Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What benefits can I expect to get from taking Martial Arts classes?
The Martial Arts provide many benefits besides the obvious physical conditioning and self defense knowledge:
Increased Self Confidence and Self Discipline
Improved Flexibility, Coordination, Balance, and Endurance
Improved Memory, Focus, and Concentration
Reduced Stress
Ability to Deal with Challenges and Adversity
Q: At what age do you begin accepting children into your program?
Our Little Dragons program starts teaching the basics of Martial Arts to children as young as age 5.
Q: How can I spot a quality Martial Arts School?
There are several different elements that make up a school: the curriculum, the instructors, the office staff, and the facility.
The curriculum should be focused on life principles: discipline, respect, and goal setting and should not focus on rapid promotion. It should also be geared towards different levels of experience as well as age.
Be wary of schools that tout the quality of their instructors based solely on rank. Being a good Martial Artist does not automatically make someone a good teacher. Instructors should have experience working with children as well as adults and have a student-based mindset. They should be adaptable to different learning styles and be able to articulate their goals for you or your child clearly.
The office staff and the facility should be up to professional business standards.
Q: I would like to get started. What should I do?
Our Trial Program includes 3 classes plus a uniform for $19.95. When you are ready to get started, please contact our office and we will get your first class scheduled.
Q: How long does it take to get a Black Belt?
Some Martial Arts Schools have a set time line in which they “guarantee” a child or adult will receive their Black Belt. At AMA we take into account skill level, natural abilities and motivation before setting a date for earning a Black Belt. Because of this, we cannot promise exactly when you will earn your Black Belt. We can however, promise that when you do receive your Black Belt you will be absolutely certain that you earned it. The “average” time to get a Black Belt as set by our curriculum is three years.
Q: Will my child become more aggressive?
All of our children’s programs are designed to reinforce the core values of Martial Arts: Discipline, Integrity, Personal Responsibility, and Respect. We teach children when and how to use Martial Arts appropriately and what it means to be a Martial Artist. Our staff also provides enough positive recognition and opportunities to shine that students do not feel the need to show off their skills in undesirable ways, whether at home or at school.
Q: What Martial Arts style is best?
There is no one correct answer to this question. Each style has different strengths and weaknesses and can offer you or your child something different in the way of education and training. For practical self-defense purposes and life application, we have found that a blended style is best suited to everyone’s needs.
Q: Do I need to be in good physical shape to start Martial Arts classes?
No. We start students of all levels and all ages. Our curriculum is designed to get you in shape both physically and mentally.
Q: What age is too old to begin Martial Arts?
It is never too late to start Martial Arts! Students are encouraged to go at their own pace and our instructors are great with working with students of all ages!
Q: Will I be required to participate in tournaments?
At AMA, we view tournaments as an extra-curricular activity. For kids at the purple belt level and higher we offer a Tournament Team that focuses on Olympic Taekwondo as an extra outlet in addition to regular Martial Arts classes. We do not currently offer training for adults wishing to compete.
Q: Do you spar in class?
Yes. Sparring is included in class for children at the purple belt level and higher, and for all adults. Sparring is a great way to practice applying the skills you have learned in a safe and controlled environment.
Q: Are there fees associated with testing for rank?
No. We do not charge testing fees for each test a student must take in order to be promoted. We do charge graduation fees for promotion to the next rank. (Usually once every three months).
Q: Do you use weapons in your training?
We do not offer weapons training as a regular element in our kid’s curriculum. We do offer extra weapons workshops that are age appropriate so that students may have the opportunity to learn more about weapons. Our adults learn weapons as a part of their curriculum.
Q: Will my child stick with it?
Commitment is something that is greatly emphasized in our program. We teach children how to set goals and provide the support and encouragement to stick to them even when things get tough. This is a great life lesson that our students learn and that will help them for the rest of their lives.
Q: If you have experience in Martial Arts, can you keep your rank?
At AMA, we do our very best to allow students to keep the rank that they have earned, whether from our school or another. Transfer students will be given as much extra help and training in our curriculum as necessary to allow them to keep as high a rank as we are able to allow.