Frequently Asked Questions

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Our students are taught Order of Isshinryu Martial Arts through a well-rounded curriculum of Kata training, Kobudo (traditional Okinawan weapons), Chin-na (joint locks), Kyusho (pressure points), Chi Ryu Jiu Jitsu and Pain/Leverage Compliance techniques.

No, we welcome students of all levels and experience. Our classes are designed to accommodate beginners and advanced students alike. 

We teach our classes at the Ocean Pines Community Center, located 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. The Community Center is located in the North Gate of Ocean Pines.

We have 3x monthly class options. 1 Night a Week, $40*/$50 month - 2x Nights a Week: $60*/$70 month - 3 Nights a Week: $75*/$85 month.

No contracts required. Students are required to join the Order of Isshinryu Martial Arts after their 2nd month of training, annual dues are $25.

*Pricing for Ocean Pines Residents

Our classes are on Tuesday's, Thursday's & Friday's. We offer classes for kids age 7+, teenagers and Adults. 

TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Our kids class has Open Mat Training from 5pm to 5:30pm; Formal class from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. 

Intermediate kids & adult class is from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

FRIDAY

Class is 6pm to 7:30pm

When a student demonstrates that they have achieved a specified level of proficiency, a new colored belt or a stripe is awarded. This is an almost universal way that martial arts schools track their students’ progress. 

Evaluations are held periodically to determine whether a student has reached a higher level of understanding. This occurs when the instructor feels the student is ready, not according to a set time schedule.

Advancement to black belt is purely an individual matter and varies from person to person. It depends greatly on the amount of time the student gives to practicing. 

Most people want to progress as fast as possible and this is only natural, but remember this: Progression is not the belt that you wear around your waist, rather it is the knowledge that you possess and the ability you have to apply that learned knowledge. 

On average, it takes about 4-6 months of steady training to get to the next incremental level, and in total anywhere from 3-6 years to achieve a black belt. All students must meet the same standards for each level. Belts are not given, they are earned.

As a fraternal organization, members of an Order of Isshinryu dojo may train at any other member school provided they discuss it first with their Sensei.

Our class travels to other OIMA dojos on a regular basis. 

Every martial system has its own way of doing things, from how the class is conducted down to how basic movements are taught. 

We find that it is confusing for students who are learning a martial art for the first time to try to train in two different arts. We prefer that you choose one and earn your black belt, then diversify your training. This is something always best to talk with your instructor about,

Sensei Michael Nolen will supply you with a copy of the dojo rules and talk to you about etiquette while in the dojo. True warriors understand the importance and need for good manners and respect for themselves and others. Though some of the rules may at first seem strange to the new student, it should be remembered that these rules have been found to provide the best atmosphere in which to learn the way of Karate. Karate begins and ends with courtesy.