Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My child's grades are not improving. How can you help with this?
A. Franz Shihan feels that achieving grades and graduating school are extremely important in life. We take this very seriously when it is brought to our attention however many times parents wait until the last minute to let us know. We require all students to turn in grade cards at the middle of the school year and end of the school year. We review these and will use them to determine eligibility for your child to promote, attend privileged classes and in general to discuss responsibility with them. If your child is failing to uphold their grades consult the school teacher and system first but please let us know right away.

Q. We are considering taking Karate classes away as a punishment. Is this alright?
A. Absolutely not. We can do nothing to help your child if they are not training...not to mention you will be paying tuition regardless of their attendance. Using the martial arts as a punishment sets us up to fail in helping your child. It is against our policies to use our program as a reward or punishment system for your child. Whatever the problem is please let us know so we can discuss the proper martial arts attitude with your child.

Q. Do we have to attend mandatory functions the Sensei told students to?
A. Mandatory functions are part of your child's training and martial arts is a discipline. When a parent fails to have their child at a mandatory function of the dojo (tournament, classes, demo, etc.) then they are simply teaching that child to ignore the Sensei. This sets both of us for failure. If Sensei states something is mandatory then your child must attend. We encourage the parents to attend with their child as well...we will not provide rides or accommodations for our students due to legal restrictions and insurance purposes.

Q. How many classes per week should my child attend?
A. We require two class days per week for all of our students. Students are encourage to attend more classes but it is not required for them to do so. The simple fact is that the more classes your child attends the better they will grow both as a martial artist and as a person.

Q. My child simply does not want to go anymore. What do I do?
A. Even Franz Shihan faced this from time to time since beginning training at the age of 7. His parents forced him to go to classes more than a few times and in the end he has attained and succeeded at many things in life thanks to that. Parents need to to parent the child. Children change their mind continually. The summer months are the toughest to get kids to attend classes due to all the distractions but they made a promise and commitment. We expect all of our Karate parents to help us teach their children how important fulfilling that promise and commitment is. When your child is older and grow they will always thank you for not letting them just quit things they committed to.

Q. I feel my child should be higher rank. Why haven't you promoted him?
A. Belt rank promotions are the call of the Sensei. Unless you have trained to black belt and Sensei status in the martial arts we teach then you really will not understand why and how we promote. There is much more to promoting a student than just mere physical skill and that will always be the call of the Sensei. I would never walk into a lawyer's office and tell him how to handle my case nor a doctor's office and tell them what I want done. Just like the lawyer and the doctor, our Sensei are highly trained to properly teach martial arts and we will not sacrifice that integrity for anyone nor for any amount of money. If you have a concern please schedule a time to talk to Sensei and he will listen but remember that it is his call on your child's training...let him do his job.

Q. My child has shown an interest in competitions. Can he/she compete?
A. Competitive Karate requires special training and if your child wishes to compete then we recommend that you set up a schedule with Sensei for private training and tournament attendances. Franz Shihan is a 7 time world Karate champion but he learned this through extra help from some of the best competitors in the world. We currently compete on two circuits. The PKC and the Alliance. Both are tough circuits but very rewarding experiences. If you are interested and your child wants to pursue competition please meet with Franz Shihan to discuss how to begin.

Q. When can my child learn weapons?
A. Once a student nears their Green Belt level they will be invited into our Advanced Karate Training Program which includes classes in Kobudo (weapons). Only students who join this program will be permitted to train in Kobudo, Iaido (Sword) and Judo. If you are interested please see Kim Franz Sensei as she handles all the requests for this program.