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People sitting together in a line in Seiza position.

FAQ

  • How much does your karate program cost?
    Our rates have only increased a few times since 1998. We have always offered high quality training for very competitive rates. When comparing, you need to have all the information (tuition, belt tests, uniforms, gear, etc.) before you make your decision on where you will want to train. You will find that we are often less than many other martial arts school in the area. Currently our average monthly rate averages between $155 to $185 a month depending on which program (3, 6, 12, month etc) you sign up for. No program (except a special) has to be paid in full up front and we are highly flexible with our payment options and procedures. We do offer one day a week plans as well and is considerably less than our other programs. As of 2020, ​after you try to class to engage the interest level of the student then ​ask for our handout, "price list" that explains our programs in a variety of flexible options. Lastly, we offer the option to put your program *on hold for vacations, sickness, etc and the student can come back to the program. *Some restrictions do apply.
  • What age do you start?
    We now start at 2 years of age and we have taught ages 3 and older since our inception, 24 years ago.
  • What experience do you have with special needs?
    We are the most experienced in the area, by a landslide. Let us explain, since 1997, Sensei Green has worked with special needs students since day one. There even is a documentary film about Sensei Green's work titled "Fighting Autism." Sensei Green taugth the first person with autism to qualify and compete in the U.S. Karate Nationals in the non-handicap division. This was featured on CNN News and you can see the interview on our You Tube channel. Brandon Earnshaw lives a normal life with his wife and child. Brandon gratuated a high school and has many talents. Brandon was married in the dojo a few years ago. This has never been mentioned until now. Sensei Green also taught the first girl to do the same as well. Sensei Green instructed the first blind woman (Katie Whipple) to win a medal in U.S. Karate history. She won gold in the handicap however, she won silver in the non-disabled division and no one was told she was blind in this particular division. You can see her qualify and compete on our You Tube Channel. The very first upload on our channel of this woman qualifing at the 2012 U.S. Karate Nationals. The second upload is of her competing and then finally winning the silver in the 18-34 women's beginner kata division. 2012 to present - Sensei Green taught the first person with autism to be on the U.S. Karate Team and his name is Ryan Rogers. He became a member in 2016 and has competed in WKF world karate championships and two PKF International Championships and has brought back medals both International times. He won silver in Curacao in 2017 and bronze in March of 2019 in Panama. Back in 2012, the same time as Katie Whipple. Ryan won silver (kumite) and bronze (kata) in the 18-34 men's novice division. He won bronze again, this time in kumite and in November 2013, Ryan was diagnosed with autism. Ryan is a 4 time USANKF National Champion, a black belt, and a very active instructor at Green's Karate. The story wouldn't be a story without mentioning Joel Westbrook. This recently turned 13 year old has won 18 consecutive straight gold medals in his wheelchair and has won 3 International Championships (Junior Cup and 2 U.S. Open's) and 3 USANKF National Championships. He is an avid baseball player with The "Miracle League" and has support from several MLB players as well. Joel's dream is to represent the U.S. Karate Team in 2025 when he turns 18. His last win was when he performed a black belt kata called "Kusanku Dai" that has 72 moves. Joel has set the bar so high that he is the best America has in Junior para level for performing his katas in a wheelchair. He is simply, the best America has to offer! Last student, but not certainly least is a student that will also win your heart. Daniel Geer was not going to be able to attend the 2017 Nationals due to a setback,but a local business person stepped in and paid for this young man to compete. Daniel won the gold medal in the disabled division (autism) and won the heart of the Green's Karate team that very moment and some fans as well. This was a golden opportunity that many with special needs have worked hard, in various ways, to make it to the National level (highest possible for Karate in the United States is the USANKF) for traditional and sport karate but he was fortunate to go because of one business owners giving spirit. Green's Karate has been recommended by Siskin's Children Institute and T.C. Thompson's Children hospital since 2003, by Signal Centers since 2007, and many other facilities around Chattanooga for the remainder of the time we have been established. Many professionals know our work but not all of the people of the area of Chattanooga do. Now you know our story, but that's not the entire story. To learn how Sensei Green's passion to help those less fortunate came to fruition, go to our You Tube Channel (Green's Karate) and watch the "Fighting Autism" trailer. This documentary film will eventually be released and when it is, you can say you knew about Green's Karate and their instructors "before" the docutmentary film. Sensei Green has personally work with many students with a wide variety of special needs including: A.D.H.D. (A.D.D. as well both in extreme cases. Most are mild and managing behavior and directing extra energy in constructive activities helps these students most), Autism (Low, middle, and high functioning formally known as Aspergers), Down Syndrome, Costello Syndrome, Kabuki Syndrome, P.D.D.-N.O.S., Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Wheelchair bound, and many other lesser known special needs. However, without the help of the staff of instructors and parents at Green's Karate, none of this work would have been possible. It does take a team to grow from one level to the next and the team of instructors are great teachers and work very well with the students.
  • What is the difference between Karate and other styles of martial arts?
    Karate is a Japanese/Okinawan martial art system that has over 220 different types of karate. There are 4 major karate styles that derived from Okinawa. These 4 styles also have different versions of each style. One has 13 versions and another has 35. Karate is much more complex in nature than other martial arts styles. Karate, Judo, Kendo, Kenpo, Ju-Jitsu, Sumo, Ninjitsu, Aikado, and Iiado (Katana) all originated in Japan. Kung Fu is Chinese and Tae Kwon Do is Korean. To learn if you are in a real traditional school of martial arts. Simply listen to how they count in class and what uniform they are wearing. If you are in a school that counts in English, then you are most likely not in a traditional martial arts school. The karate uniform is traditonally white to show cleanliness and purity. The top crosses over and the two strings on either side are tied. The Tae Kwon Do uniform is a pull over shirt with a black "V" neck trim. The Kung Fu uniform has buttons down the front and is usually made of 50% cotton and 50% silk or 100% silk. And... To learn more, pick up Sensei Green's first book, a childrens book titled, "Finding Karate," Published and written in 2013, this book is to educate the reader about the difference between the styles of martial arts and address bullying. Just so you know, Chattanooga is referenced in other ways in the book that only people that live in Chattanooga would understand. You can find this book at Amazon.com or B&N.com or at Green's Karate. You could also "google the question," What is the difference between karate and Kung Fu or Brazilian Ju-Jitsu or Tae Kwon Do and educate yourself further before making your decision on what type of martial art you want to train in.
  • Where are you located?
    5319 Ringgold Road Suite "G" East Ridge, TN 37412. We are next to the Christian Book Store. Directly across the street from the newly designed Southern Honda MotorSports. Look for our blue "Karate" sign.
  • What should I wear for my first class?
    It is always best to wear something comfortable that you can move around in freely. Sweats and a t-shirt is the most common. You can wear shorts if you prefer.
  • Do you offer a special?
    Yes, we do and you can find it on our website under "Specials." We change our offer from time to time. Currently we offer a month of lessons (eight sessions) plus a uniform (top, bottom, and belt) and hand gear for $99.00. We can email you an invoice that you pay, at your convenience, securely online. You can also pay for this class by booking with us. Any questions? Email us at greenskarate@gmail.com or call or text us at 423-405-3656.
  • Can I or we try a class for free?
    Always! You can try any group class for free regardless which karate class it is. We also offer an introductory lesson (for 1 on 1) $19.99. This is a 40 minute private or semi private (same family or close friends) to introduce any that is new to karate or martial arts.
  • What can I expect from my first lesson?
    This question can vary depending upon which class the student is entering. If it is a beginner class, the student will be introduced into basic entry level training that would consist of learning katas and bunkai. Combinations and Counter Attacks are a set part of our curriculum. There is self-defense taught in every class. There is a formality to our program where students would have to calm themselves before we start class (Saiza) then warming up and stretches. These warm ups vary depending upon class size, who we are teaching etc... Every class is tailored to who is in the class. No two classes are exactly the same however there is a strong consistency on the material that is required for us to adhere to worldwide standards. Most importantly, we are a club member of the Kenwa Kai International Assocation and the Nihon Karate Do Kenwa Kai and therefore have to teach a high standard of guidelines and curriculum recognized by 9th Degree Black Belt and President of the Kenwa Kai International.
  • What does it mean to be "Certified Worldwide?""
    This is probably the most important question in terms of the quality of the training taught at Green's Karate. As an example, a VW (let's say German) employee might move to Chattanooga for a few years and the employee has children. The children enroll into Green's Karate and earn some belts. Each belt, yellow and above, comes with a diploma and their belt with their name on their belt in Japanese (Kanji and Katakana) and is certified through Japan through the Kenwa Kai International Association. This means that when a person moves back to Germany with the belt earned at Green's Karate. They will be able to walk into a karate school (Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, or Wado-Ryu) and maintain our belt and not have to start over as a white belt. This is very important unless you don't mind starting over. The lifelong martial artist doesn't mind starting over. The black belt will eventually turn white to remind the practictioner to remain humble and remember their humble beginnings.
  • What type of karate do you teach?
    We teach Shito-Ryu Karate. Shito-Ryu is one of the four major styles from Japan and one of 7 styles that will be represented in the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo in August 2020.
  • When are the classes?
    Beginner Classes - Mondays at 5:30p, Tuesdays at 5:30p, Wednesdays at 6:30p Thursdays at 5:30p, and Saturdays at 11:30a. ​ Little Dragons Classes - Mondays at 4:50p and Saturdays at 11:00a. Mommy/Daddy and Me 2 or 3 - Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:15p. Fridays at 4:30p ​ Intermediate Classes - Tuesdays at 6:10p, Wednesdays at 4:45p, Fridays at 5:15p, and Saturdays at 12:30p. ​ Advanced Classes - Mondays at 6:25p and Thursdays at 6:25p ​ Teen/Adult Classes - Mondays at 12:00p or 7:20p, Tuesdays at 7:10p, Wednesdays at 12:00p, Thursdays at 7:20p, Fridays at 6:10p, and Saturdays at 12:30p. ​ Weapons Class - Wednesdays at 5:35p. ​ Home School Classes - Mondays at 1:00p. ​ Special needs class - Tuesdays at 4:00p.
  • When will the next session start?
    We implimented our tryout sessions and these Free classes are offered every two weeks. Please see the main page of our website for more information.
  • Does my child have to compete?
    No, we encourage students to go and watch their first tournament if they are unsure about what competition is all about. We have several hundred students that have competed over our 20 year history with around 350 Regional and State Champions. We have over 45 USANKF National Champions and medalists and we started competing at the National level in 2006 and at the world level ten years later.
  • Can parents train with their children?
    This is a great question and the answer is almost always "Yes!" When it wouldn't be as possible was if your child was enrolled in the Little Dragons or the Special needs classes. We recently started a Mommy and Me 2 or 3 and a Daddy and Me 2 or 3 class. These groups of children are often easily distracted so keeping their attention is ideal! However, in the beginner classes we have had a plethora of parents do karate with their children. The only class where parents do not train with their child is when they are 4 or 5 in the Little Dragons Class. This class is designed to foster some indepedance away from the parent. Many parents become involved for the connection and bonding with their child that you cannot often receive in all other sporting activities. We have some families simply train for the art while others do the same and branch out to competing. There are also the families that take karate for the life long benefit and self-defense is always the central focus other than improving one's self. A family oriented traditional karate school with traditional family values.
  • Do you teach any thing other than Karate?
    Yes, we are a martial arts school that chose Karate is our base martial art. We also teach how to roll correctly, break fall, and then instill Judo into our students grappling art. We do not certify anyone in the art of Judo but incorporate many throws into our kumite drills for sparring. Sensei Green trained overall in 9 styles of martial arts and spent several years in wrestling and was introduced into Ju-Jitsu when he served in the Army in the early 2000's. Green's experience in a variety of stand up styles such as Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Aikado, and Muay Thai transcends into the classes seemlessly. Bruce Lee always said to take what is useful and disregard what is not. Green has taken the best of these styles and incorporated them into the instruction and training methods. Yes, the core style we teach is Traditional Karate style called "Shito-Ryu", but we offer so much more the students don't expect until they train with us ad learn about what we. Fun Fact: Several years ago, Green was asked by the film department of Chattanooga State to work with 5 actors on a project filmed named "Nooga Foo." Over 3 months, Green proceeded to each actor. One actor was learning Judo, one was learning karate, one was learning wrestling, one was learning to fight with weapons, and the final actor was being trained in the art of Muay Thai." Sadly, the film never made it to filming and production. It is still shelved to this day!
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