This page is
intended to resolve any questions or concerns that you may have concerning the nature of Martial Arts training.
Should you feel the need to contact us directly for a more detailed explanation on any of the questions or concerns
herein, or not listed, please feel free to contact us directly via email or telephone at (909)989-1400
Question: Martial
arts looks so violent, what exactly will you be teaching my child?
Answer:
Many people look at the martial arts as a way of fighting. Actually it is quite the opposite. Students are taught
that fighting is always the last resort, and it is far better to try to manage conflict with words, and responsible conversation
rather than resorting to physical conflict. There are those times however when there are no other alternatives.
For this reason, students are taught to maintain a safe distance, and to react to their opponents negative motion,
rather than waiting to be struck. This obviously requires practice, and eventually becomes instinctive.
Question:
Will Martial Arts training make me or my child more aggressive?
Answer:
At UMAC, we focus primarily on character development, Depending on the existing traits that you or your child
currently posses, our programs will enhance your overall balance of assertiveness, in a positive manner.
Question: Being that you focus primarily on character traits, will my
child be capable of defending himself?
Answer: Yes! You, or your child
will be taught realistic, practical self defense with a realistic approach. However, physical conflict is always urged
to be the last resort. Students are taught to defuse conflict rather than escalate it. At the same time, they are taught to
react to their opponents negative motion, rather than to wait until they are struck.
Question:
I am concerned that my child will misuse what they are being taught. How do you safeguard against them abusing
their newfound skills?
Answer: Our instructors are taught to teach our
programs in a manner that will promote responsible behavior. Students are strongly discouraged to misuse their Martial Arts
skills. In the event a student misuses their martial arts training, they are counselled on trying to find a better solution
to manage conflict besides striking their opponent. Students are taught to never strike in anger.
Question:
How long will it take for my child to become proficient in his/her martial arts skills to the point where they
can defend themselves?
Answer: It is virtually impossible to estimate precisely
when a person will become proficient in their skills. However, most students gain the ability for basic self defense rather
quickly. There are several factors to consider in gaining a true understanding of proficiency, including but not limited to
the frequency of training, the mind set of the individual. For example, some people are gifted athletes and are capable of
adapting to physical demands rather quickly whereas others require a bit more training to reach their potential.
Question: How long will it take to get to the Black Belt?
Answer:
Each student is an individual, with individual needs, and abilities. There is no set time frame to achieve the
rank of Black belt. We do use a guide line of 35 to 50 hours of training at each rank until the student gets closer to the
rank of black belt. Once a student has displayed excellent communication skills, as well as leadership abilities, the student
is invited to assist in teaching. This solidifies their skills, and abilities as well as builds their confidence. An average
time frame to achieve the rank of Black Belt would be any where from 4 to 6 years, providing the student stays on track and
disciplined.
Question: I hear that Martial arts training is very good for the development
of self-discipline, self-esteem and self confidence. How do you instill these character traits in your students?
Answer: One of the first things you may notice about our facility is that there are no trophies
in our lobby. Over the last several years we have done extensive research on why parents bring their children in for martial
arts classes. We have learned that the number one reason why parents will seek martial arts training for their children is
to help them develop a higher sense of self-esteem. One of the worst things you can do for a child with a low self esteem
is to subject him to the pressure of having to meet a higher criteria like winning trophies. The first thing this type of
student says to them self when they see all the trophies in a martial arts studio is "Wow these guys must be good!"
The very next thought through this person's mind is "I could never be that good." By removing the trophies from
the lobby it completely removes the element of expectation from the students mind set, thus helping the student focus more
on the other aspects of martial arts training.