1. What should I wear?
A. sweat pants (or wind pants) and a t-shirt. Unless there is a health/medical reason, we train without shoes. If a student wishes to get a uniform, they can acquire one on their own, or through the instructor at discounted rates.
2. How old do I need to be?
A. For the children- 6-14. Adults- 15 and up. Special circumstances will be considered for each class on a case by case basis.
3. Do I need any equipment?
A. Most equipment will be supplied- students will be responsible for a mouth guard, and boys/men should have a groin protector. A student may choose to purchase their own boxing gloves, pads, or headgear as they progress, but this is not required.
4. How large will the classes be?
A. The limit for the children's class will be 10, and 15 for the adult class, at the instructor's discretion.
5. What is the instructor's rank and experience?
A. Highest rank is 5th degree black belt from Don Harriman in full contact karate/tae kwon do/kickboxing. Additional ranks are 3rd degree in Hensan Ryu karate, 2nd degree in Tae Kwon Do, 2nd degree in Tang Soo Do, and 1st degree in aikido. He started studying martial arts in 1989, and teaching in 1995. More details are in the "Training History" section.
6. What are the ranks/belt levels?
A. For karate, lowest to highest:
White
Yellow
Orange
Blue
Green
Purple
Red
Brown
Black
In aikido, students continue to wear a white belt as they progress, until they reach black belt. Upon reaching black belt, they are also allowed to wear a hakama.
7. How long does it take to reach black belt?
A. The short answer- it depends. The longer answer- however long it takes a student to reach that level. It will be based on each individual.
8. What about competitions?
A. Most area martial arts competitions are non-contact, and would not be appropriate for our students. At some point, a student could compete in amature boxing or kickboxing matches, though they are infrequent.
9. Are there any additional fees for testing, certificates, or belts?
A. No- those are included in the monthly tuition.
10. What about bowing?
A. We bow when entering the dojo/dojang (training hall), to the instructor at the beginning and ending of class, and to fellow students and the instructor when working with them in sparring or other drills.
11. Do we do kata/forms?
A. No, we do not. These are typically seen in non-contact martial arts.