but the benefits are for everyone!

What style do we do?

Pocahontas Karate does not follow a particular style, as each style has strengths and weaknesses. We start with a familiar karate/taekwondo base, and as a student progresses we introduce concepts from basic elements of real-world self defense, wing chun, BJJ, muay thai, etc.

Can parents assist the students?

No. It is best to allow the instructors to work with the children, sometimes they will be working on their own and we will still be watching them. It is important that we know what they can do by themselves. We are a kid-focused school, and only students are allowed on the karate floor (except for special events).

How can karate help parents?

First, the question is how can it help students? Many karate schools/dojos (often called McDojos) advertise a list of benefits, but it can be hollow. In addition to the benefits of karate you hear, we also focus on CLOSENESS.  There is little more important than making friends and being happy each day. Next is SUCCESS. Students (and Parent) are encouraged to show good or improving school performance in order to advance in belt rank.  Additionally, is LEADERSHIP. As students achieve a higher belt, they are expected to work with newer students and also teach skills in front of class

How long will it take to become proficient?

That largely depends on the student, but after progressing through several belts, they should have a feel for the motions and stances. Karate is a lifetime commitment and helps a student stand out among their peers

How long will it take to become a black belt?

In our school, it will take several years for most students to become a black belt. [Unlike franchisee “McDojos” focused on profit and promising a rapid black belt. Usually only a few percent of their students attain black belt and lack discipline and many skills].

How often should I attend class?

Two days a week is often enough to ensure good consistent education and practice with a qualified instructor. But MORE important, is that the student practices the skills at home, regularly. For example if they study piano, most people are practicing every day to get good!

Will my child want to fight?

We instill that martial arts are for SELF-DEFENSE only! They should not be used on friends, family, teachers, acquaintances, or ANYONE unless the student is in great peril. In fact, many students become calmer because they have an outlet for their energy where before they had none.

What age can kids begin learning?

We accept kids who are a mature age 4-4.5 and up. We are a small-town, local karate school and wish to focus our energies on children old enough to dedicate themselves to the martial arts, rather than trying to amuse toddlers for an hour. As we establish ourselves, we are open to expanding our offerings.

What are the chances of getting injured?

Very low! No one can claim to have no risk at all, life is itself, dangerous. Here at Pocahontas Karate we take steps to ensure that there are as few injuries as possible. With any contact sport there is a chance of injury, but training under qualified instructors with protective gear in a friendly manner ensures the chances for injury are very low.

Why do people bow?

Bowing is a sign of respect and greeting. When you bow to a room when you have entered, it shows respect for the art and the school and it greets those in the room.

Can I purchase my own safety gear and equipment from anywhere else?

No. For insurance reasons any equipment used in the Dojo must be purchased from the school. This will ensure that the equipment meets our safety standards and fits the student properly.

Do students spar/fight?

There are schools that do not spar, spar with no contact, light contact or full contact. Sparring develops skills closer to the real world. Coordination, timing, precision, and self-control are just to name a few. These skills help develop kinetic skills. To greatly reduce injury potential (and for insurance reasons), Pocahontas Karate limits sparring to later belts/a little older, who have the balance, discipline and other skills to exercise self control. Sparring equipment is usually required.

Why do weapons?

Weapons build a phenomenal amount of coordination, dexterity, and power. Doing weapons adds an extra dimension to the martial art that will not only look cool, but will help your open hand martial arts several fold. Most in school weapons training will use “fake” weapons for safety reasons.

What are the ranks/belts?

Every style of martial arts seems to have different belt rank progression! Students start as a white belt, and then progress through colored belts to get to black. Getting to black is only the beginning, that’s when you’re master of the basics and are able to start really learning!

Tell me about belt testing?

Belt testing involves mastery of a set of skills for  belt graduation. During this time you are testing!

When is belt graduation?

Those who are ready for belt testing times will be made aware of the schedule (along with the rest of the school).

What is the testing based on?

Testing is based on everything you have ever learned in Pocahontas Karate! Testing is primarily based on:

Attendance & practice

Effort – Students give 100%.

Discipline – Students must respect others at home and at school

Focus – Students must pay attention and not disrupt class

Knowledge – Students must be proficient for their rank

Are there costs for Belt Graduation?

Yes. The cost includes the student’s new belt, testing and a certificate.

Are there belief systems in martial arts?

We here at Pocahontas Karate strive to teach serious traditional martial arts, no more no less. There is a set of philosophies, but they are not religious in any way.  Respect, focus, discipline, leadership, self-confidence, balance, character, etc.

This is Pocahontas karate and this being The Native Reservation, we have an American and Native American focus. We honor the Lenape/Delaware (displaced) and the Susquehannock (extinct) tribes who once called this area their ancestral home. Our 30-year goal is to bring a true Lenape village home to Pennsylvania…

What kind of programs do you offer besides karate classes?

We have an afterschool program (future) as well as family day camp (summer/fall) programs. 

Who do I go to if I have a question, comment, or concern?

The instructors, “Pocahontas” and “Master Ross”, are happy to address any questions, comments, or concerns from student and parent alike. Keep in mind, we are pretty busy around class/program/event time. For any questions or concerns please contact us by using the contact form of this website.