I (or my child) is only interested in your Fast Defense training program. Do I need to attend other classes?
No. Our Fast Defense training program is taught in a seminar format and is open to students from the DOJO and non-students alike. Participants in the Fast Defense program need no prior martial arts training...at all.
How often should I (or my child) attend class?
For our martial arts programs: Our Basic Training Program is for two classes per week; The Black Belt Club allows for unlimited classes per week, along with special Black Belt Club workshops and seminars; and Our Leadership Program includes everything above plus leadership-based training for assisting in lower belt rank classes.
My child has studied martial arts at another school. Can he/she transfer to your school and retain his/her belt rank?
Because martial arts training varies so widely between schools, and each student is different, we are happy to meet with you and your child to evaluate what a comparable belt rank would be in our system. We work with each student on an individual basis. Please talk with us.
Do you offer private instruction?
Yes. Private lessons may be scheduled during the week and on weekends as well.
What other fees will I be expected to pay in addition to the monthly tuition?
Each student will need to purchase their own gloves, other protective gear, escrima sticks, etc.
Do you charge belt testing fees?
No. You earn your belts, not pay for them.
Do you offer a "Black Belt Club" membership?
Yes. The Black Belt Club is for those students who want more than a basic martial arts education. In the BBC we teach additional weapons (e.g., bo staff, nunchukus), our full FAST Defense program, forms and sparring for competition, and offer special seminars by visiting master instructors. Membership also offers the opportunity to the BBC student to join the schools Demonstration Team. Students must be at the rank of gold belt or higher to join the BBC.
What is the Leadership Program?
This program is designed for those special students who want to take their mastery of martial arts to a deeper and more global level. Our Leadership students learn valuable communication skills, teaching skills, and public speaking skills. All in the form of assisting us in teaching lower belt rank martial arts classes (a great preparation route for college bound youth). Students must complete an application, an interview, and must be at the rank of green belt or higher to join our Leadership Program.
What style do you teach?
We teach Freestyle Martial Arts, which is a blended system of American Karate (Western Boxing & Kickboxing along with traditional forms), Brazilian Jiu Jutsu, Kali (Filipino Martial Arts), and Real Life Self Defense (including FAST Defense).
How long should I (or my child) expect to train in order to obtain a Black Belt?
Typically, a minimum of four years would be required of consistent training for the most martial arts-gifted individual. Most people, however, take longer than this (anywhere from five to eight years). This journey to black belt is much more about your growth as a person than the "trophy" of a black belt itself. Many folks never attain black belt, yet have benefited far and wide from the journey no matter how long or short.
What is the youngest age one can get a Black Belt?
At the Hawaii Freestyle Martial Arts, we do not believe in awarding black belts to children. A student the age of 12 can earn their Junior Black Belt. At the time that a Junior Black Belt holder turns 16, she/he may then test for their adult black belt.
Hawaii Freestyle Martial Arts
74-5563 Kaiwi Street, Suite 136| Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 96740
at the corner of Kaiwi and Kuakini - across from West Hawaii Today
in the Heart of Kona's Old Industrial Area
808.329.8856 | info@thedojo-Hawaii.com