FAQ
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Programs
Frequently asked questions about our programs...
Q.1 Do I get to try the program before I sign up?
Karate USA offers a free trial class for our Little Ninjas program (ages 3 to 5). For Taekwondo, we offer a trial program, usually two to four weeks at a discounted rate with no commitment so you can experience our program like a regular member rather than doing one class and then having to decide.
Q.2 Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
Karate USA does not require long term contracts. We offer month to month programs as our guarantee of excellence. If you'd like to save money, we offer six and twelve month programs at a discounted rate.
Q.3 Do you offer discounts for additional members?
The 2nd family member is 50% off and we offer additional discounts for more add-ons.
Q.4 Do you offer a black belt program?
Karate USA does not offer a "Black Belt program". Black Belt programs are industry-speak for long term contracts. Generally, a school will "upgrade" you into the Black Belt program (generally three year contract) and promise you a black belt. We don't believe in promising Black Belts, locking our clients into three year contracts, or employing any other industry gimmicks.
Q.5 How do we get started?
Use the contact page to call us by phone or you may submit a contact request through our email form. We'll set up a time for you to come in to see our facility and get you started on our trial program (or do a free class for Little Ninjas).
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Student Questions
New to our program? Here's some answers to frequently asked questions from students...
Q.1 How many times a week should we attend?
Little Ninjas are limited to two times per week due to their age. Taekwondo students are expected to come at least two times per week. Our Taekwondo program is unlimited, meaning you can attend as many times a week as you'd like, but beginners should limit themselves to two to four classes per week so they don't burn themselves out.
Q.2 How are belts earned?
Belts are earned by the student learning all new requirements as well as retaining and improving old techniques.
Little Ninjas are eligible to test when they have attended the required amount of classes for promotion.
Taekwondo students test from novice (white) to yellow after 10 classes. Once a student tests for yellow belt they are then put into our computer system, which tracks their attendance and time spent at each level. We use a three stripe system to keep track of the students progression with techniques, forms, sparring, and board breaking. Once the student has received all three stripes, they are allowed to test for their next belt.
Q.3 How are stripes earned?
Stripes are earned in class. When a taekwondo student has met the minimum time requirement they will receive a red stripe. The student earns the white stripe for learning his/her form. The blue stripe is given to the student when an instructor feels the student is ready to test. The application is also given at that time.
Little Ninjas work on a different system. They earn stripes each class and receive black stripe when ready to test (10-12 stripes).
Q.4 How often should students practice?
Students should practice on a daily basis for 10-30 minutes. Use the student section to watch form videos to help with forms. You may purchase recommended training equipment from the pro shop if you'd like to get more out of your home workouts.
Q.5 When should I purchase sparring equipment?
Sparring equipment may be purchased when a student reaches yellow belt. Sparring is required at testing from green to purple. The sooner a student starts sparring the better as it is easier to learn at the lower levels. Sparring equipment may be purchased from the pro shop and generally lasts until black belt.
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Parent Questions
Are you the parent of a child in our program? Here's the basics...
Q.1 How can I help my child practice?
As a parent, your help and support is very important. Watch the forms videos with your child and have them show you their form. If they have a white stripe, they should be able to perform the form on their own with little to no help. You may also hold training paddles or shields for them to kick. Most of all, be involved in their training by observing them in class and motivate them by offering positive support.
Q.2 Should I be worried about my child's safety in sparring class?
All sports contain some risk of injury. However, martial arts has historically had a lower injury rate than other popular sports such as football, soccer, baseball, and even volleyball. In twenty years of operation, Karate USAs injury rates have been so low it's been a non-factor. Safety is our number one priority. Bumps and bruises are common but anything beyond that is extremely rare.
