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Frequently Asked Questions
How should a student enter the Karate Center?
All students need to bow properly upon entering the school’s front door. Students are then requested to then greet Master Rifkin and all present Black Belt instructors; the student needs to wait to be acknowledged then bow as a form of respectful greeting. The student, in uniform, then needs to enter the designated training room for that class and line up his/her shoes neatly along the rail, place their training bag beneath the benches and wait quietly for class to begin. If they so wish, the student can warm-up/stretch in the private lesson room adjacent to the large mat if the room is not already in use. Upon leaving the school, the students must bow to the instructors as a proper farewell and again at the front door.
Why do students bow?
Bowing is a gesture of respect for your fellow students, the studio, the instructional staff and Master Rifkin. Bowing is completely non-religious and is essential for instilling those attributes of honor and respect so fundamental to the study of a Martial Art.
Should I, as a parent, bow and follow the above rules?
Yes, you are an example for your child. Your child needs reinforcement from many influences.
How does a student address instructors and staff members in the school?
Always address instructors and staff members with respect by answering Yes (Sir/Ma’am), No (Sir/Ma’am), Excuse me (Sir/Ma’am). When greeting them in the school, it is always Mr./Ms. and the instructor’s last name, with the exception of Master Rifkin. When in class, it is critical for students to show courtesy and respect for instructors and fellow students.
What happens when a student is late for class?
A student need arrive approximately five minutes prior to their class time. If for some reason, they are unable to be on time for causes out of their control, they may arrive no later than ten minutes from the start of class. A student arriving within that ten minute window need ask the instructor or student leading the stretching segment of class for permission to enter the mat. Once granted permission, the late student may then bow and enter the mat area. The student needs to then perform a set of at least ten push-ups before joining the class in session.
What is the Black Belt Club?
The Black Belt Club is available to all students at the intermediate level and above. Students that are nominated to join the BBC by one current ranking Black Belt may then attend special BBC classes. The classes include advanced material such as weapons training and the flips and acrobatics so common in today's mainstream martial arts media culture. BBC members wear black pants instead of the regular white and a patch to signify their achievement.
Can my friends and family members also enroll at Rifkin Professional Karate?
“The highest compliment is referring other people.” A staff member can further explain the multiple family and law enforcement discounts that are available for members at RPKC.
Are Gift Certificates available for purchase?
Yes, gift certificates are available at the front desk. These certificates are transferable and are available on a year-round basis.
Are additional uniforms available for purchase?
Yes, additional school uniforms are available in the pro-shop. Uniforms need to be clean, wrinkle free and in good condition.
Does Rifkin Professional Karate offer childcare or babysitting while parents are taking class?
No, it is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that your children are properly supervised while you are taking class.
Is a student permitted to wear jewelry while taking class?
No, many of the techniques involve physical contact and grabbing. Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings, etc.) will interfere with the student’s ability to successfully master the techniques and could cause injury.
What is the purpose behind the Student Attendance Cards?
In order to provide the best training possible, the Rifkin Professional Karate staff track the attendance and progress of each of our students. Maintaining consistent class attendance is the foundation for success in Martial Arts. By tracking the progress of our students, we can prevent a student from falling behind or not being ready for their upcoming rank exam.
What is the purpose for student Stripe Testing?
Our curriculum is broken down into segments for each belt rank. The stripe system allows for every part of the material to be accounted for. As your student’s instructors, we evaluate a student’s performance and take note of what they have learned and what is still on the horizon. Having successfully completed the stripe test, the student’s belt tip will be wrapped with a black or red stripe to indicate he/she has knowledge of the required curriculum. At three stripes and all the curriculum for that belt has been met, the student can then ask permission to participate in the next belt rank exam.
Having successfully completed the belt exam, how do students receive their next belt?
One week following any given exam, Rifkin Professional Karate hosts a Belt and Award Ceremony in the school courtyard. Here, students are awarded their new belt and the exam’s Most Improved and Fire Award trophies are presented. All family and friends are invited to attend.
Does the Karate Center offer Private Instruction?
Yes, each of our Black Belt instructors regularly teaches private lessons. Time slots vary, depending upon that instructor’s schedule and availability. Contact the front desk for further information and or to book a private instruction session.
Who can use the private lesson rooms?
The smaller private lesson mats are available for use by any student so long as they are not already in use for a scheduled private lesson. Many students use them for warm-up or stretching before and after classes.
Does Rifkin Professional Karate offer children’s Birthday Parties?
Yes, we offer a complete, full service Birthday package. For further information, please ask for a “Karate Birthday Party” packet at the front desk.
Who can use the Fitness Room?
The fitness and weight room is fully equipped with the latest in treadmill, free weight, and Hammer Strength resistance equipment. The room is available for all students 17 and over AND for parents to use for a nominal fee while their children are in class. Personal Fitness training is also offered. Ask the front desk for further details.
How long should it take to earn a Black Belt?
It is the journey that is most important, not the destination. We consider ourselves a Black Belt school and every student is on the path to Black Belt from their first day of training. On average, the journey to Black Belt is in the range of 4-5 years of consistent training.
May parents watch their child’s Karate class?
Yes, parents are encouraged to watch class as often as they wish. The benches beside the training mats provide the best viewing, though parents may stand in the courtyard and watch through the glass, so as to not distract from the class in progress.
When does a student need to purchase Sparring Equipment?
Students need to acquire their sparring gear after receiving their Purple Belt, the third belt. Equipment is available in the pro-shop beside the reception desk.
How often are Exams scheduled?
Exams are scheduled approximately every two months throughout the year. Students may test privately for their belt stripes during regular class hours. Check the school calendar for both exam dates and other activities.
May students participate in outside Karate Tournaments?
Yes. Many students choose to compete in open Martial Arts tournaments. It is not a requirement, but certainly exposure to other martial arts schools and the spirit of competition can fuel a student’s motivation. In the springtime, Rifkin Professional Karate hosts its own annual tournament, the RPKC West Coast Classic Martial Arts Championship.
Why do you host a Belt and Award Ceremony rather than just handing out earned belts in class?
Students work extremely hard to prepare for their belt exams. We feel that hard work and dedication needs to be recognized in a more formal and rewarding atmosphere. The belt and award ceremonies are held in the school courtyard one week following the belt exams, usually on a Friday evening after the last class . Those students receiving their belts need arrive at the ceremony in uniform.
7930 Alabama Ave. Canoga Park, CA (818)888-0743
