FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are you currently accepting new students? 

Yes! We are currently acceptinf students from all age ranges (starting at age 5). If interested, please fill out this form. Alternatively, you can send us an email at arroyos.karate@gmail.com or stop by one of our classes to speak directly with one of our O'Senseis. 

How does registration work? 

Prior to registering for classes you will be asked to come visit the dojo (anyone under 18 should be accompanied with a legal guardian) and observe 1-2 classes. We do this because we are really passionate about what we do and what we have built! By experiencing it first hand you'll come to realize that this is unlike any other dojo you've seen. We want to make sure this is will be a good fit for everyone and we understand that it won't always be. During these visits you'll observe and also have an opportunity to meet the O'Senseis, other black belts, students and families, get more information and ask any questions you have. 

How old (or young!) do students need to be to take class? 

We take students as young as 5. On rare occasions we consider taking students as early as 3.5. There is no age-cap. One of our most beloved students stepped foot into our dojo for the first time when she was in her 80s! 

How are classes structured? 

All students bow into class together, typically bow out together. After warming up as a group and reviewing basics, we typically split up into smaller groups by rank (beginner, intermediate, and advance and age, needed). The focus of class varies from week to week, with some classes focusing more on fundamentals and discipline, kicking and whole body movements, katas and weapons training, or introduction to new curriculum. 

When and where are classes? 

Currenly, we train on Friday evenings at the Hernandez School in Roxbury from 6:00PM - 7:30PM. On Saturdays, we train at the English High School track from 10:00AM - 12:00PM. 

What do I wear to class? 

Something comfortable that allows for complete body movement and the coverage necessary for your comfort. In our dojo, you need to earn your Gi (uniform) and Obi (belt). This typically happens 1 - 2 months after your begin your Gotan Ryu journey. 

Are O'Sensei Eugenia and O'Sensei Vicky the only ones running the program? 

Not at all! We have an amazing team of black belts (and advance belts!) playing a crucial role in everything we do. Without our team, we would not be here today. Check out our Our Black Belts page to learn more about who they are! 

Is this Kyoshi Paterson's karate school? 

Yes, and not quite.  Arroyo's Program is a proud part of East Coast School of Combined Martial Arts, which is led by Kyoshi Paterson. We call ourselves "Sister Schools"- one big East Coast family training in the art of Gotan Ryu. However, Arroyo's Program is ran by O'Sensei Eugenia and O'Sensei Vicky Arroyo from a separate dojo. Though Kyoshi's teachings are passed down to students in the Arroyo's Program, he does not provide direct instruction to our students. Operations and logistics at both dojos run independently of each other. We proudly represent and honor our beginnings and the larger family we belong to, and also take great pride and credit in what we have created as a separate dojo. As does Kyoshi himself! For more info, check out our About Us page! 

I used to train in another system/school and am a _____ belt. If I start training here, can I wear my belt? 

We have really enjoyed training students from other styles and dojos! It creates an amazing opportunity for growth on all ends. And, when you step into our dojo, you become students beginning your Gotan Ryu journey which means you will go through the same process as any other beginner to Gotan Ryu. If you have prior Gotan Ryu training from any other dojo, we will discuss with Kyoshi to create a plan for you to earn your belt back.