Deciding to embark on the journey of learning karate is a significant commitment, one that warrants careful consideration and thorough research. Karate, an ancient martial art originating from the Ryukyu Kingdom (now known as Okinawa, Japan), presents a myriad of complexities and intricacies that cannot be fully appreciated without the guidance of a skilled instructor. As such, the selection of the right karate class and instructor is instrumental to your progress, experience, and overall satisfaction. To assist you in this endeavor, we present a comprehensive guide on the pertinent questions to ask your prospective karate instructor.

Firstly, one should inquire about the instructor's experience and qualifications. Experience, in terms of years, is a simplistic and yet misleading metric. Martial arts, including karate, are founded upon the principles of continuous learning and improvement. A practitioner with fewer years of experience but a more diverse training background can potentially offer more comprehensive teachings. Therefore, ask about the instructor's lineage - the chain of masters they have trained under and the styles they are proficient in. By correlating this with the history of karate, you can gauge the depth and breadth of their karate knowledge.

Secondly, in the context of karate, there are four main styles - Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu, Shotokan, and Wado Ryu. Each style exhibits different emphases such as speed, strength, fluidity, and precision. Understand your personal inclinations and ask your instructor about the style they teach and why it might be suitable for you. This helps to align your personal goals with the class offerings.

Equally, the instructor's teaching philosophy is paramount. Are the classes more competition-centric or do they focus on the traditional aspects of karate such as self-discipline, respect, and self-defense? A study in behavioural economics suggests that alignment of goals fosters increased satisfaction and commitment, hence determining the teaching philosophy can enhance your learning experience.

The logistics of the classes should not be overlooked. Ask about the class schedule and size. From the lens of Social Impact Theory, a smaller class size can lead to greater social influence and enhanced learning. Additionally, you might want to consider the location and time of the classes, ensuring that they fit seamlessly into your daily routine thus preventing unnecessary stress or inconvenience.

The use of technology in karate training is an emerging trend. High-speed cameras for motion analysis, wearable technology for performance tracking, and virtual reality for scenario training are some examples. However, the implementation of technology, as discussed in the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, can be double-edged. Therefore, ask about the technologies used in class and consider their added value and potential drawbacks.

Last but not least, the cost should be examined. While it might be tempting to correlate price with quality, this is often a cognitive bias known as the 'price-quality heuristic'. Instead, consider the cost in terms of the value proposition the class offers.

Remember, choosing a karate class is an exercise in matchmaking - it needs to meet your needs, fit your personality, and align with your objectives. Through these questions, you will be equipped to make an informed decision, maximizing the potential benefits of your karate journey. In the words of the famous karate master Gichin Funakoshi, "The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants." Hence, choose wisely.