FAQs

How much?

We keep our prices low so we can teach true self-defense to as many as wish to learn it.  Not only are our monthly fees lower than most martial arts schools, but our test prices are, as well. To top it off, as mentioned before, we do not require contracts. So taking time off for important life events or to work around your other schedules does not result in lost value for you. Of course, like any sport, it is best to stay connected with your practice and you can count on us, as your personal trainers, to reach out and let you know you’re missed, if you take time away.

Our standard monthly fee is $100 per month per person.  That fee includes unlimited access to all classes where you have the opportunity to learn 3 different styles of martial arts (Jiujitsu, Hapkido, Taekwondo), as well as attend kickboxing style conditioning classes.  Please contact us to inquire about our discounts for families, groups, military, fire fighters, and peace officers.  Feel free to also inquire into any current special offers as well as contribution offers we make for your children’s schools.

What are the benefits of mixed martial arts?

While martial arts is often considered violent, it is most commonly used as self defense. It does not, in fact, encourage violence and, instead, teaches practitioners how to have dominion over their anger and use self control and restraint to their own defense.

Mixing different styles of martial arts provides practitioners with a self-defense “tool box” which supports their ability to defend themselves in a variety of real-life situations.

Additional benefits of learning any martial art include:

• Improved self-discipline
• Improved concentration
• Improved balance
• Increased stamina and energy
• Improved fitness
• Increased self-confidence
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved eye-body coordination
• Improved flexibility

 

What is Jiu-Jitsu?

Jiu-Jitsu is a form of self-defense whose most ancient origins are not entirely clear.  Jiu-Jitsu translates as “gentle art” or “soft art”.  This form of martial arts takes place on the ground.  Practitioners learn to take control of the situation using leverage, instead of strength.  Much like a game of chess, with Jiu-Jitsu, it is the person who is most able to think several moves ahead that is most likely to triumph.  Due to those facts, a much smaller and skilled woman or man can easily submit a heavy woman or man who is not skilled.

 

What is Hapkido?

Hapkido is a Korean martial art.  The emphasis of Hapkido is on using minimal force and, specifically, the attackers own energy in order to overcome a stronger opponent.  “Hap” means harmony, “ki” means body and mind coordination or energy and “do” means way or discipline.  The word “hapkido” translates into “the way/discipline of coordinated power”.

You will often hear us stress that the most important thing we will teach about Hapkido and, perhaps, in all our teachings, is how to fall properly, without receiving any substantial injury.  Knowing how to fall, safely, can be useful in many situations – sports incidents, playground incidents, work incidents, etc.  Surviving a fall means having a fighting chance.

 

What is Taekwondo?

To put it simply, Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that puts its emphasis on kicking techniques. “Tae” means foot, “kwon” means hand and “do” means way or discipline.  So, the word “taekwondo” translates into “the way/discipline of the hand and foot.” Notice the translation does not include the word “weapon”. Taekwondo involves the usage of only the hands and the feet to accomplish its goals.

Many Taekwondo schools within the United States have strayed from traditional Taekwondo and teach a tournament style martial arts which does not involve the hands. At our school, we opt to stick close to tradition, continuing to teach Taekwondo as both the way of the foot AND the hand, including incorporating combination punching, strikes and blocks … with a strong emphasis on punching.

 

What belt-system is used?

Currently, we offer belts with the Hapkido/Taekwondo, mixed martial arts disciplines.  Our practitioners must learn both arts, simultaneously, and are tested for and belted in both arts with every test.  In the near future, we look forward to offering Jiu-Jitsu tests and belting, as well.

Our Hapkido/Taekwondo belt progression is

•  White
• Yellow
• Purple
• Orange
• Green
• Blue
• Brown
• 2nd Degree Brown
• Red
• 2nd Degree Red
• Black

 

Can I get my black-belt in 18 months?

Ranks within martial arts are not intended for comparing students or inflating egos.  They are intended to gauge the progress of the practitioner, allowing them to make comparisons of their own progress in order to recognize their own improvement and progress.  Rumor has it that the black belt originated from the belts of practitioners gradually darkening from the grime and sweat of their efforts, over time.  Imagine the amount of sweat, grime and time that would be necessary to deeply blacken an originally white belt and you begin to understand the dedication of living the life of a Black-Belt.

We honor the idea that the belts are gauges of personal progress for each practitioner … a symbol to be honored, treasured, respected … a symbol of a life, not a single accomplishment.  Each practitioner progresses at his/her own pace.  Each practitioner’s belt is a symbol of a great deal of dedication, sweat, grime and time.  You will not hear us offering any formula of time and money that can buy a belt in our school.  Our prices for monthly training and tests are less than most schools because our focus is empowerment.  We strongly believe in what we teach and what we do and we live in alignment with our belief.  The sense of accomplishment you can feel as you, beyond a doubt, fully earn each of your belt levels will resonate within you as an authentic sense of self-confidence as you move toward … not “earning your black belt” …. BECOMING a black-belt in life.