Frequently Asked Questions
Youth Classes
How many classes per week should my child attend?
We recommend two classes per week as a beginner, and three classes per week at higher ranks (green belt and above).
What does my child have to learn in order to test for his/her next belt?
Students learn various hand and kicking techniques as well as self-defense according to rank. For each belt, students also learn a different form (a combination of techniques designed to teach discipline and focus). Students' grades from school and parents' expectations of behavior are also considered.
How long will it take for my child to be ready for his/her next belt?
Depending on the requirements for the next belt, the student's effort put into each class, amount of practice outside of class, and the student's attendance, the amount of time from one belt to another will vary. All students progress at their own pace.
When will my child be ready to promote?
When he or she has reached the level of proficiency in each of the different areas of the martial arts (hand techniques, kicks, self-defense, forms) appropriate for the next rank.
How long will it take for my child to reach black belt?
In addition to the above explanation of the variability of promotion times, it is important to note that the journey to black belt is a challenging process. All students progress at their own pace, but consistent attendance, effort, and practice outside of class will decrease the amount of time necessary to reach any rank.
Why should I choose martial arts for my child instead of a popular sport, such as soccer or baseball, in which many of my child's friends are likely to be enrolled?
Unlike sports, the martial arts emphasizes self-improvement over competition with others, which can be very damaging to most children's self-esteem. Unlike team sports, students do not depend on the performance of others, thus teaching self reliance, a positive builder of character. Each student is in control of his or her progress, depending on effort and positive attitude.
Will my child compete with other children in class?
At higher ranks, children will participate in no-contact, and later, light-contact sparring, a sport-like application of martial arts skills. Sparring is used to improve eye-hand coordination, confidence, timing, coordination, and fitness. We do not keep score or participate in tournaments, because self-improvement is much more important than winning or losing.
Adult Classes
How many classes per week should I attend?
Similar to most suggestions for ideal fitness training, we recommend two or three classes per week for maximum retention of material and improvement of fitness.
What do I have to learn in order to test for my next belt?
Students learn various hand and kicking techniques as well as self-defense according to rank. For each belt, students also learn a different form (a combination of techniques designed to teach discipline and focus).
How long will it take for me to reach black belt?
In addition to the above explanation of the variability of promotion times, it is important to note that the journey to black belt is a challenging process. All students progress at their own pace, but consistent attendance, effort, and practice outside of class will decrease the amount of time necessary to reach any rank.
What is the difference between martial arts and martial sports?
Some styles of martial arts heavily emphasize the sport aspects of the arts, such as sparring, often with heavy contact. These styles tend to also emphasize competitive use of martial arts, such as tournaments or "the junior Olympics." Other styles, such as ours, emphasize the self-improvement and practical self-defense uses of the martial arts. Our students do not attend tournaments for this reason. Especially for children, competition can be extremely destructive to a students' self-esteem. While some children enjoy and can benefit from healthy competition, the vast majority find it difficult to bear defeat. It is impossible for everyone to win in a competitive environment, but everyone can win if the goal is to improve oneself, not defeat others. Advanced students in the adult classes may compete in tournaments, at their request, with proper training for competition in forms and point sparring.
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