Questions and Answers:
- HOW LONG will it take me to become reasonably proficient or to reach Black Belt level?
The time it takes to become proficient varies upon your own abilities. At the Academy you will have learned techniques for almost all situations in only three months and after six months most students are amazed with their own ability and accomplishments. In most self defense situations you should feel that you could defend yourself fairly well after six months. To reach Black Belt, the same variables are at play, but somewhere between three and five years is about right.
- HOW MANY classes per week should I attend?
Most Instructors recommend two classes per week, plus some practice time in between classes. You should match your involvement with your fitness level.
- WILL THERE BE other beginners in my class?
At the Martial Arts Academy, the students are grouped by age and rank. This means that you will be in a class with other people of similar skill and age.
- WILL MARTIAL ARTS training make my child too aggresive?
At the Academy, children learn that the martial arts is not an act of violence, but the art of how to handle themselves in a problematic situation. Aggresive behavior is channelled into assertiveness to increase a child's self esteem and build discipline and character.
- IS MEDITATION part of some religion?
At the Academy, each class will begin with a period of silent meditation. The meditation is used to clear the mind of distractions and get ready to learn. It has no religious significance.
All of our classes are taught in complete safety. There is a "no contact" rule in effect, which means no one kicks or punches each other. Students interested in contact training (groundfighting,sparring or kickboxing) may do so under supervision and with the proper safety equipment. The chances of getting injured are very small since the training will be constantly supervised with safety in mind. The protective gear that is required to be worn by all students reduces the chances even further.
- SHOULD I take group or private lessons?
Private lessons will increase your understanding and progression two or three times faster than by taking group lessons alone. The personalized attention and energy of an instructor is a tremendous advantage.