Commonly asked questions
We don’t publish our full class schedule online because every new student begins with an introductory appointment. This allows us to understand your goals, answer your questions, and recommend the most suitable program before you join a class. It’s a more personal approach and helps ensure every student starts with confidence.
Yes. Students wear the official Coastal Martial Arts & Fitness uniform to create a professional training environment and build team spirit. If you’re attending an introductory appointment, comfortable exercise clothing is perfectly fine.
Absolutely. Classes are tailored for age and experience. Safety is always our first priority, with blunt training tools used for all weapons training and safety gear for sparring. All available here from our store.
Yes. Shihan Dave served 12 years in the Royal Australian Navy so we understand military service and proudly support military families with discounts and also provide reduced rates for families training together.
No, and Yes — When you join with us you can cancel any time. We don’t tie you up in a long-term contract. We do hope though that you enjoy our classes enough to stay a long time and get real benefit from your training.
Yes — We do. We call it Dragonites. Dragonites is a special program for 5, 6, 7 & 8 year olds.
The best age to start martial arts is the age you are right now.
Whether you’re looking for a confidence-building activity for your five-year-old, a challenging program for a teenager, or you’re an adult wanting to improve your fitness, learn practical self-defense, or simply try something new, it’s never too early or too late to begin.
At Coastal Martial Arts & Fitness, we offer age-appropriate programs for students from 5 years old to well into their 80s, because martial arts is a lifelong journey, not just a childhood activity.
Want to know why? Read our blog article, “What Is the Best Age to Start Martial Arts?”, where we explain how the right program changes with you at every stage of life.
Kempo is a style of karate. The word Kempo (sometimes spelled Kenpo) comes from the Japanese characters 拳法, which literally translate as “fist method” or “law of the fist.” Both spellings are correct, although different martial arts lineages have adopted different conventions over time.
While “karate” is a broad term covering many different styles, Kempo is known for its emphasis on practical self-defense, flowing combinations, and adapting techniques to real-world situations.
At Coastal Martial Arts & Fitness, we teach Kaigan Bujutsu Kempo Karate, a modern Kempo system founded in Australia in 2011. Built upon the traditions of Loong Chi Do Goshu Kempo, our curriculum preserves the values of respect, discipline, and continuous improvement while refining the system for today’s students.
So, if you’re searching for karate classes in Fort Walton Beach, you’re in the right place. Our Kempo Karate program combines the character-building traditions of karate with practical self-defense for modern life.
For students who train consistently, our curriculum is designed to take approximately four years to reach the level of Black Belt. However, everyone progresses at their own pace.
At Coastal Martial Arts & Fitness, belts are earned, not given. Advancement is based on developing the skills, knowledge, character, and attitude expected at each rank, not simply the amount of time spent training.
We believe a Black Belt isn’t the end of the journey. It’s the foundation for a lifetime of learning and personal growth.
Absolutely. Most of our students begin with no previous martial arts experience, and many haven’t exercised regularly for years.
You don’t need to get fit before you start. Martial arts is what helps you become fitter, stronger, more confident, and more capable over time. Our instructors will meet you at your current ability and help you progress at a pace that’s right for you.
The hardest part is simply walking through the door. We’ll help with everything after that.