Frequently Asked Questions for Students and Parents

Over the years, we've found that students consistently ask the same questions, so we've created this F.A.Q. to address the most common ones. If you have questions you do not see listed here, please do not hesitate to ask. We're here to help.

Click any question to display the answer.

  1. White
  2. Yellow
  3. Orange
  4. Purple
  5. Blue
  1. Green
  2. Brown III
  3. Brown II
  4. Brown I
  5. Black (1-10)

(All children under the age of seven receive ½ belts in between full belts)

Answer: Once you have the requisite number of stripes for your belt, one of the instructors will notify you that you are ready to test for promotion. If you are not sure whether or not you are ready, please speak to one of the instructors.

Answer: This belt signifies an instructor who has attained the rank of brown belt, and has shown exceptional physical and teaching abilities. The Sempai (assistant) is not a black belt, but is in training for one.

Answer: All black belts that teach are referred to as “Sensei” (sen-say.) However, just because a student is a black belt does not mean they are a Sensei. That is a separate promotion. 1st-3rd degree black belt instructors are referred to as “Sensei,” 4th-6th degree black belts are referred to as “Renshi.”

Answer: At Busto’s Karate, we have a variety of training curricula. You can stay on the regular path and achieve your goals, but if you or your child want to be challenged more, ask one of the instructors and they will let you know if now is the right time to augment your training.

Answer: We recommend two to three times per week. In the first class, you will work on a particular move or skill. In the following class, you will work to earn your stripe. After achieving a certain number of stripes, you will then be ready to test for your next belt.

Answer: At Busto’s Karate, making sure that each and every student gets the right amount of attention is our goal. Every class has a minimum of three instructors or assistants, resulting in a great instructor/student ratio.

Answer: The curriculum we follow is called Kenpo Karate. Kenpo Karate is a mixture of Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan, American and Hawaiian styles. It uses hard & soft techniques as well as a mixture of flow to incorporate an explosive barrage of blocking, striking, kicking and punching.

Answer: We have "Tiny Tigers" as young as 2½ years old. Once they finish potty training, they are ready for martial art training!

Answer: Yes, yes and yes! In fact, Sensei Matt Federico’s wife, Sensei Alli Federico, is a black belt in Kenpo karate herself. A large portion of the students at Busto’s are confident and amazing girls and women.