Martial Arts FAQ

There are benefits to Martial Arts training for every age. Our preschool program, called SuperKids, is designed for students ages 4 to First Grade. In SuperKids classes we focus on developing listening skills and appropriate classroom behavior in a fun and play-filled environment. For our Juniors, (ages 7 – 12) martial arts training offers a non-competitive atmosphere with incredible benefits. Beyond learning real and effective self-defense and Bully Proof skills and maintaining or improving physical fitness, students will develop: focus, discipline, respect, self-esteem, goal setting, and confidence. And for adults, martial arts’ training is a great way to improve fitness and flexibility, and to learn practical and effective self defense skills.

The word Karate literally means “empty hand”. Karate is a Japanese martial art that focuses on striking with the hands and feet. Students learn blocks, punches and kicks. Like other martial arts, Karate focuses on training both the body and the mind.At Ultimate Martial Arts, we teach a melded form of Karate (Japanese) and Tae Kwon Do (Korean) frequently called Sport Karate. Our carefully constructed curriculum, developed and continuously refined over the last 30 years, incorporates the most practical aspects of a variety of the martial arts, to provide the most effective training available. We include both traditional Korean and Japanese forms, and many of the blocks and kicks we teach are found in both styles, just with different names. We’ve also incorporated basic weapons instruction along with some of the throws and ground defense elements of Judo and Jiu Jitsu, so that our students have a broad exposure to the martial arts.

At Ultimate Martial Arts, our programs and class schedules are specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s active families. Because no two students are alike, our programs are designed to allow each student to progress in rank at their own pace with no pressure to reach a certain rank in a given time frame. Students in the Basics Program can attend classes 3 times per week. Those on the Advanced Program can attend classes 4 days a week and those students whom are on the Elite Program can train 6 days a week

We have designed our programs to continually reward and motivate students. Students are given numerous incentives in the classroom: the possibility to earn an unlimited number of red achievement stripes for exceptional effort and the 5 colored stripes at each belt for skill attainment. With each stripe and each new belt, students are able to set and achieve new goals. Our curriculum was carefully designed to give students fresh material and challenging skills to learn at each belt level that will excite and motivate them at every step. Finally, we participate in both intramural and local tournaments; a great way for students to improve their skills and build self-esteem.

Each colored stripe represents a different skill set. For example, green stripes are earned for developing proficiency at standing self defense skills. Depending on the belt level, there are also stripes for forms, pad strikes, focus mitt combinations and paper drills. Each is outlined in more detail in the Student Handbook.

You will know that your child is ready to graduate to their next belt when they have received 5 colored stripes (yellow, green, blue, orange and black) on their belt. These stripes are awarded for proficiency at a particular skill. The instructor will also give your child a pre-graduation slip (a quarter sheet of paper) that should be turned into the office at least 2 days prior to the graduation ceremony with the accompanying graduation fee. Students who are ready to be promoted to the next belt level will also have their name placed on the school’s graduation board. Their name is placed under their current belt level, and the corresponding time for that graduation ceremony will be listed on the board for your reference. Also, note that the class time for your child’s next belt may be different than their current class time.Please consult the current school schedule.

Graduation ceremonies are an opportunity for students to show off their skills. One of our Master Instructors attends each of our graduations to assure high quality standards are being met and to meet all of our new students and follow their progress. We encourage families and friends to attend in support of students and to help them celebrate their achievements. Feel free to take videos or pictures.

No. Sparring is offered to students on the Advanced and Elite Programs and is required at the rank of Red Belt. Sparring classes are designed to show students a practical application of their martial arts skills. Students wear protective gear (head gear with a face shield, chest protectors, shin and elbow pads, etc.) to ensure the safety of all participants. Sparring basics and fundamentals are reviewed in each class, and students are paired with other students of their own size and ability level. Students are never required to spar against another student with whom they are not comfortable. If a student would like to try sparring, but is apprehensive, we would be happy to provide a free private sparring class.

Might for Right is our school motto. We conclude each of our classes by repeating this motto to help our students understand that there is an appropriate time and place for using their martial arts skills. We reinforce this idea during class time as well. It is important for students to understand that they should only use their skills in a self defense situation; when they feel that they are going to be harmed by someone. Otherwise they should work to resolve conflicts with words or with the help of a trusted adult.