Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to be able to defend myself?

Any style of martial art should teach a degree of self defense right from the start. If you are attending classes regularly, you should be reasonably proficient for basic self-defense purposes in a few months.

Are martial arts classes safe?

They should be! How safe you are depends on two elements; the facility, and the expertise of the instructors. The facility should be designed with safety in mind. The flooring should be padded to avoid injury when grapelling or falling. The training area should be clean and odor free. There should be a method for children to enter and exit safely.

The instructors are the most important element to maintaining safety during the class. The instructor should lead the class through a proper warm up and cool down. Stretching should be emphasized in moderation based on your abilities. The stretches should be "static" meaning they should be slow and steady, never bouncing. Students should not spar until they can demonstrate that they have a reasonable amount of control with their techniques. When sparring, students should wear protective equipment and always be supervised by an instructor. If your instructor follows these common sense guidelines, there is far less risk of physical injury in learning martial arts than in most other sports.

Is the bowing or deep breathing part of some religion?

In most martial art schools bowing is a way to show respect. Likewise, relaxation is used as a technique to clear the mind of distractions. Most schools place no religious significance on these customs. They are signals we are ready to begin to learn. You should ask questions about any customs you may be uncomfortable with. A good instructor should be sensitive and allow some flexibility. The school's customs should be adaptable and take into account the person performing them. If the instructor does not symphatize with your concerns this is probably not the school for you.

Will martial arts make my child aggressive?

If taught properly, No. The true intent of any martial art is self-defense. Young students should learn how to stay calm and avoid conflict in a threatening situation. Physical methods should always be used as a last resort. Children who are more aggressive should be taught how to channel those emotions into appropriate behavior. Success in this area of your child's life will increase his or her true self-esteem, build discipline, and character. Watch a class where you are considering joining. Do the instructors emphasize verbal de-escalation skills? Do they teach body language and how it can convey your intentions? Do they discuss when it is appropriate to use the techniques their students learn. Do they integrate the student's attitude at school and at home into the reward system?

Will there be other beginners in my class?

This will depend on the school you choose to join. Some schools offer special "beginner only" classes where students are grouped by similar age. This is condusive to learning since the student will be grouped with other people that may have the same questions and concerns. Learning together can be socially rewarding as well. Attending class with students you are familiar and comfortable with can add to your martial arts experience.

How often should I attend?

Two days a week is suggested for the beginner student. Intermediate students can benefit from an additional day of training. Although, they should not attend class more than three days a week on a long-term basis. Statistics proove that to maintain consistent training for three to five years (an average time to earn a black belt) students who train two to three days a week have more success in completing their black belt and therefore gaining excellent profeciency. Students training more than three days a week have a higher rate of dropping-out within the first year and never reach their goal of black belt.

Is sparring necessary?

Most martial arts require sparring because it involves interaction with an opponent. To effectively execute self-defense techniques, it is necessary to practice in conditions that heighten your natural adrenaline reponse. In this way you learn about reactions, timing and speed. Students should not spar until they have developed a solid understanding of the techniques as well as the philosophy of the martial art. Students should always wear a complete set of protective equipment and be supervised by an instructor when sparring.