Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should children study martial arts?
A: Absolutely! The potential benefits of martial arts training are many, and they will vary from person to person. However, at Combined Martial Science, children will learn:
- Greater self-confidence
- Improved self-control
- Courtesy and respect for others
- Loyalty
- Mental and physical discipline
- Honesty and obedience
- Diligence
- Humility
- A greater sense of responsibility
- Increased fitness and agility
- Hand-eye coordination
- Increased balance
- Increased focus
- How to relax in stressful situations
- Self-defense skills
- How to overcome their fears
- The ability to succeed
- Increased mental and physical awareness
- Friendship and camaraderie
Furthermore, at Combined Martial Science, our students are taught choices, so they do not have to strike out and hurt someone. Instead, children will have the ability and confidence to say “NO” to unwanted peer pressure.
Q: How old do you have to be in order to train?
A: We teach children as young as three years of age. In fact, our Little Champs class focuses specifically on children between the ages of 3 and 5. We also teach children, teenagers and adults, both men and women. The only limitations are those that you place upon yourself!
Q: Will martial arts training make my child aggressive?
A: At Combined Martial Science, we teach a practical, responsible self-defense program. Children learn that martial arts is not about violence, but rather about developing skills they can safely use in a tough situation. Any aggression that your child brings into the program usually disappears with continued training and increased self-esteem. In addition, children not only memorize and recite our school rules and goals at the beginning of every class, they also understand the meanings and applications of these rules and goals.
Q: Will my child get hurt?
A: As with any physical activity, there is always the possibility of injury. However, safety is a vital concern and always comes first when studying martial arts. At Combined Martial Science, our curriculum is set up so that students start with simple, effective and safe techniques, and gradually move on to more complicated ones as their skill and fitness levels increase. Everything is done slowly and carefully in the beginning. Then, as your child’s skill progresses, their speed of technique will increase. In addition, we work around any disabilities or injuries in order to safely prevent further injury. Therefore, everyone MUST inform their instructors and workout partners of any injuries, disabilities or other physical challenges. One of the principal goals of martial arts is to maintain your personal safety. Therefore, all necessary steps are taken to protect the physical well-being of every student in the class.
Q: Is Jujitsu violent?
A: First of all, with Jujitsu you rarely have to worry about punching or kicking, because most of Jujitsu is done on the ground. The word "Jujitsu" literally means the “gentle art.” The primary goal of Jujitsu is the perfection of character, not to learn to beat up someone. At Combined Martial Science, students will learn how to resolve conflict through alternative, non-violent means. However, if you are attacked and are unable to avoid a fight, you will learn a range of techniques that will help you to deal with that attack, from stopping the attack without anyone being hurt, to subduing the attacker with painful joint locks that may or may not cause injury, to more aggressive techniques that can cause serious injury if you have no other alternatives.
In class, you will be learning self-defense techniques. More importantly, however, you will learn self-confidence, self-control, and respect and caring for others so that violence is not needed. With Jujitsu, as with other martial arts, your knowledge of self-defense will give you a great deal of self-confidence when confronted with a potentially violent situation. This confidence can free your mind so that you can think clearly about how to peacefully resolve the situation. Consequently, learning Jujitsu or other methods of self-defense will make you less likely to become involved in fights or violent situations.
Q: Do students have to bow? Why?
A: The bow, or rei, is the Jujitsu salute. Bowing is a way to show respect. It is comparable to a Western handshake, not to worship. The Asian culture believes that touching hands, as we do in our traditional handshake, is unclean. In class then, you must bow to your instructors and to other students in order to show that you respect them. In return, they will bow to you to show you the same respect, humility and appreciation.
Q: How must I address the instructor?
A: The instructor in the class is called the Sensei, which means "teacher," “instructor,” or “one who has gone down the path of martial arts and is a guide to the way before.” During class, you should address the instructor as Sensei or Sir. This is done simply to show respect for your teacher.
Q: Can women benefit from martial arts training?
A: Absolutely! Martial arts training is excellent for women, as well as for men. Many women choose to train in martial arts because of the exercise; others because they wish to learn exercise, self-defense and mental discipline. At Combined Martial Science, we pride ourselves on having a family-friendly atmosphere. In fact, it is this atmosphere that women find extremely welcoming. You will discover that we have a large number of female students at our Dojo. In fact, we even have classes that are tailored specifically for women.
Q: Are there tournaments? Are tournaments mandatory?
A: At Combined Martial Science, our students always have the opportunity to compete in Jujitsu (both gi and submission grappling with no gi), Judo or Pankration (MMA) tournaments. Tournaments are not mandatory, however, but they do give students the opportunity to assess their skills against other students of a similar rank and skill level. Keep in mind that competing is purely optional. However, we encourage students who wish to compete by assisting with their training regimes, strategies, and extra practices in order to ensure the highest possibility of success in competition.
Q: How long will it take to get my Black Belt?
A: That depends specifically on you. For example, someone who regularly practices techniques, both inside and outside the class, will usually progress faster than someone who does not. While the technique requirements are documented per rank, the timetables are not set in stone. For example, there is no group belt-testing course; rather, students are belt-tested on an individual basis. When you’re ready to test for the next belt, your instructors will let you know. Keep in mind, however, that at Combined Martial Science, we are looking for students who seek knowledge and skill, not rank. Therefore, if you are primarily interested in achieving a particular rank, you will probably be disappointed. Belts are not sold… they are earned. In fact, most of our students will not even receive their Black Belt until they are at least 16 years old, if not older. Obtaining a Black Belt is not impossible; however, it does take many years of hard work and dedicated training in order to earn such a high honor.
Q: Are private lessons available?
A: Many of our instructors are available for lessons outside of class. The actual cost depends on each individual instructor. However, semi-private lessons are usually preferred, because two people are actually needed in order to practice with any style of martial arts. Therefore, one-on-one lessons tend to not be the most effective way to instruct or to learn.
Last updated on October 19, 2011