Gairinkai
Free class

Getting Started

Karate for beginners in Curitiba.

At Gairinkai, you can start karate today — even if you've never set foot on a mat. The first class is on the dojo, Downtown Curitiba, and training is shaped to your real condition: age, build and starting point.

You don't need anything to start

Gairinkai welcomes beginners into any class, without grouping them into a separate group. This lets new students learn alongside more experienced practitioners — not as an audience, but as part of the training. No prior fitness is required, no martial arts experience, no equipment. Day one is literally with what you already have at home: comfortable clothes and willingness.

What the first class is like

You arrive about 10 minutes early and are welcomed by Sensei Joetsu Narita or one of the more senior students. You take your shoes off at the edge of the mat. You stand wherever there's comfortable space in the lineup. The standard class has three blocks:

  1. Rei (礼) — the opening ceremony. A respectful bow that sets the tone for what's to come. It's quick and simple — you watch and copy.
  2. Kihon — the basics: stances (zenkutsu-dachi, shiko-dachi), footwork, simple hand techniques (tsuki) and kicks (geri). The sensei adjusts what makes sense for your level.
  3. Kata / bunkai — a coded sequence of techniques. Beginners usually observe or perform simplified versions while the rest of the class practices more advanced forms.

The class closes with a closing rei and a brief conversation. If your first class is on Tuesday or Thursday, it lasts about an hour (7:30–8:30 PM). On Saturdays, two hours (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) — with more room for theoretical explanations.

What to expect after the first class

If you decide to continue, you'll buy a gi (the uniform) — the sensei gives practical guidance on the day. It's not an expensive item and there's no pressure toward specific brands. From there, you start progressing through the Goju Ryu belt system, at your own pace, with no comparison to classmates.

Gairinkai is affiliated with the Brazilian Karate Confederation (CBK), the Paraná Karate Federation (FPrK) and Seigokan Brazil — which means your gradings have formal recognition should you ever want to take part in official exams or events. But the dojo's focus is not competition: it's complete formation. You are not required to compete to progress here.

How to book the trial class

Just send a message on WhatsApp at (41) 99733-0589 saying you'd like to book a free trial class. We'll confirm the best day and time for your visit.

The address is Rua Saldanha Marinho, 76 — Room 03, Downtown Curitiba, a few steps from the pedestrian mall, with easy access by public transport.

Aula experimental grátis

(41) 99733-0589