Are Martial Arts like sports? Does my child have to participate in competitions?

Taekwon-Do (the martial art we teach) is much more than a sports program. It is a discipline that requires time, patience, and perseverance.  It must be treated as an ongoing commitment and not a seasonal activity. Competition is not mandatory, but it is available for those who want to compete.

NOTE: If all you are looking for is an activity for your child to do for a few months, then our program is not for you.  Taekwon-Do is a project that will require at least 2 to 3 years of study to realize the benefits, life skills, values, and moral culture of the Art.

We whole-heartedly believe in what we do here at WMA, but we can’t promise that anything will change if you, the parent/guardian aren’t 100% behind your child. That means committing to: 

Giving heart-felt positive feedback when they deserve it.

Bringing your child to class 2 to 3 times a week consistently.  And making up any missed classes., 

Sitting in our lobby and watching him/her practice (NOT looking at your phone, tablet or PC)

Having him/her practice at home for 10 to 20 minutes for 1 to 2 times a week

I know my child will have fun, but they have quit other activities before. How can we keep them from quitting?

As long as you make and keep the commitment of making sure your child attends class twice per week and practice at home 1 to 2 times a week, they will learn and excel in their training. Kids that train consistently will progress in Martial Arts and should have no problem reaching the life-changing goal of black belt.

We whole-heartedly believe in what we do here at Waldorf Martial Arts, but we can’t promise that anything will change if you, the parent/guardian, aren’t 100% behind your child. This means committing to: 

  1. Bringing your child to class at a minimum of 2 times a week 
  2. Sit in our lobby and watch them… not look at your phone or tablet!
  3. Have them practice at home 1 to 2 times a week for 10 to 20 minutes.
  4. Give heart-felt positive feedback when they deserve it.

If your child comes to class once a week and doesn’t practice at home they will most likely get bored and want to quit because of not progressing through the belt ranks.  Remember, “repetition is the mother of skill,”  We do everything we can to disguise repetition, especially for kids!  But the fact of the matter is that continuous repetition of any skill leads to higher proficiency in that skill.  Higher proficiency leads to progress.  Progress leads to higher self-esteem and confidence, which leads to having fun!  And “having fun is the mother of retention”, especially for kids!

Is Martial Art training good exercise if my child needs to lose weight?

Martial Arts are a great exercise for kids. Martial Arts training, combined with a sensible diet, can transform a child’s physical and overall health. Kids that feel good about themselves are children that develop strong confidence and self-esteem — which they can carry over in all aspects of life in the future.

Do I have to have any Martial Arts experience?

No! Our classes are divided by age and skill level.  So, your child will begin in our All-Beginner class. Whether you’re looking to use Martial Arts to get in shape, build confidence, boost self-esteem, acquire discipline and leadership skills – our classes are a great way for you to become your best self.

Will I be the only beginner in class?

No! Our classes are divided by age and skill level.  So, your child will begin in our All-Beginner class. Whether you’re looking to use Martial Arts to get in shape, build confidence, boost self-esteem, acquire discipline and leadership skills – our classes are a great way for you to become your best self.

Can I try out a class to see if it’s the right fit for me?

Yes! Waldorf Martial Arts offers a free introductory class that will allow you to see if you can benefit from our exceptional curriculum. If you like what you see, we invite you to take a 1-month trial of beginner group lessons.

What are the chances that my child could get hurt doing Martial Arts?

Your child’s safety is our main concern. In the beginning we train our students on the fundamentals to develop proper technique.  Students are not introduced to the practical use of Taekwon-Do until they become intermediate level students about a year or so from when they begin.  In addition, when they reach that level we use padded safety gear, abide by strict safety rules and regulations for instructors and students and have high-tech padded floors — all for the safety of our students.
 

Will Martial Arts training make my child aggressive to others?

No! As a matter of fact, we are careful to teach our students to use common sense before self-defense. Kids are taught to make smart decisions when it comes to self-defense from the first day of class. They will know when it is the right time to use what they have been taught.  Taekwon-Do actually has a set of morals and principles that are recited and discussed at the end of class:

As a dedicated student of the Martial Arts:

I will live by the tenets of Taekwondo:

Courtesy, Integrity, perseverance, self-control, and Indomitable Spirit

I will respect my seniors, and  instructors. My parents and my fellow students.

I will never misuse Taekwondo.

I will be a champion of freedom and justice.

I will build a more peaceful world.

My child has never been good at sports; can they do this?

No child sits on the bench at Waldorf Martial Arts!  Every child has what it takes to be good at Martial Arts, because in Martial Arts they are not competing or comparing themselves with anyone. Martial Arts are more than just punching and kicking. Character development training is just as important as punching and kicking. Once we develop a child’s confidence, they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

How well-trained are your instructors?

Our entire staff are full-time adult Master-Level Instructors with a genuine interest in serving our students.  We have many, many years of experience teaching all ages.  We have undergone hundreds of hours of instruction to learn how to better teach preschoolers, elementary and middle school aged kids, teens, adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Is my child too young for Martial Arts training?

At Waldorf Martial Arts, we are experts at teaching Martial Arts. We have programs specially designed for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 12, and teens and adults. Our instructors are trained to bring out the best in our students’ performance at any age. Our Lil’ Dragons course is for 4 to 6 year olds,  Our Junior Champions course is for 7 to 12 year olds, and we have Teen/Adult classes as well as Family classes.

How much does it cost to train at Waldorf Martial Arts?

Tuition at Waldorf Martial Arts varies by the program. It is highly recommended to first start with a free trial class  and a 1 month trial before signing up for a regular program. This way the student has an opportunity to “test the waters” to see if Waldorf Martial Arts is the right Martial Art school for them. It also allows the instructors to have ample time to evaluate the student so that they can recommend the proper program for them. After the 1-month trial program is completed and the student chooses to continue their training at Waldorf Martial Arts, we will recommend the program that fits best for the student.  We DO have family, military, and first responder’s discounts.

Will I be locked into a contract?

We offer programs with and without a contract. It is absolutely understandable for a student to be weary of being locked in a long-term contract, and that is the exact reason why we recommend you start with a free lesson and 1-month trial course. At Waldorf Martial Arts, one of the main priorities of our mission is to provide quality Martial Arts classes conducted in a positive learning environment. Therefore, we require that all potential future students try out our school and be evaluated so that they meet our minimum requirements before they enroll. For beginners we recommend short term programs of 6 months or less. Advanced students are offered the choice of selecting both short term and long term programs. However, students will find better monthly tuition rates with a regular program versus month to month tuition.

Do you have other fees associated with promotional testings?

No. Unlike the majority martial arts schools, we do not have any promotional testing fees. Testings are free. We provide everything needed to test.