Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Kung Fu and Martial arts
Welcome to the Kung Fu Academy’s FAQ page. Here we hope to answer any questions you have about Kung Fu and martial arts to help make it easy for you to pick martial arts as your choice for sport/recreational activities. We’ve started by asking some questions you might be thinking. This will hopefully give you insight into what you are thinking before starting your martial arts journey.
(KFANZ = Kung Fu Academy NZ, i.e. us).
QUESTIONS ABOUT KUNG FU ACADEMY
What is your purpose?
Our purpose is to empower people to achieve excellence through the world of martial arts.
We are the provider of choice for martial arts because we put you first.
How do I get started?
Simple, fill out this form: Join Now and show up to one of our classes to begin your martial arts journey!
When do you have training?
Our classes are every Monday and Thursday (excluding public holidays) from 5.30pm – 6.30 pm for kids aged 5 – 12 and 6.30pm – 8pm for teens and adults in Palmerston North.
Classes in the Rangitikei are every Wednesday from 6.30pm – 7.30pm and Saturday from 10.30am – 11.30am for kids aged 5 – 12 and Wednesday from 7.30pm – 8.30pm for teens and adults.
Where are your training venues?
Our main Headquarters is located at 38 Kipling Street in Palmerston North based out of the Roslyn School Hall.
How much are your classes?
The first class is a FREE trial lesson. Our classes are then priced at $100/term for children aged 5 – 12 and $120/term for teens and adults aged 13+. We also have monthly and term block fee payment options. General pricing is here.
What do I wear on my first class?
Something that you are comfortable training in, such as sports clothing. Jewellery should be removed where possible and we suggest tying your hair back (if you have long hair). We also recommend good hygiene to keep yourself and others happy and healthy. No shoes required – we train bare feet.
When should I start?
The best answer is now. The sooner you start, the sooner we can help you reach your goals.
So how do I sign up for good if I like it?
The process is this:
- Sign up and try your free trial lesson.
- Register with KFANZ to get your licence book, welcome pack and be a part of the KFANZ family.
- Purchase your uniform and equipment.
- Train, train, train.
- Practice, practice, practice.
- Come grading time, learn your curriculum material and grade to the next rank.
- Enjoy the journey!
How many classes per week should I or my child train?
As many as you can. We have three young children of our own, we both work, we understand that every person and every family has many things to do, but little time to do them. So all we ask is that you give it an honest effort and train as many times as you can. The more you train, the better you’ll become.
FAQ ABOUT KUNG FU
What is Kung Fu?
The term Kung Fu means “skill acquired through practice”. The martial art mainly practices forms or patterns (Taolu 套路) which is a sequence of moves put together to form a routine and striking (Da 打) techniques, but also wrestling (shuai Jiao 摔跤), locking (Qin Na 擒拿) and traditional weaponry (武器).
Why should I do Kung Fu?
Great question. As with any martial art, the answer lies within you and whether you enjoy it over other activities. To help you find your answer try visiting our page on why you should do Kung Fu.
Is Kung Fu better than other martial arts?
The ever posing question! The answer is simple, no one martial art can truly be defined as “better” than the other. If a martial art says they are better than other martial arts, then they do not truly understand martial arts. One of the key concepts of martial arts is to understand that everything is different and equal in some way and that you must let go of the ego in order to become a better version of yourself. Such an egotistical answer has no place in martial arts.
The real question is which martial art is better suited to your goals. That is something only you as an individual can answer.
FAQ ABOUT RANK
How long does it take to get to black belt?
It depends. Everyone’s journey is different so there is no definitive answer. Martial arts should be approached as a life long journey. That is why the true legends of martial arts have, and continue to, practice martial arts right into the twilight years of their life.
At KFANZ the minimum required time is 5 years to reach the rank of black belt – often it takes longer. Why? Because the rank of black belt is a master rank. It takes years to hone the many skills required to be a Kung Fu master. The time also teaches you how to be patient, committed, focussed, strong willed, consistent and gives you an ample period to master your skills.
Don’t be in a rush, enjoy the journey!
How many ranks do you have?
There are 20 standard and 10 black belt ranks at KFANZ. So there is plenty of material for you to test your skills.
How does the rank system work and how do I progress through the belts?
KFANZ has three scheduled grading examinations a year. The grading examinations are an excellent way to test your skills and ability to perform your curriculum material in a formal setting, under pressure. This simulates the many tests you face over the course of your life and helps you develop confidence and understand the preparation and training needed to become successful not only in martial arts, but in life.
In general you spend the majority of your time honing various skills and attributes, you learn and practice your curriculum material. You then perform during a mock examination which simulates the grading examinations to see if you can formally progress. Once you pass your mock examination, you formally register for grading (through the submission of form, licence and fees) and perform on examination day.
When you pass your examinations, you are formally awarded your new rank at the promotion ceremony. You then repeat the process for the next grading examination.
There are five coloured belts and four grades for each colour. You progress through these till you reach black belt where there are 10 ranks starting at 1st Dan.
FAQ ABOUT ME
What if I am unfit?
Everyone is built differently, we understand that. That is why we only ask that you give an honest effort in our classes – if you struggle, we don’t mind if you rest a bit. In the end, you will get fitter while enjoying the many aspects of martial arts at the same time, so it’s a win/win for you! But if you are concerned at all, don’t be – we all started from somewhere and our aim is to help you get better, no matter what level you are at.
What if I’m not flexible?
Same story – everyone is built differently, we understand that, so we only push you to your limits. Either way, you’ll become more flexible whilst enjoying the many aspects of martial arts, so win/win!
What if I am a little nervous?
Don’t worry, you’ve already taken the first step by thinking about it. Our staff and students are friendly and we train in a calm, friendly environment, so we set conditions that make it easier for you. All you need to do is turn up and we’ll help you with your journey to self improvement. A good way to help is to bring a friend or family member with you to sit in and encourage you or train with you – that way you’ll have some familiarity.
OTHER FAQ
Do you do one on one training?
Yes. We have private martial arts lesson options, these are one on one lessons where we come to you to help you on your journey. All you need to do is submit this form: services order and we’ll contact you to arrange your lesson.
What other options do you have?
We do lots at KFANZ, such as birthday parties, school holiday programmes, personal training programmes, corporate courses, self defence courses and more. Check out some more details about what we offer and order your services today.
Got any more questions that we haven’t answered here? Flick us a message and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.