FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.What do you teach here? Our curriculum consists of Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, and JKD Grappling & Groundfighting.
A. Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do was conceived by the late Bruce Lee. Unlike any other martial arts, there are no set rules or techniques that constitute a distinct Jeet Kune Do (JKD) method of fighting. JKD utilizes all ways and means to serve its end. At any given time, it can resemble Thai Boxing, Wing Chung, Wrestling or Karate. Dan Inosanto was Bruce Lee's most senior and skillful student. Bruce chose Sifu Inosanto to carry on the teachings of Jeet Kune Do.
B. KALI
Kali is an ancient Philippine martial art. It is a complete self-defense system employing empty hand techniques and the use of various weapons. Weapon training is primarily taught with the single stick, double stick, dagger or stick and dagger. Experts are able to choke, throw, and secure various locks with or without the assistance of a weapon. We use the Inosanto system of Kali.
C. SILAT
Silat is the National Defense Art of Indonesian. All systems of Silat, while based on the use of weapons, are also highly efficient, empty-hand, close-quarters fighting methods. We practice the Mande Muda and Maphilindo Silat styles here at the Academy. The head of the Mande Muda system is Guro Besar Herman Suwanda and Guro Dan lnosanto is founder of the Maphilindo Silat system.
D. MUAY THAI
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai as it is called in Thailand, is the most popular spectator sport in Thailand. Thai Boxing has about 30 major basic techniques. It is easy to learn and powerfully effective. At the Academy we use Thai Boxing as a major part of our self-defense program. Our Thai Boxing program is taught under the guidance of the Thai Boxing Association of the USA and its founder, Ajarn Surachai Chai Sirisute.
E. JKD GRAPPLING & GROUND FIGHTING
This system of standing grappling and ground fighting is a blended system taught by Sifu McFann. Sifu McFann is recognized around the world as an expert in this area. The system uses JKD Grappling techniques and strategies from Judo, Jujitsu, Wresting, Dumog, Shoot and Silat.
2. How are these arts different from karate, judo or kickboxing? Most martial arts today are approached from a sport, competition or artistic aspect. We train primarily for serious self-defense in whatever range or situation happens to present itself. We emphasize the arts and training methods that have been proven to be effective in street defense. 3. Why do you emphasize the different ranges of combat? Many people believe that self defense is simply a matter of a kick to the groin or a punch to the face. It is almost never this simple. You do not get to choose the place, time, surface, distance or other variables of a defense situation. Are weapons involved? Are there more than one attacker? Have you been knocked to the ground? There are a thousand more considerations. We need to train for the broadest set of circumstances possible. 4. How are the classes conducted? The classes are taught in an informal, seminar style. Most all of your training will be done with a partner. Whether you are working with weapons, punching or kicking the focus pads or grappling on the ground you will work with students as your training partners. 5. Who are the instructors? You will work with many students who will help and teach you but your primary teachers are: Marc McFann has over 30 years in the martial arts and is a certified instructor in all curriculum areas. He has trained all over the world and has black belts in several traditional styles. 6. How many classes do you teach each night? There are three, 45 minute classes each night Mon-Thurs. That is 9 classes a week or 36 classes a month for adults. . 7. How many of those classes can I attend and how much does it cost? You may attend each and every class. The six month and 12 month memberships each have a one-time $159.00 initial fee which includes your uniform and first month tuition. The monthly cost is then $75 for the six-month membership and $70 for the 12 month membership. The price is the same for one class or all classes. 8. What type of uniform do I wear and how does the promotion system work? The uniform consists of school sweat pants and school t-shirt and belt. Wearing of the belt is optional. The promotion system starts with white belt and goes through several different colors up to and through black belt. 9. How often do you test for promotion and how much are the testing fees? Those students who are eligible for testing will test during the first week of each month. There are no testing fees. 10. How long will it take me to make my black belt? With good attendance, no significant layoffs and hard work, about 34-36 months. 11. Who actually teaches most of the classes? Marc McFann teaches 90 percent of the classes. When Sifu Mcfann is out of town training or teaching seminars the other instructors pick up the full teaching load. 12. What makes this place different from all the other schools? Here are a few things that make us different: * Classes are small and informal to enhance learning * No Masters or Grandmasters, just teachers and students * You can attend all classes (48 classes per month) * A friendly, family atmosphere with mutual respect * Emphasis on fighting skills as opposed to forms & dances * In short, you learn to defend yourself. This includes defense against punches and kicks but also against weapons, grappling and ground fighting