FAQ

Shoshin Karate is a martial arts school dedicated to the traditional art of Okinawan Karate and is based upon 5 foundation principles represented by each segment of the Dojo Kamon: Physical, Social, Mental, Spiritual, and Lineage. The mission of Shoshin Karate is to guide each of our students to reach the highest level of individual performance in both Karate (open hand) and Kobudō (weapons). Through the use of our traditional curriculum, we strive to enhance our students ability, knowledge, and spirit in the martial arts. ​ On February 1st of 2018, Kyoshi Ross Elia (7th dan), Shihan Andrew Ballato (6th dan), Sensei Michael (Mike) Spadoni (4th dan), and Senpai Francis (Frank) Fleury (3rd dan) assumed the leadership of US Budokai Karate of Albany (USBKA) from their long time instructor, Hanshi William Reid (9th dan). Having begun their training under Hanshi Reid in 1980 and 1986 respectively, Kyoshi Ross and Shihan Andrew are the chief instructors of Shoshin Karate, guiding the growth of knowledge and execution in the art. Sensei Mike, a 15 year martial artist, continues to grow our Kobudō and Tiny Tigers program. Senpai Frank, with 14 years of training, introduces all of our new students to the art through the new student introductory program. The four owner-instructors who represent Shoshin Karate have over 100 years of martial arts training and instruction. Founded on February 1st, 2022, Shoshin Karate has evolved directly from the foundation of US Budokai Karate of Albany. USBKA was founded in 1987 by Hanshi Reid who had previously served as owner and Chief Instructor of Albany Seido Karate, one of the largest branches of the World Seido Karate Organization. The World Seido Karate Organization is based in New York City and was founded in 1976 by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura (9th dan) who had trained under Master Mas Oyama in Japan. In 1969, Kaicho Nakamura brought Kyokushinkai Karate to America which evolved into what is now the World Seido Karate Organization.

No, you will get into shape as you train. Karate is one of those things in life where you get out of it exactly what you put into it. If you work hard and train hard you will see results. If you show up once a week to check off a box your results simply will not materialize.

In Budokai Karate, it takes approximately 4-5 years to reach black belt. Karate is very much a "you get what you put in" type of activity. The more active you are and the more you train the more proficent you will become.

No, there is no age limit to begin martial arts training. Shoshin Karate regularly has students start from grade school and beyond. Shoshin Karate is a practical and effective martial art that can practiced at any stage of life. The only age restriction we currently have is our Tiny Tiger program starts at 5 years old and our Junior program starts at 6/7 (depending on the childs development).

Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art that focuses primarily on kicking techniques. Some Tae Kwon Do schools also teach Olympic style fighting. Karate is a practical self defense system which trains the student for modern day self defense encounters. Karate students are taught to use their hands and feet with multiple strikes to multiple targets on each attacker, in a multiple attack situation. Karate can be taught in two ways, as a sport or as a self defense. Budokai believes in practical self defense utilizing traditional Okinawan and Japanese training.

At least two 1 hour classes are week are recommended, as is practicing at home. As you progress through the ranks, if you feel you need more 1:1 attention we offer 30 minute private lessons which can further help hone your skills. Home training is also encouraged and critical to progression.

No, that is an urban myth. Martial Artists are not required to register their hands.

No, the kobudo program is included in your tuition. The only additional cost should you decide that you want to continue training with weapons would be the black gi (uniform) that is worn in kobudo. You can try out the kobudo program for a month to see if it's right for you!