About
FAQ
Q. Who Should Attend?
A. Our classes are suitable for any adult, 18 to 80yrs of age, with or without experience in other martial arts, interested in taking up one of our traditions as a sport or exercise, for health or self-defense, for culture or camaraderie. Family members are welcome.
Q. Adults only? You won't teach children?
A. The training is great for children, however, we do not provide "daycare-style" dropoff training. If you and your child would like to train, you may join together, but you cannot drop-off your child. Likewise, you will be asked to perform partner drills with your own child, both for reasons of safety and responsibility and because the other adults training here prefer to train with adults for best skill-development. As a parent/student, you may want to spend extra time training with adults to progress in the art(s) effectively. Students age 8 and above will be able to learn and adopt the techniques quicker.
Q. Is this suitable for women?
A. Absolutely. Our teachings are guided by traditional martial arts principles that teach you dozens of ways to "stack the odds" in your favor, in order to increase your chances of surviving an attack from a stronger opponent.
Q. Shouldn't I get "in-shape" before I join?
A. There is no "minimum physical performance standard" for joining, and if you are training properly in class, as well as performing your solo practice training consistently, you should see yourself become MORE physically fit from your efforts. You do not need to become a "runner" before you begin training in martial arts.
Q. But I have injuries! You don't want me in class, right?
A. Quite the contrary, many people who actively train martial arts, do so with different forms of injury. Check with your doctor to make sure it's safe, but it's typically important to stay active, and martial arts are a great and fun way to do so. You won't be pressured to do any activities that would aggravate injuries, and you are free to modify activites as you see fit to accomodate your individual situation.
Q. What language are classed conducted? I'm "bad" with learning languages, do I have to learn Japanese or Chinese?
A. Classes are conducted in plain English. Over time, you will slowly be exposed to some terminology that will enhance your training and understanding of the culture of the countries that developed the traditions you will learn.
Q. Are the classes deadly serious? I don't learn well when I'm feeling intimidated.
A. As educators, we know that people don't learn well when they feel constant, intense pressure. Because of that, classes are typically not performed in a "boot-camp", high-intensity format. Training is cooperative at this school, not competitive. If you and your training partner want to increase intensity, and can do so safely, then you do. It is highly recommended that your solo training is an area where you apply the highest levels of intensity.
Q. I'm not a competitive or aggressive person by nature. Are martial arts right for me?
A. Our martial arts, as well as our teaching style, are not-competitive. On the contrary, our training is meant to be highly cooperative in nature. Even when applying your training on a training partner, acting as a "mock attacker", you should be having a dialoge about intensity, doing again because it didn't work yet, and asking for feedback on how to perform better.
Q. What equipment do I need to commence training?
A. Basically you can come in loose clothing, and bring your own water. Many people train barefoot, but if you'd like to wear low-profile martial arts shoes, you are welcome to do so.
Q. How long is a typical class?
A. Classes typically run 2-3 hours. It is preferred that you arrive on-time (5 min before class), but leaving early is much less disruptive.
Q. Is there "homework"?
A. Absolutely! You are expected to practice all solo material outside of class. Please only practice partner material with a classmate.
Q. What does a normal class consist of?
A. A typical class starts with a group-based warm-up. Beginning students will spend extra time on solo training, in order to develop enough coordination to move on as quickly as possible to safe paired/partner training. The majority of the class time is spent in paired/partner training. Class ends with a quick review and reminder of each person's homework.
Q. Do you require contracts?
A. No, we ask that you pay for each class you attend. If you don't come, you don't pay. We want you here because you enjoy the learning and training, not because you're locked into a contract.
