1. I’m inquiring about martial arts training for my child or myself for the first time. What should I do first?

Try to decide why you or your child really want to do this and what benefits you want you or your child to reap from martial arts study. Try to be as certain as you can that the school you choose can deliver the goods. Depending upon which school you choose, be aware that the curriculum may include activities such as stretching, calisthenics, jumping, striking, kicking, falling on mats and throwing and being thrown on mats and learning how escape from grabbing attacks and controlling the opponent.

2. Is it worth it to enroll my child or myself in a school, if our schedule only allows for participation once a week?

Any training is better than no training at all. Most full time schools offer private classes. This can eliminate the schedule problem. Also, once a week private classes can be more beneficial than once a week in a group session. However, you and your child should remember that belt promotions will happen less frequently for you than for students who attend class more than once a week. It is also important for a student to interact with other students in group classes during training.

3. I really don’t know what to look for. Should I bother looking at other schools in the area?

We always recommend that potential students look at other schools and watch a group class and meet the owner and head instructors. Naturally, we want you to enroll in our school. But, the most important person here is you or the child. Ultimately, you have to choose what looks and feels right for you or your child. Worst case scenario, if you’re not happy with your choice of school, simply try another. Like any other business, there are good and not so good martial arts schools. When you find the one that pushes all the right buttons for you, it will be worth the effort.

4. Should I try to join a school in my own town?

That should always be your first choice, especially if you have a hectic schedule. Sometimes though, you may not find what you think you’re looking for in your community. Don’t let that stop you. Although your schedule may be pinched a little more, it could prove to be well worth it to drive a few extra miles for the right school. Besides, if you’re doing this for your child, the drive can give you some quality quiet time with your youngster.

5. What should I look for when I meet the director or owner of a school for the first time?

If the person in charge introduces him/herself as "Hello, I’m Master Smith or I’m Sensei Smith, master of this domain etc, simply thank him/her for meeting with you and leave. Chances are, you’re meeting someone with an ego the size of Seattle's Space Needle or someone with a serious insecurity problem. Also, if you’re not allowed to view a group class of beginners, and/or if everyone seems way too serious or the instructor is not very warm to you or the class, Get Out of Dodge! Like anyone else you do business with, unless you have no choice, it makes no sense for you to commit yourself to training with someone who gives you negative vibes.

6. Should I ask for a free class for my child?

Although all schools have different introductory programs, every school should offer a free class of some kind to prospective students with no obligation.

7. What about payment options and contracts?

Again, schools will differ in the rates they charge, the length of contracts, mode of payment etc. Our policy is month by month invoice and pay by mail. It is too time consuming and uncomfortable to ask for and receive payments in person, especially for schools with hundreds of students. We also feel that students shouldn't be shackled with long-term contracts that sometimes require full payment when a student prematurely leaves the school. We have no contracts.

8. Is it best to just drop in or should I call first before visiting a school?

There is nothing wrong with dropping in unannounced. There are, however, several reasons why it would be more prudent to call first. If you drop in unannounced, a class may be in session and you may have to wait a while to speak to the person in charge. Also, many schools are not open all day, every day. You may not want to drive all the way there only to find nobody there. It is a good idea, however, to drive by a school before meeting the owner and get a look at the area where the school is located. You’ll be able to get a feel for how safe and convenient the area is and if parking is a problem.

9. What else do I need to know about the instructor?

Don’t be timid about asking to see certificates of rank and ask the instructor about his/her teacher and what style they teach and the history of their school. Some of the best input can also come from friends and acquaintances who’ve had experience with school. You would definitely want to look very carefully at a 25year old instructor who is a 5^th degree black belt. Tournament trophies on display at the school show that the instructor and/or the students have successfully demonstrated their skills in the competitive arena. Some schools may not have adequate space to allot to display trophies or they may not be a school that chooses to compete in local or national tournaments. There are many excellent instructors who either compete or choose not to do so. If you’re predisposed to wanting to compete, it would be wise to ask if the school allows or trains students for tournament competition.

10. Okay, I’m an adult student. I’ve chosen Cormier's Self Defense Academy as my school. How do I get started?

Make an appointment for a convenient starting day. You’ll be asked to come in on a group class day. A qualified instructor will take you individually through a few basic movements while the group class is in session. You are welcome to try a free class in any or all three of our programs for Karate, Jujitsu and Judo. If you decide to continue with either or both programs, you will be given a uniform, an enrollment form, and you can start right in with regular classes. For the first few classes, you will be working alone with an instructor and, when you’re ready, you’ll do some limited participation with the group until you have acquired enough knowledge to fully interact with them. You never pay for anything in person. You are invoiced for any fees at the first of every month.

11.Okay, I’ve chosen Cormier's Self Defense Academy for my child. How do we get started?

Karate:
After the child takes a free class, we speak with the parent the following day or so and see if the child desires to continue. At that time, we will also discuss any concerns we may or may not have concerning the child. If everyone agrees to continue, the child attends the New Kids Class (See Schedule Page) until he/she has mastered enough material and room is available to move into the beginners group. At that time, the child will receive a uniform and a white belt.

Jujitsu:
After attending a free class, the child can now attend regularly scheduled Jujitsu classes with the rest of the Jujitsu students. The kids Jujitsu students will interact only with instructors and other students in the kids Jujitsu program.

Judo:
After attending a free class, if the child wishes to continue, he/she will acquire a judo uniform and white belt from us and can jump right into the ongoing judo class. The beginner child will be trained very carefully at a beginner pace and progress from there. An experienced child will be trained at the appropriate pace.

12. How old do I have to be to participate in the karate and jujutsu programs?

Teen/Adult Karate: Anyone about 14 and up is welcome to join this program.
Little Dragons Jujitsu: Anyone 8 to 13 years old may join this program.
Teen/Adult Jujitsu: Anyone over 14 years old may join this program.
Judo for Kids and Adults: Kids, six years old and up can join this program.

13. How often are belt exams given at your school?

When a student has shown that he/she has mastered the material for the next level, an examination will be scheduled. Everyone learns and progresses at his/her own pace. Students below black belt could be examined as often as 6 times a year. Others may only be examined only once or twice.

14. How long does it take to become a junior or senior black belt in your school?

There are many factors, which determine the timetable for such an achievement. Mastery of material, attendance, ability to instruct, attitude, and other requirements must be met. Generally, if all requirements are met, it takes between 3 to 6 years. Junior black belts must re-examined for senior black belt after they turn 16.

15. What does it cost for classes?

During our first meeting with a student we will hand out our Student Information Kit, which covers this and other necessary information. We will also discuss fees at that time.

16. Is Cormier's Self Defense open all year?

Yes. We are an air-conditioned facility. During the months of July and August we run a somewhat modified schedule. Check the schedule page or dojo news page around May 1^st for days and times for summer session.

17. When is Cormier’s Self Defense Academy closed?

Prior to the beginning of each month our students receive a monthly class calendar. It will detail any days we will be closed during the coming month. We are also closed on any days when Holliston schools are closed due to inclement weather. However, if a storm happens to arrive during the school day when classes are in session, we will make a determination as to class cancellation and notify our students by phone as early as possible. The same process applies for Saturday classes.

18. What happens during winter storm days?

See answer to #17.