Advanced Techniques

Those of you who have participated in (or watched) one of our recent Year 3 classes may have noticed how much more sparring and grappling has been going on.

While we are learning some new techniques - fairly advanced ones - the ultimate goal of Year 3 is to take the skills and combinations from the first two years and put them to the test, figure out what works for each individual and then hone those skills to perfection.

Year 3 culminates in the awarding of a Mixed Martial Arts First Degree Black Belt. This is the goal of every one of our students.

It's important to remember that while most of our students will reach this goal in three years, that many will not. Lots of kids come through our Dragons and Tigers programs and these classes are designed to build the skills necessary for the successful completion of Year 1. With some of our younger students, this might take a year or two.

Missing too many classes will also slow down progress. Obtaining a Black Belt involves not only learning a specific skillset, but also learning the value of goal setting and commitment.

My basic principle is that you don't make decisions
because they are easy;
you don't make them because they are cheap;
you don't make them because they're popular;
you make them because they're right.
Theodore Hesburgh