FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

"I was born to succeed. I believe in myself and my ability to make a positive difference. Every day I become stronger in mind, body and spirit. I live my life with honour, courtesy and respect."

Our student creed doesn't sound like words associated with the martial arts, but in fact they are an important and integral part of learning the art. Unfortunately, many parents have a grave misconception about martial arts, most of it gleaned from the media and Hollywood movies. Contrary to the popular belief, martial arts - as taught at Safeguard™ Martial Arts - is not about kicking, punching, hurting, or developing aggressive behaviour but rather focusing on the individual development of each student. Students progress at their own rate in a friendly, safe, non-contact environment. Make sure you check out our YouTube video link on our home page.

The following questions and answers may assist you in the investigation of martial arts training either for yourself or children:

• WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SAFEGUARD MARTIAL ARTS (SMA)?
• IS MY CHILD SAFE LEARNING AND PRACTICING MARTIAL ARTS?
• MY CHILD IS BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL, CAN MARTIAL ARTS HELP?
• HOW YOU CAN CHILDREN START IN YOUR PROGRAM?
• CAN A 3 YEAR OLD REALLY LEARN MARTIAL ARTS? ISN'T THAT TOO YOUNG?
• WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR KIDS TO START MARTIAL ARTS?
• WHAT ABOUT ME? I'VE WANTED TO LEARN MARTIAL ARTS SINCE I WAS A KID - AM I TOO OLD?
• WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE?
• WHICH MARTIAL ARTS STYLE IS THE BEST?
• HOW DO WE TRY CLASSES?

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SAFEGUARD MARTIAL ARTS (SMA)?

You may have read quite a bit about our school already as you surf through the pages on our site. Over the last 16 years we have worked very hard to become well established in the community as members of the local Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. SMA has also been voted "The Best Martial Arts School" in Langley since 2002 by readers of our local newspaper, the Advance News. In 2006 our FAST Defense program was voted the Best Women's Self Defense Program in North America by the Editors of Black Belt Magazine. Give us a call or come in and check for yourself why we are the Best of the Best!"

IS MY CHILD SAFE LEARING AND PRACTICING MARTIAL ARTS?

If you've already looked at Martial Arts schools, you may have seen some that weren't really set up for teaching children. Your concern is valid - children studying martial arts have different needs than adults, yet some schools simply adapt their adult courses and call them "children's martial arts." At Safeguard™ Martial Arts we have developed specialized programs for martial arts instruction in different age groups to ensure the learning exercises are fun and safe. We have a program for children ages 3 - 4 years and a junior program for children ages 5 - 12. We also have specific programs for teens and adults.

At Safeguard™ Martial Arts your child learns and practices in a physical and philosophical environment that also emphasizes their safety. It begins with strict discipline within the dojo or training area where our instructors discourage boastful behaviour and egotism; promoting camaraderie and mutual respect. It's completed with a specially padded floor and other equipment that reduces accident risk during training.

MY CHILD IS BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL, CAN MARTIAL ARTS HELP?

In a recent survey 9 out of 10 elementary school students reported they had been victim of bulling. Bullying is a very serious problem that can have long-term effects on our children. Martial Arts training can certainly assist with this problem but you might be surprised how this occurs! We have dedicated a section of our website to this discussion. For more information click on the "BULLY BUSTING" link at the top of this page.

HOW YOUNG CAN CHILDREN START IN YOUR PROGRAM?

Our tots program is specifically designed for children at a pre-school age, from 3 to 4 years old. Not all 3-year-olds are ready for the program, but we can never tell until they try, so we offer a free class to anyone in that age group to determine their ability to listen and learn.

CAN 3 YEAR OLDS REALLY LEARN MARTIAL ARTS? ISN'T THAT TOO YOUNG?

Children don't begin to develop their finer motor skills until they are about five or six years old. This means that a 3-year-old or 4-year-old will have difficulty perfecting the finer details inherent in martial arts technique. This, however, does not mean that they can't start the learning process. In our tots program, we focus on the effort the student puts into what they are attempting, not the actual physical result. This is difficult for many martial arts instructors who have, for years, felt that if you can't do things perfectly, you shouldn't do them at all. Since 1996, we have been constantly improving our tots program. One of our popular classes in the tots program involves a low-key introduction to dealing with strangers. Feedback from parents and the squeals of delight from the tots tells us were doing a great job.

WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR KIDS TO START MARTIAL ARTS?

There's a saying you may have heard, "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago - the second best time is today." In other words - the sooner the better! You'd be amazed how many parents, after seeing the benefits their children receive, will make comments like, "I wish I had gotten them into this sooner!" If you've been thinking about enrolling your child in martial arts, don't wait! The sooner they get started, the sooner they (and you) can benefit from the lessons learned in a well-run martial arts program. Our programs are designed to meet the specific requirements and abilities of different ages. Visit our tots, juniors or teen/adult pages on this web site for more information.

WHAT ABOUT ME? I'VE WANTED TO LEARN MARTIAL ARTS SINCE I WAS A KID - AM I TOO OLD?

Not withstanding a medical condition that must be checked with your family doctor, the answer to this question is entirely in your mind. It sounds corny, but age really is nothing but a number! If you feel too old to do this, you're probably wrong. The unfortunate thing is that you'll probably convince yourself you're right. Many people in the world have started martial arts training as late in life as their seventies! The question is not "am I too old" but rather, "am I willing to give it a try?" If the answer is yes, come see us!

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE?

Our instructors go through an intensive 3-year instructor training program that teaches them how to teach. It's one thing to be good at the martial arts, but it's an entirely different skill set to teach someone else how to do it.

WHICH MARTIAL ARTS STYLE IS THE BEST?

Actually, all martial arts styles can be very effective. Some styles require a very high level of athleticism and flexibility to master. Others are very prone to injury because of the lack of control until very senior levels. At Safeguard™ Martial Art, we teach the Japanese style known as Shotokan. Shotokan is one of the most popular styles around the world and well known for developing strong stances and explosive technique. But no one style is effective for everyone. We also introduce our students to techniques from other styles including judo, jujitsu, aikido and grappling to name a few. This ensures each student can draw on technique that complements their particular limitations and abilities. Finally, martial arts training is only as effective as the quality of the instruction. Having a black belt does not mean you can teach. Instruction must be flexible to deal with the different ways each of us learn. It must employ the latest physical education knowledge. Too many instructors teach the same thing decade after decade . . . because that's the way they were taught! At Safeguard™ Martial Arts our instructors go through an intensive training program which includes both a physical and academic curriculum focusing on sound instructional technique, lesson planning, age specific orientation and student safety.

HOW DO WE TRY CLASSES?

Take advantage of our Two-Week Introductory Program for adults and juniors* to check out if this is something you would like to do. Hey, its only $19.99 including a uniform. Just click on the flying figure below to register on-line (a member of our staff will contact you as soon as possible) or call us at 604-532-0090.

* A free introductory class is also available for our 3 - 4 year Tot classes!

If we've missed a question that is important to you please give us a call. We'll be happy to address it and post it on this page for others to benefit from as well!