1. What is USA Martial Arts? U.S.A. stands for the United Systems Association. Our association, USA Martial Arts, is a collection of individual schools which are unified through the same high standards of teaching the Issho-ryu karate system. Each individual school in the association may have its own name, but it will still belong to the larger umbrella organization which encompasses all of our schools. This ensures unity and consistency throughout our classes.
2. Why is USA unique? USA is unique because it is a Christian organization which has the student in mind right from the very start. We are much more than just a school or group of people exercising together. Were a close family growing to help one another achieve our goals. The majority of students find their closest and most trusted friends right in their own school. Our schools offer a safe environment which foster positive influences and relationships with encouraging friends.
3. Which style of martial arts is the best? We encourage those who are seeking to find a martial arts school to focus less on the style of martial arts which is taught and more on the individual instructor who is teaching the style. There can be two schools side by side in the same town which teach the same style, and yet the schools can be completely different because of the different instructors who teach them. Therefore, we recommend that you not join a school simply because it teaches a certain style. Instead, talk to the instructor and even watch them teach a class. Ask a lot of questions in order to get a good feel for who the instructor is and what aspects of the martial arts they emphasize. Choose the school you will join because of the positive atmosphere it has and its dedication to high quality professional instruction.
4. Should I be concerned about the spiritual side of the martial arts? Yes. There is a real danger with some schools that may allow Eastern religions to influence their beliefs. You must even be cautious of schools who say that they completely exclude the spiritual side of the martial arts. By design, the martial arts naturally have a spiritual aspect to them. Here at USA Martial Arts, we believe that the spiritual aspect of the martial arts is fulfilled through the Biblical teaching of Jesus Christ. You will only find Christian principles taught at USA Martial Arts.
5. Are USA instructors certified? Yes. Our instructors are highly trained and their certifications come from accredited and well established martial arts associations. At USA Martial Arts we have a stringent curriculum which all of our students and instructors must pass in order to receive their diplomas. Because of the high level of training our instructors go through, we are proud of our staff and are very confident in their ability to instruct.
6. How long does it take to become a black belt? Because each student is encouraged to work at their individual pace, there is no set time in which a person is guaranteed to receive their black belt. A persons age, maturity, physical ability, and level of dedication and perseverance will all be key factors in determining how long it will take to achieve each desired belt. However, based upon the average amount of time it has taken for our current black belts to achieve that goal, a rough estimate might be anywhere between 4 to 6 years of regular training and hard work.
7. What is the best age to join martial arts? Many students begin students as young as between the ages of 8 10 years of age. However, some of our schools have special programs just for the younger martial artist and will start kids between the ages of 3 5 years old. Certainly older children will be able to grasp the concepts better and get more out of the class. Though, we have experienced some occasions where a younger child may be able to achieve more than a fellow student who is slightly older. Again, it all depends on the individual. Therefore, we encourage each person to talk with the schools instructor before joining. On the other end of the spectrum, we feel that a person is never too old to begin martial arts. We have had many adults excel in our program and encourage adults to join our classes. The martial arts are not just for kids! Our oldest black belt joined the martial arts on their 50th birthday and achieved their 2nd degree black belt while in their latter fifties.
8. Will my child be more aggressive after enrolling? No. We place a strong emphasis on discipline and self-control, which will help your child restrain any aggressive tendencies. More so, we instill a strong emphasis that the physical techniques of the martial arts are to be used only in extreme emergency situations where self-defense is a last resort. Our students are taught to respect others and to possess humility, which will also help in this effort. Additionally, the martial arts will help students build confidence, self-esteem, and give them a positive outlet for their energy. This too will help keep them from being aggressive. Many times, once a person builds their self-confidence, the need to show off or gain attention through aggressive behavior is significantly reduced.
9. If I have rank from another style, do I have to start over as a white belt? No. Not only would it be unfair to the individual to make them start over as a white belt, but it wouldnt be right to encourage a higher ranking more experienced student to pose as a beginner. If a person comes to our class from another style which has a slightly different ranking system, we will simply allow them to wear their own belt and be ranked equivalently among our own students. Then, once the student obtains a higher rank from our system than they held in their previous one, they will make the switch to wearing our belts.
10. What are the schools views on tournaments? Tournaments and competition in general can do a lot for a person. Improving confidence and teaching good sportsmanship are only part of why competition is good for a martial artist. We feel that tournaments give one an opportunity to see many of the other martial arts at one time. Seeing the ability of students from other schools can also be an effective tool in building incentive to train.
11. Will the martial arts help with ADHD? Yes. Some children and adults suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and/or have difficulty concentrating and focusing on the task at hand. Many doctors and psychologists believe that the focus, concentration, and discipline gained from the martial arts will greatly reduce these types of struggles that an individual faces.
12. What are some of the other benefits of martial arts?
Some of the benefits include: