Beginner answers are aimed at visitors 
who are considering martial arts training, but have not yet begun.

Advanced answers are provided by Kaicho Palais 
with a view towards visitors who have already studied another martial art.


Why should I consider taking KiToshaKai?

Beginner
KiToshaKai is a new form of martial art which sounds complicated but is easy to learn because of the structure and great teaching.  Although it reflects elements of Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwon-Do, Kickboxing, Pankration, Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Shoot-Fighting and Arnis, KiToshaKai strives to mix the elements that Kaicho Palais feels work well to create a synthesis of the hard and soft elements of these other arts.  We cover weaponry and 'empty- hand' techniques and applications.  To read a more in depth discussion of the KiToshaKai philosophy, click here.

Advanced
KiToshaKai is an all encompassing Martial Art. The KiToshaKai student can adapt to any type of self-defense situation, regardless of the studentís physical stature. All classes are taught by Internationally Certified Instructors providing a safe and efficient learning environment with regard to stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular exercise and combative realism.

What are some of the benefits of taking KiToshaKai?

Beginner
In a nutshell, fitness- participants get in better shape, feel more confident when faced with stressful situations - both physical and mental, better balance, and self-discipline. For children, establishing some of this structure and self-discipline early on can be quite beneficial.

Advanced
The physical fitness and self-defense benefits are fantastic, however it is the KiToshaKai Student's ability to translate the theories learned in class to the daily world that allows for greater harmony in the family, business and relating with others.

Who is Kaicho Palais and what inspired him to create KiToshaKai?
Kaicho Palais is an International Martial Arts Champion, Umpire, Coach, Instructor and Author with more than 40 years experience and the highest credentials and honors possible. Has been inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame and the World Karate Union Hall Of Fame. He holds advanced black belt ranks in numerous styles. 10th Dan KiToshaKai, 8th Dan Jujitsu, and 5th Dan TaeKwon-Do. Kaicho Palais created KiToshaKai due to a lack of realism and excess of guaranteed promotions (belt factories) being perpetrated by the great majority of Instructors and Associations that are misleading the general public.

What famous teachers did Kaicho Palais learn from?
Kaicho Palais has learned directly from the Founders of the most prolific Martial Arts in existence including: 

Grandmaster HWANG, Kwang-Sung (Hwang Do Kwan). Captain of the Korean Tiger Division during the Vietnam War.
General CHOI, Hong-Hi; (Chang-Hun Ryu). Founder of Taekwon-Do
Professor PRESAS, Remy; (Arnis/Kobudo). Founder of Modern Arnis.
Dr. POWELL, Moses; (Sanuces-Ryu JuJitsu's Founder). Founder of Eye-To-Eye System.

I have no prior experience in martial arts- can I take KiToshaKai?

Beginner
Come on down.  We have members of all ability and experience levels.

Advanced
Absolutely. KiToshaKai Affiliated Schools have ongoing programs with students of all levels of experience and ability, ranging from first time beginners to Master Instructors, and from novice competitors to World Champions. Special International Seminars are conducted regularly for Black Belts and Instructors all over the World so as to maintain the highest technical standards possible.

What are the costs likely to be?
Costs vary according to the geographical location, group vs. private training age-group of the student(s), and the level of the Instructor.  Please ask the individual schools. The first class for a trial basis is free.

How long before I can see the benefits?

Beginner
It takes time and effort. Hard techniques come easily, for me, but the soft techniques can be more difficult to understand.  With great teaching they become effective straight away for self defense!
 
Advanced
As in any endeavor, that depends on any number of variables, but some of our students have felt better able to defend themselves after only one class.

I am quite small, is it really possible for me to defend myself against much larger individuals?

Beginner
Sometimes you will have an advantage (low stick fighting shots). At other times it doesn't matter how big they are, with joint locks they either go down or they break their own arm/wrist/fingers -nasty stuff.

Advanced
The answer is YES. KiToshaKai teaches you how to merge with the opponent(s) (think physics), evading their attack, while adding force to your counter-attack and repositioning at an optimal angle for follow up techniques if necessary.