The following questions are those most commonly asked by prospective students or their parents.
Q. Why choose martial arts as your child's sport?
A. Unlike most sports, martial arts offers each student the chance to stand out and be recognized. Nobody gets benched in Tae Kwon Do, every student can be a star and we have many. Power Kix Martial Arts has produced State and National Champions at the Tae Kwon Do Junior Olympics.
Q. Is this going to make my child more aggressive?
A. No! On the contrary, martial arts serves as a means to channel aggression and teaches children to focus on doing his or her best in a friendly, non-confrontational way.
Q. Will my child stick with this?
A. Yes, because at each belt level our students must complete certain criteria that will allow them to be promoted to the next belt. As they complete the criteria, they are rewarded and this gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also motivates them to keep going on to the next level.
Q. Am I too old to start?
A. No! We have a great group of adults who range in age from 18-63. Everyone comes in at different fitness levels and with different strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is that they do come in, and so should you!
Q. Will it help me get out of a difficult situation?
A. Yes, at Power Kix Martial Arts we will give you the confidence to evaluate any difficult situation and skill to act accordingly.
The following questions are those that are most commonly asked at Power Kix by existing students or student's parents. Any of the Power Kix staff and higher ranked students will be pleased to answer any other queries not covered on this page.
Q. Where can I find information about what is happening at the club?
A. Towards the end of each month a newsletter and calendar for the following month are printed. Copies are available in the lobby and, shortly afterwards, the same information appears on this website. The calendar gives information about the following month's classes and is provided to assist the student in deciding which days are best to attend in order to practice the required curriculum. Test and graduation dates, Freaky Friday classes and any other important dates or events are also listed. The newsletter provides further information about upcoming events and other information we feel students and parents should be aware of.
Q. I see "A Day" and "B Day" on the calendar. What does this mean?
A. This determines which part of the curriculum is taught on each day. An "A Day" is Forms and Self-Defenses (adults only), a "B Day" is Combinations, Sparring Strategies and / or Sparring. All curriculum is taught on Saturdays and Fridays when special classes are not taking place.
Q. What is a "Stripe" and how do I get one?
A. A "Stripe" is an indication that a student has mastered part of the curriculum for their current belt rank. A stripe will be awarded when a student has attended sufficient classes AND an instructor deems that they have mastered the relevant curriculum for their next stripe. Stripes are only awarded on a day when the curriculum relevant to the stripe is being taught. For example, if a student's next stripe is for their Form, this may only be awarded on an "A Day" or a day when all curriculum is being taught.
Q. My son/daughter/father/wife has attended the required number of classes, why do they not have their next stripe?
A. The most common answer to this question is that they have not mastered the relevant curriculum to the satisfaction of the instructor. A stripe is not awarded simply for attendance, it is an indication that a student has learned and is able to perform the curriculum for that stripe to a satisfactory level. Also, don't forget that stripes for forms and self-defenses are given on A Days, stripes for combinations and sparring strategies are given on B days. Any stripe may be given on days when all curriculum is covered.
Q. How many stripes are there for each belt?
A. Before a student may test for their next belt 3 stripes are required for most colored belts. The first stripe is for Combinations (B Day), the second for the Form (A Day) and the third for Sparring Strategies (B Day). Additionally, adults are required to know their Self-Defenses (A Day) before the third stripe is awarded. Additional requirements and stripes exist for the advanced brown and novice black belts.
Q. Are there any more requirements before I can progress to the next belt?
A. In addition to the stripe requirements a student must attend a minimum number of classes and also have been at the same belt level for a period of time. These requirements are as follows:
Current White thru Red Belts - Minimum 2 months and 28 classes
Current Advanced Red Belts - Minimum 3 months and 28 classes
Current Brown Belts - Minimum 3 months and 40 classes
Current Advanced Brown Belts - Minimum 4 months and 50 classes
Q. So, what is Testing all about?
A. When a student has met all of the stripe requirements and is ready to advance to the next belt they will be notified by an instructor. Testing always takes place on a Tuesday and is normally 4 weeks after the previous month's testing. At the test Mr. B or Ms. Limas will ask the student to perform all of the curriculum that they have learned for their current belt. They will grade each part of the student's performance and then give an overall grade along with any comments about the student's performance and any areas that could be improved.
Q. How much does Testing cost?
A. Unlike many clubs in the area, color belt tests are free. There is a fee for each black belt examination, the cost of this is detailed in the student's contract.
Q. Okay, I passed my test, when do I get my new belt?
A. Students who pass the belt test are expected to attend graduation, which always takes place the Saturday morning after testing. Students are expected to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the start of graduation and their uniforms should be clean and pressed. Summer uniforms are not permitted. At graduation promoted students get to perform their Combinations and Form in front of friends, family and fellow students. Higher ranked students are actually tested on their curriculum at graduation, so it is a good place for less experienced students to see what lies ahead. When everyone has shown off their new skills, belts and certificates are presented. Once all new belts and any additional awards have been presented, everyone gathers in the lobby area for food and refreshments. Students and/or parents are encouraged to bring any finger food or non-alcoholic beverages to share. Students who are unable to attend graduation may collect their new belt from the office any time after graduation, but they will not receive their certificate until they have attended a graduation.
Q. Isn't it scary performing in front of everyone?
A. The thought of performing in front of an audience can be quite daunting to some people. By getting students to perform at graduations for each of their belts, they will gradually become more accustomed to public performance. As the student feels more comfortable their confidence grows leading to a better more relaxed performance. This is important as students who are ready to progress to novice black belt actually take their belt test at graduation. Once a student has attained that level all subsequent stripe and belt tests are performed in front of an audience.
Q. I've seen students wearing a mixture of different uniforms. Do these colors mean anything?
A. A white uniform can be worn by anyone. A red uniform may be worn by Black Belt Club members. These are students who have committed to staying at the club until they have earned their black belt. White uniforms with a black or colored collar may be worn by Novice Black Belts and Black Belts. These students may also wear black pants. Blue and black uniforms may be worn by Black Belts who are working towards their next degree.
Q. What is a Black Belt club Member?
A. A Black Belt Club member is a student who, in conjunction with one or more of the instructors, has set themself the goal of advancing to black belt.
Q. What other equipment do I need and when do I need it?
A. No belt / White Belt require hand pads (chops). Gold belt requires foot pads (kicks), shin guards, mouthpiece and groin protector. Green belt requires headgear and chest protector. All safety equipment must be approved by Power Kix, students will not be allowed to train in unapproved gear. Students who do not bring their sparring equipment to class will not be permitted to participate in any activity where the equipment is worn. This is for the student's own safety, not as a punishment.
Q. I've heard mention of a Candidate Cycle, what is this?
A. Prior to any 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree black belt exam eligible students (Candidates) will be invited to attend additional classes with Ms. Limas to prepare them for their big day. This cycle of classes usually takes place 3 times each week and lasts for around 8 - 10 weeks. There are normally 2 candidate cycles per year for current novice black belts aiming for their 1st degree. 2nd and 3rd degree cycles take place when there are sufficient eligible students. The culmination of the cycle is the examination, which normally takes place on a Saturday evening at the club. Friends, family and fellow students are encouraged to attend the event, to cheer on the students that are testing.
Q. Aside from regular classes, what other programs are available at the club?
A. There are a host of activities for all ages at Power Kix. Further information about any of the following classes and activities is available in the office.
Private Lessons with the instructor of your choice
Birthday Parties
Kardio Kickboxing
Summer Camp
Holiday Camps
After School Program
Demo Team
Self Defense Classes
Fight Club
TKD or Olympic Style Fighting
