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FAQs
Frequently Asked Billing & Program Questions
We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! And so do their kids. Even better… join into some of our martial arts classes for adults. You’re kids will love that you have something in common. It will build a strong family bond!
Additionally, if you wanted some ‘me-time’? Simply drop them off, and go grab a coffee. They will greet you with a huge smile when you return, because they had SO much fun!
Our Classes are labeled by what type of martial art you are doing and what age or rank. You can go to any class that is appropriate for you age or rank. You don’t have to do the same class each week, although it’s nice to get to know the other students.
If you miss a class, you can make it up the next week.
A specific part of our preschool and kids martial arts classes at Paradise Valley Karate in North Phoenix is teaching respect, and teaching when to use their new self defense training and when to NOT use them. We find that our students become more confident to stand up to bullies. And have more humility and kindness to others though their martial arts lessons.
Truthfully, the journey to Black Belt is an individual one. Everyone can progress at a different pace. There is no judgement on students for how long it does take. What we can tell you, is that it is SO WORTHWHILE!
The self defense skills you will master can truly be life-saving!
However, the other benefits of striving for Black Belt, like perseverance, never giving up, commitment and self discipline lead to life-long success.
You will find that your Instructors at Paradise Valley Karate North Phoenix are dedicated to helping you on your journey to Black Belt or whatever your personal goal may be.
We do only have a certain amount of space in our martial arts training area. To take advantage of our limited time offer…. The fastest way is to fill in form .
Additionally, you can always call us, we would love to chat with you about what we do, and if our North Phoenix martial arts classes would be a great fit for you and your family!
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes you can do sport in! Not really suitable to practice kicks in a skirt.😳
Once you are done with your FREE class you’ll want to sign up for a 2 Week Intro which includes a uniform!
Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our adult martial arts classes would describe themselves like that before they started. So you will fit right in!
Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! You’ll find that our very experienced martial arts Instructors, are trained to keep their teaching simple. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop ‘ninja-like’ skills! Come see for yourself!
No, not at all! We find that people start at varying fitness levels. But, you will find that you do get fit by doing our North Phoenix martial arts classes. Isn’t that the point though? A fun workout that gets results!
No, we don’t do long contracts. Our Memberships are done on a month by month basis. We only ask for a 30 day notice.
Frequently Asked Karate Questions
We have a typical martial arts contract, but our memberships are month by month with a 30 day cancellation.
Truthfully, the journey to black belt is an individual one. Everyone can progress at a different pace. There is no judgement on students for how long it does take. What we can tell you, is that it is SO WORTHWHILE!
The self defense skills you will master can truly be life-saving!
However, the other benefits of striving for black belt, like perseverance, never giving up, commitment and self discipline lead to life-long success.
We feel that there is a certain degree of maturity that needs to be attained to have a Black Belt. We also feel that your first black belt is the most memorable experience. If it is given too young, it’s truly not appreciated enough. We generally promote to black belt starting at 14 or 15. For our young kids, they will be able to earn belts on a regular basis to be able to work on their short and long term goals. For adults, they can expect it to take about 4 years of training.
As with most schools we are a mix of all that we have trained.
Our Primary style in Matsumura Shorin Ryu, but we also integrate things from Ryu Kyu Kemp, Shuri Te and Kali
No we do not. Adults and Children learn very differently. If we combine these classes, we feel that it would do a disservice to either group. We do offer a lot of competition opportunities and this is where families shine! Practicing their forms and going to competition and cheering each other on is an incredible relationship builder!
We do. We have limited availability, but we can find time for you!
Nothing! Well, almost. There is a $50 registration fee. Then that’s it. You really won’t need to buy a thing for the first year or two.
Included in your memberships
- Uniform
- Sparring Gear (When required)
- Belts
- Reviews (Excluding the Black Belt Candidate Program)
Tiny Tot Classes are 30 minutes
Youth Karate & Kali 4 Kids Classes are 40 minutes
Adult Karate & Kali Martial Arts are 1 hour – 1 hour & 15 min
We think 5 is the perfect age. There may be some 4 year olds that qualify. If you think your child is one, you can bring them in for a trial class and we can see how they do.
When you see schools teaching kids and very young ages, it might not be the best for your child if you want them to train long term. Karate is fun, but it isn’t just play either. We feel that you can make training fun and we work hard to always have a purpose with what we are doing. If a child learns to play too much in class, they will never find the joy of training.
We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. You should take a video often so they can see how they’ve improved. We love parents getting involved! And so do their kids. Even better… join into some of our martial arts classes for adults. Your kids will love that you have something in common. It will build a strong family bond!
Additionally, if you wanted some ‘me-time’? Simply drop them off, and go grab a coffee. They will greet you with a huge smile when you return, because they had SO much fun!
We find that our students become more confident to stand up to bullies and have more humility and kindness to others through their martial arts lessons.
Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! You’ll find that our very experienced martial arts instructors, are trained to keep their teaching simple. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop ‘ninja-like’ skills! Come see for yourself!
No, not at all! We find that people start at varying fitness levels. But, you will find that you do get fit by doing our classes. Isn’t that the point though? A fun workout that gets results! If you have any serious health concerns, talk to your Dr and then let us know. If there is something you shouldn’t be doing – we can modify
It is a good practice to be to class 10-15 minutes before it begins. This allows time to get your attendance card, change clothes if necessary, visit with friends, stretch out and be in the right mindset before stepping on the mat.
Frequently Asked Kali Questions
Kali is actually known as Pekiti Tirsia Kali and it is from the Philippines. It is an indigenous art that was originally passed down through family members. There are almost 8,000 islands in the Philippines and so there are many variations of the art. It was traditionally taught as a ‘backyard art’. It was taught in small groups in a very casual atmosphere like a back yard.
Kali is well known for its strength in weapon training, but includes empty hand training too.
Kali is also referred to as Arnis & Escrima. There are many other styles as well, such as Balintawak, Doces Pares, Inosanto, Lameco and more.
Kali is an old martial art but differs in some of their training rituals & techniques.
- No Karate Gi/Belt
- No Forms/Kata
- Uses more weapons
- Very Street Effective
- Used in Police & Military Training
- Positive effects on cognitive skills
- Low occurrence of injury or strain
The same principles are taught in both classes, except that we do not teach blade to the kids.
When kids are old enough to train the blade it’s a super simple transition. The way they use the stick will be the same way they would use the blade.
This makes it so easy for everyone! Instead of learning a different technique fore empty hand, stick and knife. They all move the same and reinforce each other!
You will need a uniform shirt, a pair of sticks, a training blade, and a padded stick.
You will receive a Tee when you sign up for a 2 Week Trial, Sticks & Blade are included in your Registration & you will receive a Padded Stick when you complete Module 1.
Kali is all about personal improvement. There isn’t a black belt in Kali, but there are levels of skill you will attain and they are marked by a Panyo.
If you like to push yourself, you can work to be an instructor! This is a special journey to become a Guro!
For those that need a little extra help or don’t like group atmospheres – yes we do!
Frequently Asked After School Questions
Anytime you want to. We usually get kids back to the school by 3:30pm. You can pick them up at that time. If you need to pick them up from their school early – please let us know.
Fill out the After School Request so that we know what school your child is going to. We don’t pick up at all schools.
After you have registered you’ll need to let the school know how they will be picked up and in many cases you will need to supply us with their Pick Up Card
- Transportation to the Academy
- Snacks
- Homework time
- Karate/Kali Class
- Games
- Social Opportunities
- Leadership Opportunities
- Pick up by 6pm
- Half Days included
- Sibling Discounts
- ALL THE GREAT BENIFITS OF MARTIAL ARTS!
Camp officially opens at 8am and closes at 6pm. Someone is typically at the school by 7:45am. After 6pm our staff is gone. We understand that sometimes there are traffic issues. If tardy pick up becomes chronic, there may be fees assessed.
This changes from year to year depending on demand and the times & distance of the school. Fill out the After School Request Form so we know what school you want to have picked up. For the 2024-2025 school year we will definitely be at: Desert Cove, Great Heart North Phoenix, Indian Bend, Liberty & Mercury Mine. We may be able to pick up at yours too – fill out the form to request.
Half Days are definitely a thing. Week will pick up on half days at no extra cost to you! If there is a half day that you do not normally use the After School Program, we will pick them up for only $20 (as long as we have room)
Frequently Asked Summer Camp Questions
Your child will be given a uniform for camp. They will need to wear it each day they come. On pool days – they will need swimsuit and a towel.
Yes! You are welcome to bring your child in or pick them up at any time. If we are on a field trip, simply call and you can pick them up where we are at. We suggest having them here by 9am for their first class
Yes! We ask that you keep it simple. We do not have kitchen facilities here. We offer a Samurai Dog, chips and a drink for $5 if you prefer not to pack them a lunch
We ask that your child not bring items from home. We do not want them to get lost or stolen. We also do not want to have games or cell phones here. If your child needs it to stay in contact with you, we ask that it be left at the pro desk
Wow! Lots! We will have karate classes twice a day on most days. Karate classes will be focused on karate basics, fitness and self defense.
We take the kids to the pool on Monday & Wednesday and the movies on Thursday
We also have lots of activities at the school: Nerf gun wars, Padded Stick Sparring, Fort Building, Game time, Contests, and in-house movies
We will also be preparing for a Dojo tournament, in July, where kids can compete and win a trophy