How long will it take me to become proficient and how long will it take to attain black belt level?

The time it takes to become proficient varies upon the style and your own abilities. In most self-defense systems, you should feel that you could defend yourself fairly well after six months. To reach black belt, the same variables are in 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 this studio, the students are grouped by age and rank. This means that you should be in a class with other beginners and lower ranks.

Will martial arts training make my child too aggressive?

At this studio children learn that the martial arts is not an act of violence, but the art of how to handle themselves in a problematic situation. Aggression should be channeled into assertiveness to increase a child's self-esteem and build discipline and character.

Why do people bow when they go into a studio?

The bow is a symbol of respect in Asian cultures and is just like a western handshake. At this studio, each class will begin and end with a period of silent mediation. Meditation is used to clear the mind of distractions and ready you to learn or review what was done in class. It has no religious significance.

Is sparring necessary to learn martial arts?

Some martial arts such as Tai Chi Chuan or Aikido do not require sparring. Most other martial arts do. Since martial arts involve dealing with an opponent, it is necessary to practice in conditions similar to an actual confrontation - reaction, timing and speed.

What are the chances of getting injured?

The chances of getting injured are very small since the training should be constantly supervised with safety in mind.

Should I take group lessons or privates?

Private lessons will increase your progression two to three times faster than by taking group lessons alone. The personalized attention and energy of an instructor is a tremendous advantage. Group lessons are good because it allows you to see how different people react to situations and techniques. You also get to meet new people and friends. The best of both worlds is a program that lets you have both group and private lessons.