Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective Students
1. How Do I Get Started
Getting started is simple. Call or email us to make an appointment for a FREE day of classes. We recommend that you start on a Monday or Wednesday evening or Saturday morning although we will accommodate your schedule.
When you come in, you will need to fill out a waiver, we will show you around and then you can jump in! All you need are workout clothes and a water bottle. We do not allow street shoes on our mats for health reasons. We encourage tennis shoes though so if you wear them outside wipe off the bottoms with bleach or alcohol and bring them in a gym bag.
If you like what you experience and choose to become a student right after your class we have enrollment specials that are only available your first day. So, please come prepared with your bank information or credit/debit card to take advantage of these offers.
2. I want to learn martial arts but I don't want to get hurt.
Safety is highly emphasized at our school. We try to make our classes accessible for the average person who wants to learn martial arts and kickboxing for fun, fitness and self-defense. Therefore contact in classes is always very light and controlled. Any "sparring" will always be optional.
3. Can I train in more than one type of class at a time?
The martial arts we have chosen to teach at the school compliment each other and flow very nicely together, creating a \ good blend, which covers all distance ranges of combat.
4. Do I have to wear a uniform or other special gear?
We don't have a traditional uniform as such, we have school t-shirts and sweat pants/tops etc. We do require our students to wear our school t-shirt for all classes to promote an environment for learning and discipline.
5. Am I too old?
The class atmosphere is friendly and open, which allows people of all ages to work at their own pace and ability. We will try to push you to your limits not everyone else's.
6. Am I fit enough?
This is the last thing you should worry about. Fitness is different for everyone, so we allow people to work as hard as they want to. The instructor does of course appreciate any effort and we try to make sure that everyone gets a workout that suits them.
7. Are the classes suitable for beginners without any previous martial arts experience?
No previous martial arts experience is necessary; our qualified team of instructors is able to cater for any level and they will help to expand your knowledge of the arts.
8. Do you have a grading / belt system?
We have a system of phases and levels which are more a set of goals than a ranking system as such. We recommend you concentrate on the True MMA / Phase system. There are 12 levels in this innovative mixed martial arts program.
You can also concentrate in each of the 5 distinct areas of the Minnesota Kali Group system: Filipino Boxing, Kali Weaponry, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD Concepts and Grappling/Submission Arts. There are 10 levels to each art.
We hold quarterly group tests to progress from level to level. These tests are made to be as close to a class situation as possible and you will not be embarrassed or singled out to perform in front of the group.
9. Do I have to bring a training partner?
No. Most people come to make new friends while having a workout.
10. Do you spar?
Of course. Striking students can begin timing sparring with light contact at the Phase 1 Level 3 stage. (6 months to 1 year) Grappling or weaponry students can begin sparring somewhat earlier. We have a dedicated sparring class each week.
Current Students
1. Why do I have to wait so long to spar? I have heard that it is better to spar much faster.
For the student not looking to compete or with immediate professional needs we STRONGLY believe in building a base set of offense and defensive techniques outside of sparring. In this way once sparring becomes part of your regular training you will not be reinforcing incorrect reactions out of fear or surprise.
2. How do I cancel my membership?
First we are sorry to hear you are thinking of leaving us! Please come and speak with us before you give up on making martial arts a part of your life. We have many suggestions and solutions for people with monetary and schedule challenges.
Terms for cancellation of membership depends on the plan under which you are enrolled; there are 30/90 day cancellation plans. Please refer to your copy of the Student Training Agreement for clarification.
In all cases cancellation notice needs to be given in writing in order to take effect. Not attending class does not activate the cancellation policy.
For example, if you are enrolled in a 30 day notice agreement and you wish to cancel you would give us 30 days notice before your last payment could be cancelled. Said in another way, if you cancel on January 1st, your last payment will be February 1st. If you were enrolled in a 90 day notice agreement and you gave written notice on January 1st your last payment would be April 1st.
3. How can you help me to succeed? What is your advice?
Here are 10 Suggestions to Help You Succeed at MKG:
- Don't Skip A Workout During Your First 6 Weeks! Make It A Habit!
- Train 2 Times A Week Minimum. Any Less and the Momentum of Not Training is Overwhelming.
- Take Your Level Test Within 4 Months. Sign Up! Putting it in Writing is a Commitment. Goals are Essential For Most Students.
- Take a 20 Minute Private Lesson ASAP.
- Never Go Home After Work. Pack Your Bag and Go Straight to the School.
- Make a Friend. Ask if They Are Coming to the Next Class You Plan to Attend. See if They Want to Train With You? It's an Appointment. Don't Cancel or You Have Broken Your Word.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask Instructors For Help With Anything!
- Don't Compare Yourself To Others. There are ALWAYS Going to Be People Better and Worse Than You.
- Come to the Intro Class Frequently and Ask Your Questions.
- Have Fun! Don't Take it or Yourself Too Seriously.