Here are some questions that are commonly asked about our program (and answers, too):
What style karate/martial arts do you teach?
How is your school compared to a “traditional” martial arts studio?
Can I try class at no charge before I/my child joins?
Can I sit and watch my child (ren) during class?
What do I/my child need for the first night?
Do I have to join the YMCA to take karate classes?
Can I automatically deduct my class fees from my credit card?
I have/My child has previous training, do I/do they maintain the same rank?
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, by email at blacktigerkarate@tx.rr.com or by phone at (972)896-5520
What style karate/martial arts do you teach?
We teach a Korean style called Tang Soo Do. It is similar to Tae Kwon Do, but does not emphasize tournament sparring/competition. Tang Soo Do is an empty handed martial art that focuses on the betterment of the self, rather than the competition with others. We teach self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-control. We believe that if you are cordial and respectful to others, you will get the same in return.
How is your school compared to a “traditional” martial arts studio?
We are a traditional martial arts studio that just happens to teach out of the YMCA. This provides some families with more opportunities, as the parents can workout, while the children are in class. In addition, we are able to teach martial arts at a lower cost by conducting the classes inside the YMCA. We see a real benefit offering this greater opportunity to families. The YMCA is a great organization and we are proud to be affiliated with them.
Anytime! Some students prefer to wait until the beginning of the month, while others start during the current month. It really depends on your individual schedule. Students can feel a bit “left behind”, if they begin while others have already been training a few weeks. We do our best to reduce any fear or anxiety often resulting from starting a new class.
Can I try class at no charge before I/my child joins?
Absolutely! We encourage you to come by any class night and watch class. We also would encourage you/your child to try a class before joining. That way you can see and feel that we are the right choice for you/your child.
Can I sit and watch my child(ren) during class?
Definitely! If you have the time, and are able, we love to have parents watch. This sometimes takes the mystery out of what gets taught, and helps you see what your child(ren) is learning.
What do I/my child need for the first night?
We do not require a uniform the first night. As a matter of fact, we don’t require a uniform while a student is in the Beginner class. When he/she moves into the Advanced Beginner class, or invited to their first test, then they are required to get a uniform. We believe this helps learn patience, motivation, and establishes a goal/reward based system that will be used throughout their martial arts training.
For the first night:
We remove our shoes before
entering the dojang, and train barefoot. Sandals and flip-flops work well.
Wear clothes that are comfortable
to move around/work out in.
Please remove all jewelry before
coming to class.
Do I have to join the YMCA to take karate classes?
No. You do not have to join the YMCA to take classes. The monthly karate program fees are lower, if you are a member, but you are not required to join the YMCA to participate. However, some families do enjoy having a membership, so they have access to the other benefits of the YMCA at the same or different times.
You signup for class at the front desk of the YMCA. They process all monthly karate program fees for us.
Can I automatically deduct my class fees from my credit card?
No. This is not something that is offered by the YMCA. We receive many inquiries about this, but the YMCA is limited due to its payment software. They are able to deduct monthly for program membership fees, but not for individual programs like karate. We do apologize for this inconvenience. However, they do accept all major credit cards for payment at the front desk.
For non-Black belts, we test once a quarter (every 3 months). For Black belts, we test twice a year. All testing is by invitation only. We feel that testing is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, just coming to class does not guarantee that a student will test. He/She has to attend/participate in class instruction, learn the material, practice what they have been taught at home and become adept at its application/use prior to being invited to test.
Yes. In addition to the monthly class fee, there is a fee charge to test. This fee covers the cost of school belts, stripes, logo patch, as well as wood (for breaking), and related test forms & supplies.
I have/My child has previous training, do I/do they maintain the same rank?
Well it really depends on the style and organization in which you trained. If a student comes in from the same style and organization, then they would maintain the same rank. However, it becomes a bit more challenging, when a student from another style or organization joins class. The main issue here is what ranking system was used in their previous school. Each organization utilizes their own ranking system, and usually it is different between schools, in terms of the number and color of belts offered (i.e. for non-Black belts). Even if common belt colors exist, the placement of those within the ranking system maybe different.
The process is essentially as follows:
For non-Black belt students – the student comes into class wearing a white belt, but would attend the class most closely matching his/her rank. They would train there until they have learned all the promotion requirements up to that level, for a student in our organization. Then they are given an “open” test, during our regular promotion testing, which allows them to test up to and achieve ranking equivalent to their previous rank. The student does not get penalized for “starting” over, but would need to learn the requirements for our organization to be credited with equivalent rank.
For Black Belt students – the student comes into class wearing no belt, but does attend the Advanced/Dan level class. They continue to train until they have learned the appropriate forms and one-steps techniques for our organization. Then they are allowed to wear their Dan belt in class. They are treated in all respects as a Black Belt, but are just not able to wear the belt from the start. The main reason is that we have teaching and school requirements for all our Black Belts, and it would not be fair/right to ask a student to perform them without having first learned the material. Students are taught in our school to feel comfortable asking a Black Belt for help with a form, one-step, etc. We don’t want newly joined Black Belts to feel pressured in this situation, so we give them some time to acclimate to our system/material.
However, there are many factors that go into this decision, and probably too many to list here in text. Therefore, please contact us directly in advance and we’ll be happy to review your situation with you to decide what is best for you/your child (ren).