10 Most Asked Questions/Answers About Martial Arts

1. Do I need to be in shape first? No. The reason a large number of people participate in Tiger Shark Hapkido is to get in shape. A workout at American College of Martial Arts is very healthy as long precautions are taken as need be. It incorporates aerobic exercise with stretching, balance and coordination drills along with simply learning how to breathe.
2. How expensive is it? The price varies but it’s about the same you would pay the cable company each month to prevent physical fitness.
3. Are there family rates? Yes. The more members from your family…the bigger the discount. The family that kicks together sticks together.
4. Will this help discipline? The practice of martial arts will help a person to develop self-discipline to the degree they commit themselves. The simplicity of following a regular regimen of rules designed for the good of all and the practice of obtaining goals formerly beyond their reach assures the enhancement of a persons “discipline”. The “self” part of this equation is defined by personal commitment.
5. Is it safe? Every precaution is taken. Safety is a priority. Fact: More people are injured in the practice of football, baseball, or even soccer.
6. How often should I practice? To start twice a week is good. Obviously, the more you practice the more you get out of it.
7. Will this help build character in my child or myself? If every person had the same goals in their life they would still have a different path to follow. At American College of Martial Arts, we encourage and guide the development towards ones highest self. Realizing first we do not have all the answers and we ourselves are continually growing and changing.
8. How long does it take to get a black belt? There is no time limit. The harder or faster one works is not always the one who will accomplish their goal. Plan your time wisely and listen to the instruction and practice and remember that only prefect practice makes prefect technichnes. Realize a sharp mind makes a sharp martial artist and then you will realize your black belt.
9. What is a black belt? A person who has come to a point of understanding concerning the art, able to begin training others. By the time one reaches black belt they should have the quality of technique as well as the quality of character to lead others to the same goal. To acquire black belt in TIGER SHARK HAPKIDO one has to learn over 300 self-defense techniques, 14 Katas or forms, a multitude of kicks and hand, knee, and elbow strikes. Maintaining a notebook of martial arts knowledge as well as personal techniques geared toward your development into a well-rounded person/martial artist is highly recommended. Actually, the flexibility of this art demands it. Our reasoning, to bring the student to a point of realization there is mort than one way to accomplish an objective and there are truly, no limitations.
10. What can TIGER SHARK HAPKIDO do for me? It is simple… What do you want? We have stated the benefits. They are available to you. We have come full circle. Do you have the desire and attitude to become a martial artist?

-Master John Dowdy