Before a typical class, students will be seen on the floor stretching or perhaps practicing a form or drilling a sparring technique with a partner. At the start of class, the instructor will call students to line-up and then direct them through a short sitting meditation--the goal of which is to focus the mind and ready it for learning.
The physical part of class begins with some basic warm up moves to get the heart rate up. After the muscles are warmed, the instructor will lead the class through a short stretch to loosen the body, after which you can take a short break to get some water.
Upon returning, the class will then group back up to work on the core material for the day. Depending on the day this can include, kata (traditional forms), self-defense techniques with partners, drills on bags and targets, free-sparring, and more.
Classes will end with a closing meditation and bow, and often a short discussion or lesson that will involve the whole class. Children's classes will often play fun karate games at this point as well.
Classes are traditional in feel, but no one is going to bark orders at you. The environment is relaxed, fun, safe, and non-embarrassing. You will find your instructor and fellow class-mates to be very supportive and friendly people. Many people equate training with us to belonging to an extended family.
The martial arts are one of Okinawa's greatest secrets and are one of the ingredients as to why the Okinawan people are among the longest lived and healthiest in the world. The 
The system of Karate that is taught at the Zen Martial Arts Center is Isshinryu. Isshinryu is known as a very practical karate system that includes punching, kicking, and grappling elements. The founder of Isshinryu Karate removed many less-than-practical elements such as the deep, slow stances that you may see in other martial arts.