Getting Started With Karate at Culture of Safety

If you or your child wants to get started with karate at Culture of Safety, it’s easy!  We have two main ways to start classes: Rolling admission (all ages, all programs) and Beginners Series (Adult & Teens program, ages 13+).

Either way, you’re always welcome to take a free trial class before signing up.   If you’re registering for a Beginners’ Series, you can choose to either sign up after the first class, or take a free trial before the series begins.

Learn more about Karate classes for Kids 

Learn more about Karate for Adults & Teens

Small Business Saturday Open House 2025

On Saturday, November 29th, we’re celebrating Small Business Saturday with an Open House!

Rolling Admission (all programs, all ages)

• Instant (or at least quick) gratification!   You can start karate now! See the full schedule for specific class times based on your (or your child’s) age.
• More Individual Attention  Because you or your child may be one of the only beginners in the class, you’ll have the benefit of more individual attention.

Beginners’ Series (Adult & Teen classes only)

• There’s safety in numbers: It can feel hard to be the only new person in a group.  The Beginners’ Series means you’ll start with a cohort
• Included uniform:  The Beginners’ Series includes a free uniform
• Time to Plan:  By signing up in advance for the Beginners’ Series, you give yourself the opportunity to have something coming up to look forward to!

How to Get Started

Step 1:  Schedule your free trial class!

The first step is to schedule your free trial class by reaching out to us via the web (below), or phone/text (847-790-4226). We’ll reserve you a spot in our classes, and we’ll send you a reminder the day before.

Step 2: Take your first class

On the day of your free trial, we’ll ask you to arrive a few minutes early to get a tour of the space and fill out some paperwork.  We’ll also introduce you or your child to some of the other students.  Class starts when the gong rings.  Students line up by rank (on your first day, a new student stands on the far left), and then do a short seated meditation and a series of bows showing respect to the space, teachers, and students.

Class starts with a warmup.  On the first day, new students are introduced to basic punches, kicks, blocks, and karate stances.

At the end of class, students line up by rank again and bow out.  The bowing we do in karate is a traditional Japanese way of showing respect.

Step 3: Sign up in person after your class

At the end of the first class, one of the head instructors will speak to you and see if you’d like to join our dojo (karate school).   If you’re ready to sign up, great!  You’ll choose your payment tier, get fitted for a uniform, and receive your welcome packet.  If you’d like to go home and think about it, that’s fine too.  We’ll reach out in the next few days over email to check in.

What makes Karate at Culture of Safety Different?

Our karate classes for kids focus first on the kids, then on the karate.  At Culture of Safety Dojo and Wellness Center, we know that each child comes to us with their own unique strengths and challenges. Our classes are all neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+-affirming.  Learn more about our Kids karate program.

Our Adults & Teens program prioritizes making karate accessible for every body.  As part of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity, we teach from a body-positive, trans-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-aware perspective. Learn more about our Adult & Teen karate program.