Joining Uechi of Maryland

Visiting

We welcome visits from people new to the martial arts, and those with experience in all styles of Karate-do and other arts. As a courtesy, please contact us before visiting.

Are we right for you?

We strongly recommend that serious prospective students try the classes for two weeks to see if what we do is right for you.

What ages will you take students?

Women, men and teens aged 13 years and up are welcome; there is no upper age limit. 

How fit must I be to study Uechi-Ryu?

Fitness and health are relative terms.  In general, one should be in reasonably good health to take this on; and of course, the more fit you are the better.   There are minimum performance standards for each rank, but these are achievable to most normal individuals with the desire to do so.   Your motivation and drive are the key determinants of your success.  Your most important progress is gauged against yourself (the toughest opponent you will ever face) and not against the progress of others. 

How much does it cost?

Prior to committing to becoming a member, we invite potential students to join us for approximately two weeks with no fee, so that you can determine if we have the right environment for you.

Rik Lostritto teaches karate-do for the love of the art, and to share the art. We are not a commercial dojo, and do not have contracts: dues are on monthly a pay-as-you go basis.

Currently, dues are $50/month for Uechi-ryu karate-do. Adding Kobudo is $20/month additional; adding Aikido is $20/month additional. Please understand that these are memberships, payable whether you attend a specific number of classes or not, not fees for individual classes.

Additionally, rank promotions starting with yonkyu (green belt) are registered with the Kenyukai Karate Association, and there is a fee charged by the association for each promotion.

Do I need a special uniform?

If you are new to the martial arts, we recommend that you wear any loose-fitting clothing appropriate for exercise, such as sweat pants and a t-shirt. No shoes are required (we normally practice barefoot).

You should plan on removing any jewelry (especially ear rings) and watches so that they do become a safety issues.

Once you have practiced for a while, you should plan on getting a gi—the traditional pajama-like martial arts uniform. These are available from many sources for reasonable prices.

Allergies

Our classes are taught in a private home, where two cats and a dalmation dog live.  While these pets do not usually spend time in dojo area, they are in the house.  If you have strong allergies to cats or dogs, please consider carefully whether our training environment will be workable for you.

Of course, you are always welcome to visit to see how you react.

How Do I Get Started?

Please contact us to get directions to the dojo, and information on the ettiquette of entering the dojo—because our classes are taught in a private home, we do not publish the exact address on the web.

Then, simply come to some classes, observe and participate. If you feel our style is right for you, just let Rik Lostritto know that you would like to continue studying as a member.