Norfolk Karate Academy, Norfolk martial arts

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you teach?
Can women do this?
Do you teach children?
Is this good for children?
Am I too old to start?
How often can I train?
How much does it cost?

What do you teach? Two primary styles are taught at NKA. Tang Soo Do (the Korean equivalent to Japanese karate) provides the foundation for our instruction on effective kicking and punching. Tang Soo Do training emphasizes direct application of force against an attacker with strikes and blocks. Our grappling instruction comes directly from the Rorion Gracie method of Jiu-Jitsu training and emphasizes using leverage rather than brute strength to overcome and subdue an opponent during self-defense and groundfighting situations. We are the only certified Gracie Combatives Training Center in Virginia.

Can women do this? Women are especially well-served by traditional martial arts training and Gracie jiu-jitsu. We modify some traditional techniques to optimize a woman's strengths. The program for women emphasizes conditioning, flexibility, form, and self-defense rather than sport sparring and competition training. Our programs offer a complete form of exercise that incorporates many of the benefits of Yoga, Weight Training, Aerobics, and Pilates. The Gracie jiu-jitsu offers complete and effective self-defense for woman who might lack the speed and accuracy required for striking.

Do you teach children? Yes. However, the program is a formal course of instruction; it is not day-care. We won't enroll children if they're not ready -- it's not in the interest of the child, parent, or NKA. We'll make this decision together no later than the end of the first month of training. If we determine that the time isn't right, we will refund your tuition payment and we'll try again later.

Is this good for children? Yes. The program objective (to develop a confident, competent, and complete martial artist) is the same for all students. However, children have shorter attention spans, different physical capabilities and limitations, and are more impressionable than adults. Achieving the program objective requires different approaches -- shorter classes, less repetition, less explanation, more variety, and greater emphasis on confidence building through small cumulative achievements. The positive physical, mental, and moral growth that most kids realize through martial arts training is impressive and carries over to school, home, and other activities.

Am I too old to start? Never. We tailor our programs to your physical capabilities and limitations. We'll determine what you can reasonably accomplish through martial arts training and develop a plan that will enable you to achieve your goals. Increased flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance as well as improved ability to defend yourself are all within your grasp. As a living example, Mr. Odom is in his fifties, but is stronger and more flexible than when he was in his twenties. Our most senior student is nearly 70 years old. If he can do it, you can do it too!

How often can I train? Formal instruction 2 to 3 times per week is the optimal frequency for learning, but you could train up to seven times per week if you attended all of the karate and Gracie Combatives classes. The program schedule is currently flexible enough to accommodate most schedules. You will have plenty of opportunity to practice in class, but should practice as often as possible at home or at the school. The saying "repetition is the mother of all the skill" is especially applicable to martial arts training.

How much does it cost? We charge a monthly tuition fee for each program with special rates for families. The rates equate to less than $10 per lesson based on weekly attendance of 2 to 3 classes -- compare that to music or tennis lessons or a week at a sports camp. If you attend every class, the rate is $3 per lesson!

You Can Do It!

CALL 757.623.8997
EMAIL info@norfolkkarate.com
VISIT 814 W. 45th Street, Norfolk VA 23508