The confidence to ask any question
FAQ
- What ages do you accept? 7-14 for the Kids Kung Fu Class. 14+ for the Adult Kung Fu and Self Defense Classes
- Can I audit? Yes, but we encourage you to jump in and try a free intro class.
- Are parents/visitors welcome to watch? Always.
- Can I attend upper belt classes as a newcomer? All students are welcome at all classes, regardless of rank.
- What are your COVID safety protocols? All our instructors are completely vaccinated. You must show a valid vaccination card to workout with the class. Mats are disinfected after class, and hand sanitizer is provided for use at any time.
- What if I'm not vaccinated? If you have a valid medical reason you cannot be vaccinated, we will make accommodations on a case by case basis.
- Am I required to purchase a gi for the Kung Fu Class? Yes, after the first month of class. We also require you purchase a groin protector appropriate to your needs (and believe me, you want that groin protector).
- What other costs should I expect for the Kung Fu class? Right away, the monthly dues and between $40-$80 for your gi and protective gear. If you want to take a weapons class, we have practice weapons you can use for the first month, but you will eventually be expected to purchase your own. Practice weapons range from $5-$40, and real weapons can range from $10-$1,000 based on a large variety if factors.
- Do you have contracts? No.
- Do you charge for belt tests? No
- How are belts given? We do not hold "tests." After each belt ceremony, the instructor holds a one-on-one meeting with each student to let them know what he will need to see from them for the next rank. Average time between ranks is a year for the adult class and 8 months for the kids.
- How long does it take to get a black belt? It varies depending on the person and amount of work put in, but the average is 5 years.
- If I can't make every class, do you prorate? No, the monthly dues are the same whether you attend one class or 20.
- Do you have payment plans? That is determined on an individual basis.
- Is it deadly? Yes. How do you broach that with children? Children are not taught deadly techniques. Because of this, we do not give black belts in the children's class, only the adults class.
- How do you deal with the topic of violence with kids? We separate "schoolyard" Kung Fu from "adult" Kung Fu, and the serious Kung Fu is taught to students only when we feel they are ready.
- How do you deal with the topic of violence with victims of violence? We know firsthand how triggering it can be to engage in our classes for someone who has experienced violence in their life. Every new student begins with a half hour interview to assess their triggers, histories, and any physical, mental, or emotional triggers they may have. Their education is adjusted accordingly.
- Will I or my child get hurt? What if something happens? Martial arts is a comb at sport and not without risk. We are insured in the event an injury occurs.
- I don't want my child to become a bully, how do we prevent this? We teach emotional maturity, empathy, and both how to set and respect boundaries in our children's class.
- My child is already a bully/showing those tendencies. Is martial arts a bad idea for them? Not necessarily. We endeavor to teach the self regulation required to prevent creating a "more effective bully." We would need to sit down with you and come up with a game plan for your child.
- How many times a week do I have to come? We have no required attendance. Students can progress at whatever pace they wish.
- How long have you been in business? Master Steve began teaching under the name Glendale Kung Fu San Soo in 2012. Matt joined him in 2016, and the name was changed to Five Families Kung Fu San Soo in 2019.
- How are your classes separated? We separate our classes by age (Kids 7-14, Adults 15+) and rank (Lower belt/Upper belt classes). Students of all ranks are invited to attend both Upper and Lower belt classes.
- Are instructors background checked? Yes.
- Do you have experience dealing with ADHD/Special needs kids? One of our instructors was diagnosed with ADD (the term at the time) as a child, and we have had multiple students who are nuerodivergent.
- CPR/First Aid Certified? Yes.
- How big are your classes? We average between 6-10 students per class.
- Do you offer privates? Yes, for both Kung Fu and Self Defense.
- Do you fail students during testing? We don't do "tests." We evaluate a students' progress based on their overall progress on a daily basis.
- Do you spar? How hard? How often? We workout in light/near contact (slow for lower belt, full speed for upper) every day. Full contact, padded sparring happens at the black belt level.
- Am I too old to start training? No. Your level of instensity and progress will vary based on abilitiies, but you are never too old.
- What are your values when you teach? We believe in fighting only as a last resort, due to the deadly nature of Kung Fu San Soo. We teach de-escalation, self regulation, empathy, and bodily autonomy as a way to help people find their agency not just in physical confrontations, but throughout their life.