On this page, we have tried to answer the most frequent questions asked by people inquiring about our program. If you cannot find the answer to your question, go to our contact page by clicking HERE and you can call or email us and we will be glad to try to answer any questions you may have.

Why should I enroll my son/daughter in a Martial Arts program?

Numerous and repeated studies by organizations such as Harvard University show that a quality Martial Arts program can help today’s youth avoid the pitfalls of adolescence if they are committed to an organized, discipline-based program. The Martial Arts have an especially good record of helping redirect the extremely powerful negative influences put upon today’s youth and young adults.  Newspapers and magazines around the world continually feature articles on the values and benefits of a traditionally based Martial Arts training program.  Pak’s Karate Academy provides exactly this type of training environment.

What age should my son/daughter be before I start Martial Arts Training?

There is really no particular “right” age to start training. In our program, we accept students as young as 3 years old for our Tiny Tigers class. There is, however, an evaluation we must do to determine whether a student is ready for class or not.  There are some amazing 3 year old children who can do anything asked and can pay attention for long periods of time.  Conversely, there are some who are much older who cannot stand still and will not pay attention at all. The best thing to do is contact us and set up an appointment interview with one of our instructors. We will then let you know if the time is right to start. It would not be fair to you to ask for tuition payments when your child is not ready to learn.

My son/daughter has A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. Can your program help?

Good news here.  Pak’s Karate Academy has several students who have A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. and they are doing terrific.  In most cases, the student displays increased focus after several months and those who are on medication have found that they are able to reduce the amount of the medication taken. While we cannot guarantee the same results for your child, our students in general are better able to concentrate and school grades improve.

How long does it take for me to reach Black Belt in your system?

For a child, it takes from 3.5 to 4 years to reach Black Belt. For adults, 3 to 3.5 years is average.  This time is assuming that the student passes all exams and attends classes regularly.

Why does it take so long to reach Black Belt?

A Black Belt is supposed to represent excellence and portray all the positive ideals of the Martial Arts. Achieving a true Black Belt requires both physical and mental training.  Anyone can learn the techniques of kicking and punching quickly.  Developing the mental aspects of the Martial Arts training is what takes time. These mental aspects cannot be learned in a month or even a year.  Some school systems quickly progress you through the ranks to their “black belt” so that they can charge you extra for a “black belt” training program.  We do not follow this deceptive procedure. A Black Belt in our program reflects the dedication our students put into their training and the positive changes they have made in their lives. Black Belts from our system have gone on to become professional teachers, doctors, lawyers, successful business owners, and much more. Many of our young adults have even received full scholarships to attend noted universities.

Which style of Martial Art is the best?

There is really no best style of Martial Art.  I like to make an analogy with ice cream. There are hundreds of different flavors of ice cream and each one has its own uniqueness.  You will have to find the flavor you like the most.

How do I choose which Martial Art school to go to?

There are many factors to look at in choosing the right school for you or your child.  First and foremost should be the reputation of the school and its instructors and the quality of the program.  The worst way to chose a Martial Arts school is over the phone. You should visit each school you are considering.  Look at the cleanliness of the school and its staff and instructors. A clean, well maintained school is a good sign of an instructor who pays attention to detail and really cares about himself, the image of his school, and his students.  Observe how the staff and instructors treat the students.  Do they take the time to learn each student’s name?  Are they courteous and respectful to the students and their parents?  Do they live by what they teach?  Watch several classes that you or your child would normally be attending. Are the students happy with the class? Does the instructor give personal attention to everyone?  Is everyone enjoying themselves?  Sit down and talk with the head instructor. Does he/she take the time to talk frankly with you or do they seem to just want to rush you?  Does the school offer an introductory program to try out classes before you make a commitment?  Ultimately, you are the one who has to feel comfortable about the decision you make so take the time to choose carefully.

I have a physical limitation which prevents me from doing certain things.  Can I still be successful in your program?

Absolutely!  We understand that having a physical limitation can be very intimidating.  Our program is based on personal successes, not on comparing you to the abilities of someone else.  While you may not be able to do all the things that others can do, we will adapt the techniques we teach to your ability. You can and will be successful in our program if you attend classes with a good attitude and a willingness to learn.

Can I try out your program before I make a commitment?

Yes! In fact, we require you to.  Choosing a quality Martial Art school that meets all your needs is not a quick decision.  We want to make sure that all of our students are comfortable with our program and know exactly what to expect in class. We require all of our students to attend an introductory course which consists of a couple of lessons in a special class followed by a pre-enrollment interview where we discuss all aspects of our program and what to expect.  There will be no commitment on your part until you enroll in a regular program.

How much does your introductory course cost?

The introductory course is FREE! We are committed to ensuring that all of our students are comfortable with our program and know exactly what to expect before they make any obligations.  We are more than happy to sacrifice a little of our time to make sure you or your child are ready to begin Martial Arts training.

After the introductory course, how much to lessons cost?

As a professional Martial Arts school, our philosophy, just as many other professional associations, is that tuition is a private matter to be discussed in person.  We can assure you that the tuition is fair and reasonable for what our program offers.  Our policy is to discuss tuition at the pre-enrollment interview after your second lesson.

Are there any hidden fees?

Absolutely NOT!  There are some schools out there that use gimmick promotions and outrageously cheap “monthly” fees to get you in their door.  Then they charge you lots of hidden fees for testing and require you to attend their tournaments before you can progress. Then, after you test for your next rank, your tuition increases and you have to “buy” your belt. You wind up paying three to four times more than you expected.  Beware of this! During our pre-enrollment interview, we discuss all financial obligations that you should expect from our school.  Our tuition payment plan is set up for your convenience and there are no additional required fees.  Your first uniform is included as well as all your testing fees up to your Black Belt examination.  You are not required to attend tournaments unless you want to and your tuition never increases as long as you are continuously enrolled in our program.  Required safety gear will be the only other purchase and we tell you up front exactly what you will need and when you will need it.

Why must I sign an Enrollment Agreement?

The Enrollment Agreement is for you just as much as it is for us.  The agreement you sign with us guarantees you that we will be there for you. We are not a fly-by-night studio who will desert you halfway through your training. As a professional organization dedicated to ensuring you reach your goals, you will have in writing exactly what we will provide you and what your obligations are.  The agreements also help facilitate the various payment options that you have.