Fall 2009 Training Schedule

Fall practices will start on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, and will continue through the end of November or beginning of December. Our dojo (training hall) is located in the Lloyd Gym at the George Washington University's Mount Vernon campus which is located on Whitehaven Parkway off of Foxhall Road near the Palisades neighborhood in Northwest DC.

Beginner classes will start on Wed., Sept 9. Beginners (and those with previous non-JKA martial arts experience) may join only at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters (within the first two weeks of the start of practice). Those with previous JKA Karate training may join at any time, including non-GW students.

JKA Black belts should bring a copy of their last JKA dan certificate. If you are a lower belt, please bring a copy of your last JKA kyu certificate. If you do not have a JKA dan or kyu certificate, you must tie a white belt until after you take your first kyu test and Sensei adjusts your rank.

Dues are $60 per semester plus a $10/year membership fee that goes to JKA New York. If you want to test or attend any special trainings, you must pay the $10 annual membership fee. Black and Brown Belts may purchase a JKA passport which includes 5 years of membership in JKA for $50.

Our schedule for Fall 2009 is as follows:

For directions to GW's Mount Vernon Campus, please click here. A free shuttle bus (the Vern Express) to/from the Mt. Vernon Campus is available from GW's main campus in Foggy Bottom (pickup at 23rd and H Streets, NW). Please get off at the first shuttle stop if you are going to the Lloyd Gym (and walk down the hill). Please click here for more info.

Note: Our schedule varies from semester to semester. Be sure to check this page for the latest schedule.

Enrollment

During the school year, classes are open to both beginners and those with previous martial arts experience. All (including non-GW students) are welcome to join our club. Beginners and those with previous non-JKA martial arts experience should try to come as much as possible during the first two weeks of classes when a senior student will teach the beginners separately. Dress in comfortable workout clothes or wear your gi (uniform) and a white belt if you have one. Please remove all jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, etc.) for safety reasons.

Please note that if you do not have an official JKA dan or kyu certicate, you must start with a white belt even if you are a black belt with shotokan karate experience. If you have prior JKA training experience, please bring your most recent JKA kyu or dan certifcate.

You may also send an e-mail message to Jackie Ouellette (Club President) or Cynthia Lee Haramoto (Faculty Advisor, 202-994-4768) if you have any questions.

Fees

Dues are $60 per semester payable to "GW University" with "JKA Karate of GWU" in the notation line and must be paid on your first day of practice unless you are enrolled in the free beginner classes. Please give your check to Club President and Treasurer Jackie Ouellette or to Cynthia Lee-Haramoto, Faculty Advisor.

Students who wish to take the kyu exam at the end of the semester (i.e. those who wish to be promoted to the next rank) must wear a gi (karate uniform) and pay a $10 annual membership fee for membership in the Japan Karate Association. Membership is necessary to promote, to attend special seminars, and to attend summer camp. Kyu exam fees are $25 per person.