Question 1

How much do classes cost? Do you offer military/student discounts?

Accepted Answer

Cost varies depending on which program(s) you join. Regrettably, we currently do not offer military or student discounts; however, we do offer discounts for training in multiple arts and for multiple family members. Please contact us to inquire about the monthly cost of the program(s) in which you are interested.

Question 2

Do you have contracts?

Accepted Answer

No, we never use contracts! Payment is always monthly and you only pay for months during which you are actively training

Question 3

Are there any sign-up fees or other costs to get started?

Accepted Answer

There are no sign-up costs. Once you register, you will simply have to purchase a uniform and patch (available through the school) to get started. Kobudo and iaido also require the purchase of certain tools and Federation membership dues. Karate students will also need to purchase sparring gear. These costs will be explained to you in detail following your trial class.

Question 4

Do you offer free trial classes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We actually insist on every new student trying a free class just to make sure they like it before signing up!

Question 5

Am I too old/out of shape/small/unskilled/klutzy to begin training?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Our martial arts are tailored to fit every age, size, skill level, and experience level. We will tailor the art to your ability. You may be prodded gently out of your comfort zone, but you will never be forced to do anything that you’re incapable of doing.

Question 6

Is there adequate parking near the school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a FREE municipal parking lot right behind the dojo, and free 2-hour street parking on both sides of Eliza Street, as well as plenty of parking up and down Main Street.

Question 7

What is the youngest age you accept? How old do you have to be to train in each program?

Accepted Answer

Our Li’l Dragons karate class is tailored for 4 – 6 year old children. We don’t offer classes to anyone younger than 4.  Youth karate class is for 7 – 12 year olds and teen/adult karate class is for students aged 13 and up. Kobudo (weapons) is offered to students aged 8 and over. Jujitsu and iaido (sword) are offered to students aged 13 through adult.

Question 8

I have a chronic injury. Can I train?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We will help you to find a way to adapt and modify our curriculum to help you avoid pain/discomfort due to chronic health issues.

Question 9

Is there a potential for injury? Aren’t martial arts really dangerous?

Accepted Answer

As with any physical activity, there is always some potential for injury; however, our philosophy is to train in ways that minimize the risk of injury. Our karate is non-contact for beginners and light contact for more advanced practitioners. Jujitsu is practiced on crash mats to help absorb falls. Although occasional accidents can certainly occur, our classes emphasize safety, control and proper technique to create a supportive and responsible training environment.

Question 10

How frequently should I come to class?

Accepted Answer

The average person trains 2 – 3 times per week. You can come twice per week and make steady progress; however, the more you train, the more likely you will advance after reaching the minimum time requirements. You’re welcome to train less often, but the price of training is the same regardless of frequency. If you can only make one class a week, that’s okay but please be prepared for longer stretches of time in rank.

Question 11

How do I choose a style/system of martial arts or find a quality dojo? What’s the difference between karate and taekwondo, or kung fu, for example.

Accepted Answer

There are dozens of martial arts to choose from. We believe that once you narrow it down to the general type of art that interests you (striking, grappling, weapons, etc.), the specific art is less important than the school/instructor. When browsing schools, look for an instructor with at least 1 5-20 years’ experience (if not more), who is very knowledgeable about his/her system, lineage, and history, and who is friendly and personable. Look at the class and speak to the students. Avoid any teacher who can’t answer all of your questions, who can’t provide proof of rank and background, or who learned his/her art via YouTube, Zoom, videos, etc. Parents should always be welcome to observe classes. The school should appear clean and professional-looking as well. Be wary of any instructor who puts down other systems/styles or tries to present their art as superior in any way.
The difference between arts such as karate, taekwondo, and kung fu is essentially where they were developed. Each of the above is a striking art, but karate originated on Okinawa; TKD in Korea and kung fu in China. They are stylistically different but grossly similar in terms of the type of martial art they are.

Question 12

How long will it take me to get my black belt? How often can I advance in rank?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve had no prior martial arts experience, and if you train consistently 2 – 3 times per week, it will take approximately 4 – 5 years to progress from white belt to black belt; however, black belt is considered to be the rank at which your training truly begins, and is not a finish line that you cross and are “done.” Martial arts is a life-long endeavor and you’re always learning and improving. The frequency of rank testing depends on what art you study and your age. Youth karate students are eligible to test for rank every three months in the beginning. For adults, it depends on the art you train in, but typically at least several times per year initially. Rank testing slows down the higher you get.

Question 13

If I have previous experience in a similar martial art, do I have to start over as a white belt?

Accepted Answer

If you have previous experience, we will evaluate your skill level and typically slot you into our ranks at a level that we feel is appropriate. Please remember that no two schools’ standards are the same. Every dojo has its own ranking standards, so your belt level may not translate directly. We ask for your understanding as we place you at the level that best supports your skill level.

Question 14

Do I have to compete in tournaments?

Accepted Answer

We typically have two in-house youth karate tournaments per year, which are held at the school. No students from other dojos are allowed. These are fun events with no pressure to win. Although some children will place and others won’t, your child’s performance at a tournament will have no bearing on his/her eligibility to test or advance in rank. These tournaments are for fun and are accompanied by a Games event afterward. “Participation trophies” are never issued but students are not penalized for failure to take a place. We never force anyone to compete at an out-of-school tournament, although we also do not prevent students from doing so on their own if they want to.
There are no tournaments for kobudo or jujitsu students. Sword students will have the opportunity to compete in national tournaments every year or few years. Although we encourage participation, it is not mandatory.

Question 15

Can I (or my family) sit and watch a class?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our school is open to all family and friends; anyone can come in and observe a class. None of our classes or rank exams are closed to observation.

Question 16

Will I have to work out with advanced black belt-level students as a beginner?

Accepted Answer

Every black belt-level student was once a Day One beginner and we all remember how scary that can be. No one will be thrown in with a group of advanced students and be expected to keep up. We generally warm up together as a group but then split up into smaller groups to work on rank-appropriate material. If you’re in a small class and happen to be working with a black belt, rest assured that they will slow down to your speed and treat you with patience and respect!

Question 17

What should I expect during my trial class?

Accepted Answer

Come to your trial class dressed in comfortable clothing. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, and all jewelry/watches before you enter the mat. You will be shown proper etiquette, including how to bow, how to address your instructor and seniors, and how to behave during class. Your trial class will likely consist of a general overview of the art, beginning with a warm-up, some basics, and drills or forms depending on the art you choose.  It is difficult to compress an entire martial art into one 30- or 60-minute class, so please realize that you will surely not experience everything the art has to offer during your trial. Please ask as many questions as you’d like to.  We are here to make you feel at home and welcome!

Question 18

What’s your advice regarding the secret to success in martial arts?

Accepted Answer

Never quit. Make training a necessary part of your week. Just like you always find time to brush your teeth every day, commit to getting to the dojo 2 – 3 times per week no matter what. Don’t succumb to excuses. If you commit to training regularly, year-round, you will find life-long success in martial arts. Every student will experience setbacks, frustrations, and burn-out, but also successes, achievements and accomplishments large and small. The secret to success is to just keep coming to class no matter whether you’re riding high on a recent accomplishment or experiencing a long-lasting discouragement. It’s easy to skip a class when you’ve got homework, piano practice, a birthday party, an anniversary or a long day at work. If you do, be sure to make up for it the following day. Students who last decades in their art are ones who always come to class, especially when they have 10 reasons not to.

FAQs