Here you will find answers to many of the most common questions people new to martial arts ask. If you have a question that is not answered here, please e-mail me at aajjblms@gwu.edu. If I receive the same question repeatedly, I will post the answer here as well.

Are you teaching children to hurt others?

No. Those who study martial arts will be able to defend themselves against many attackers, or else martial arts would be without a purpose. However, the most important rule of any martial art is “Skills learned in class are to be used for practice and self-defense only”. This rule is strictly enforced, and violations outside class have ramifications in class. The bottom line is, students are taught to respect the skills they have and understand the very limited context in which they can be used.

How will martial arts training help my child in life?

Aside from the obvious benefit of self-defense skills, martial arts training develops respect for others, self-confidence, humility, and patience in students. Additionally, studies have shown that martial arts training in school-age children can lead to higher grades and improved attentiveness in class.

What safety precautions are taken?

The training area for the Club features a 24’ x 24’ matted area, which provides safety for falling, throwing, and sparring drills. Sparring drills are conducted with hand and foot pads and mouthguards. Additionally, the Head Instructor is certified in CPR and First Aid. While injuries inevitably occur as part of martial arts training, we take every precaution to prevent them.

What goes on in class?

Although the format of class can be altered slightly, it tends to follow a set pattern:

Bow-in: Students begin class by bowing to the instructors.

Warm-ups: Stretches and exercises designed to loosen muscles (and warm up the body, in colder months).

Basics: Individual or combination kicks and hand techniques.

Forms: Pre-arranged sets of movements designed to build muscle memory and improve technique while moving.

Step-Sparring: Drills where one partner throws either one or three punches and the other partner blocks and counterattacks.

Free-Sparring: Controlled fighting practice with pads on striking surfaces.

Self-Defense: Training to react to and escape from being grabbed.

Games: Occasionally students will spend the last few minutes of class playing games designed to hone reflexes (e.g. plucking quarters out of each other’s hands).

Bow-Out: Students bow to the instructors and class is over.

Are parents welcome to attend classes?

Absolutely! We encourage all interested parents with the available time to drop in and watch classes. We ask only that you keep questions until after class is over, or until students are working independently and an instructor is free.

How often will my child test for a new belt?

For earlier belt ranks, promotions take place roughly every 2-3 months. When students earn higher ranks, promotions slow down. All in all, it is expected to take three school years of training to earn a black belt. Bear also in mind that children progress at their own paces; students who work and try hard will progress faster than those who do not.

What fees are involved with training?

There is a flat fee of $350 ($300 for returning students) that covers all lessons for one school year and uniforms for first-year students. Students who achieve yellow belt rank will be required to purchase sparring gear before being allowed to spar in class. A decent sparring set (hand guards, foot pads, and a mouthguard) costs around $60, depending on the source. There is a $10 fee for each promotional exam a student takes throughout the year, to cover the costs of boards and new belts.