Starting to train at a martial arts school can feel like a big step.
Here are some questions we recommend you ask any school before you begin,
and our answers:
What makes your school different?
We do not charge for belts and testing, and we will not test anyone
until the Head Instructor is satisfied. We have no financial incentive
to promote people before they are ready, so our students have a genuine
sense of personal achievement. Many of our blackbelts have been ranked
in other systems, giving our student body a grounded understanding
of how our style compares to other martial arts. Our high ratio of
blackbelts ensures extremely high quality training in a personal setting.
Do you require long term contracts?
No. Many martial art schools require students to sign contracts to
become members. When students sign legal documents they are required
by law to pay fees even if they no longer attend class. Students at
Zen Budokai East, LLC do not sign contracts. Students attend class
and pay fees because they want to learn martial arts and be members
of Zen Budokai East, LLC not because they are legally obligated by
a contract. Students are free to leave when they please.
Are there any “extra” fees?
Many martial art schools require students to take periodic tests
and may charge several hundred dollars in addition to their monthly
fees. Students at Zen Budokai,EastLLC are never pressured into taking
tests for rank. All testing for rank is conducted at Zen Budokai EastLLC
by certified Instructors at no additional charge to the student. We
sell equipment, but only as a convenience-you can purchase it anywhere.
All you need to start is a heavy-knit gi. Eventually, you may wish
to puchase sparring pads.
Do you accept kids? What is the right age to start?
Due to the self-defense nature of our style, we do not train kids
under 12. Between age 12 and 18 will be accepted based on discretion
of the instructor for which a junior rate is available).
Is your school “better” than the competition?
Many people are looking for the “best” style or the “best”
school. There’s really no such thing – there’s the
one that works for you. We train seriously, and generally have a lot
of fun doing so. The best way to find a school is to watch a class,
and talk to instructors and students. If you find yourself feeling
uncomfortable, move on.
Do you allow students to attend seminars or competitions outside
of your system?
Absolutely. We’re about promoting learning in all forms. Hundreds
of years ago, martial arts schools could afford to be proprietary.
Today, martial arts are being refined at an enormous pace via Ultimate
Fighting Champion and other venues. It only makes sense to constantly
explore and expand your horizons. In an effort to promote learning
in all forms, we host and attend seminars on a regular basis. Fresh
insights are always welcome.
Do you encourage students to ask questions?
Yes. This improves teaching, and sometimes facilitates the discovery
of variations on a technique.
