Q: What style of Karate do you teach?
A: We teach an art form combining Tae-Kwon-do and Tang-Soo-Do, as well as some Hapkido. Our program also incorporates elements from kickboxing and wrestling at more advanced belts.
Q: My child is already very energetic and I am afraid that he or she will use these newly acquired skills to hurt someone. What do you do about this?
A: Proper ethics are taught at all Kreimer's Karate. Students are taught never to practice on their brother, sister, neighbors, and especially on anyone in the school yard. Karate is for self-defense, not fighting. The very last thing a student should do is enter into a physical confrontation. If they can talk their way out of a situation or get away then they should do so.
Q: What is the difference between Karate and TaeKwonDo?
A: Karate (Empty Hand) is a Japanese/Okinawan martial art that utilizes 50% hand techniques and 50% kicking techniques. TaeKwonDo (Way of the Hand and Foot, sometimes referred to as Korean Karate) is a Korean martial art that more emphasizes kicking techniques.
Q: Can individuals join your Studio or just families?
A: Our Studio is open to individual and family member alike.
Q: How long will it take to get my Black Belt?
A: The time it takes varies per student, It takes an average of 4-6 years for an adult to attain Black Belt level and a little longer for children.
Q: Karate looks like a violent, aggressive activity. Will my child be more prone to fighting if they join your school?
A: A popular myth is that Karate is violent and aggressive. This is mainly due to television and the movies. On the contrary, Karate subdues the overly aggressive, hyperactive child and draws out the more passive, introverted child. This pertains also to adults.
Q: I feel as if I am too old to start Karate. Don't you have to be young and strong to begin training?
A: You can start training at any age. Everyone works at their own level. This is true no matter what belt you attain. Safety is our number one concern and if an exercise or activity hurts or feels uncomfortable, you are not required to do it.
Q: What are your class times.
A: Please click on the
Class Times tab for more information.
Q: I notice there are classes all week. When do we attend?
A: Students must attend two classes a week, but the can come to as many classes a week that they're eligible for. Please see the class schedule for times in your belt level.
Q: My son/daughter is very nervous about joining. Can parents stay and watch during class?
A: Parents are encouraged to stay and watch.
Q: Do I have to sign a contract?
A: No, we accept month-to-month payments. However, we do offer 6 and 12 month student agreements to receive a reduced tuition.
Q: Are there any religious connotations in your style of Karate?
A: None!
Q: How are your classes structured?
A: The first part of class (5-12 minutes) is for warm-up exercises, strength building (push-ups, sit-ups etc.), stretching for flexibility, activities promoting agility, listening, balance, coordination and concentration skills. The rest of class is devoted to basic and advanced TaeKwonDo techniques.
Q: I see some of the student have Stars on their Uniforms, what do they mean?
A: Students who wear Stars on their uniform have received them through the Academics Achievement program, student are encouraged to bring in their report Cards so that a copy can be made and kept on file for that school year. Please see the desk for all requirements. Stars are then awarded in August as to how you performed during the previous school year.
Q: How many instructors are there per class?
A: On average there are 2 instructors per class and we also use our Advanced Belts and Jr. Black Belts to assist with class.
Q: I have trained at club X and have attained belt Y. If I join your school can I keep my same rank?
A: This is an evaluation period after which time it will be decided which belt you may wear in our organization. It depends on what your prior rank was and how long it has been since you stopped training (if at all). We try to put you at a rank in our system that will be challenging, but not impossible to get caught up on our curriculum.
Q: My son or daughter has problems with bullies at school. Will joining your Karate school help them in this area?
A: Periodic discussions are held to identify any problems students may be having in this area. Specific solutions are formulated to help students deal with these situations.
Q: Can I come in and just watch a class to see what you do?
A: Spectators are welcome anytime in the lobby area. Please have cell phones on vibrate.
Q: Do you offer any Specials?
A: We sure do - contact us to check out our Current Special!
Q: When do classes begin and how do I sign up?
A: Classes are ongoing. We run our programs year-round, even through the summer. Students can sign up at any time during the year. Please call to schedule your free private intro lesson.
Q: What are One-Steps?
A: One step sparring is a prearrange sequence of attacks and defenses that are practiced with a partner to strengthen technique.
Q: Why do we practice one-steps?
A: Besides learning some self defense and a few basic combinations one step sparring is meant to improve: Focus, Control, Distance and Timing. Focus: (Concentration and Accuracy) The various strikes in Taekwondo are very powerful but when delivered off target may cause only minimal results. Therefore, the Taekwondoist must learn to deliver each technique to a very specific point on the anatomy. Pressure points should be learned as well as joint locks and how to break your opponents balance. Control: (Full Speed, Full Power, Perfect Coordination) Control adds to the beauty of Taekwondo as a martial art. In one step sparring techniques must be delivered full speed and force without damaging your training partner. The martial artist that can deliver a blow full force within an inch of the target has the control necessary to deliver that same technique through the target. Distance: (Proper Striking Distance) One steps help to teach the proper striking distance for the various techniques. Through these exercises the taekwondoist will learn the difference between striking and kicking range. Each defense will have its own unique distance and body placement that will favor certain techniques and targets over others. Timing: (Moving at the correct moment) A properly executed one step will either intercept or avoid the attacker's blow entirely. Precise timing and perceptual skills will develop until the defender can avoid, block and counter the attacks as they are delivered full speed. What are Tae Kwon Do Forms? Tae Kwon Do Forms are patterns of techniques taught to students that should be mastered before testing for the next rank. These Tae Kwon Do patterns become more difficult to master as the martial artist progresses through the various belt ranks. Tae Kwon Do forms are interchangeably referred to as Hyung, Poomse and patterns.
Q: Why Do We Practice Forms?
A: Besides providing an opportunity to practice individual techniques, forms can develop balance, coordination, power, speed, endurance, grace and concentration. Most students make the assumption that a form has been mastered once the pattern has been memorized, this represents only a superficial understanding of the form and of Tae Kwon Do as a Martial Art. To some martial artist forms practice is their favorite aspect of Tae Kwon Do because it does not require a partner and because of the physical/mental challenge and it reflects the beauty of Tae Kwon Do as a martial art.