What kind of martial art does the UKS teach? The UKS teaches karate, an external (hard) style employing kicks, blocks and punches. The founder has black belts in Goju, a Japanese style, and Chung Do Kwan, a form of Tae Kwan Do. The most effective techniques from each style have been assimilated into the American eclectic style that is the UKS. How do you get a black belt? All students begin as white belts and progress through the ranks of yellow, green, purple and brown. Black belt testing is done after a semester of training with the chief instructor of the school. Black belts are registered with the American Karate Association (AKA) and undergo a vigorous testing to achieve their rank. The United Karate System allows students to test to black at age 16 (15 with special permission of the UKS Board). A student may attain their black belt in slightly less than 4 years. Aren't I too (old, inflexible, heavy, skinny, etc.) to learn karate? The answer to all those questions is NO! Our students range in age from 8 to 50+. Any physical limitation can be overcome or accommodated. The only real limitations are those in your mind. When would I learn to fight? Sparring (fighting) begins in the intermediate class. Students begin by learning control, distance and technique drills. Once they have reached a certain level of proficiency, they move on to free sparring. All sparring begins with light contact with no techniques to the face, back or joints. Face contact is allowed only in the black and brown ranks. What about weapons? All students green belt and above learn the jo, or short staff. Students may also learn forms with other weapons such as samurai sword, nunchaku, sai, tonfa and bo staff. Does karate really work for self defense? Yes. All the techniques you will learn can be used in a self defense situation. All students are required at the green belt level and above to perform self defense demonstrations. Those of lower ranks are taught a wide variety of self defense maneuvers to deal with many situations. Can I just come watch a class? Absolutely! Come watch and ask the students and instructors all the questions you want. Class locations and schedules can be found on the individual school's page. If you have questions not answered here, email a black belt at dschuma@bgnet.bgsu.edu.