2-WEEK TRIAL
WITH FREE T-SHIRT
2306 Essington Road - Joliet, IL 60435
www.ATAjoliet.com (815) 212-4013 info@ATAjoliet.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions that have been asked over the years. These may give you some ideas on what to ask when you visit us for the first time.
What happens on my first day?
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Of course, you’ll learn how to put on your uniform top and belt. You can also expect to learn the importance of stretching. A lot of new experiences will be taking place, and you’re not expected to remember all of it at once. Martial arts ability comes over time and repetition. Lastly, you’ll probably be sore the next day as you’ll be using muscles most likely not used in a very long time.
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How many days a week should I come to class?
We recommend, as with any new fitness endeavor, to begin with once a week for the first month. This way it gives you an opportunity to make sure this is something you’ll stay with and doesn’t run the risk of “burning you out” too fast. There will be a lot of new information and things to remember, so we also recommend setting aside at least one day each week to practice as well. Once you have your first month completed we recommend moving to twice per week.
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Are there any hidden fees or charges?
No. We give you all of our pricing up front so there are no surprises. You'll know exactly what expenses to expect as you start and continue on your journey in Taekwondo.
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I want to look around some more and I'll get back to you.
Ok this isn’t technically a question but we feel it’s important to include here. While we have never used high pressure to gain or keep your business, we obviously wouldn’t want to lose you to another school. We are getting close to 50 years in this area, our doors first opening in 1971. We have never buried our students in contracts or used fancy marketing techniques to rope them into something they didn’t understand. We have never focused more on our profit than we have on our students. We believe it is our philosophy of “education not business” that has kept us successful for this many years.
Why are there extra fees for testing, etc?
New students can expect to pay a small fee when they join, monthly tuition for classes and the purchase of their first uniform. Their next expense is a fee for their belt testing. Some schools build testing and other miscellaneous fees into their monthly tuition, causing it to be significantly higher. No matter what the claim, there is no such thing as free uniforms and/or free belt testing. We have some of the lowest monthly tuitions around as well as testing fees that won’t damage your wallet.
What is your ratio of children to coaches?
We prefer our classes and training area not to be too large. This way there is minimal chance that a student gets lost in a sea of others. Instructors prefer to know what every student is doing at every moment in order to make full use of class.
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How long until I can test for the next belt?
Typically new students can expect to learn at their own pace. While there is no pressure or competition with each other, new students usually attend their first promotion test between 2-3 months after beginning. Our instructors do an excellent job preparing new students for the first test and most if not all go to their first belt test very confident.
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When can I get my black belt?
Everyone is different. Our students aren’t compared to each other. We look at your growth, where you are now as compared to where you were on your first day. Beware of places that can guarantee a black belt in two years, even in one! There is a lot of hard work that goes into becoming a black belt, and it is different for everyone. Our philosophy is the black belt is not mastery by any means. Tying a black belt only indicates that you have mastered how to be a good student. It definitely is not the end, only one of many milestones on your long journey.
Do you have contracts?
We do not offer or require any long-term contracts and never have. All of our programs are monthly billing and you can cancel at any time.
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What happens if I have trouble paying in the future?
You always have to give in order to receive. If for some reason you find yourself under a new financial hardship we recommend discussing your situation with our director. We are a community and a family and under that philosophy we help each other out during hard times. There should never be a reason to stop learning due to money. A solution can easily be found if and when this situation arises.
Is my son/daughter too young to start? Am I too old to do this?
Of course, the younger the better, but there is such a thing as too young. Usually around 5 or 6 is when children can begin and grow as students. We have a high enrollment of children as today’s trend has moved away from the once-dominant, mostly adult activity.
You’re never too old! There’s a long list of benefits from martial art training. Each benefit holds the same weight and value. If stamina and fitness levels are not what they used to be, then the weight and value is transferred over to other benefits such as camaraderie, increased flexibility and endurance. We have many students begin in their 40’s, 50’s and even in their 70’s!
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Will this interfere with other activities or sports?
Today parents have their kids enrolled in everything, from the butterfly club to football to the frisbee-golf team. The old saying "jack of all trades, master of none" is dying. Most if not all athletics strive for individuals to be part of a team that builds skills aimed at winning. In Taekwondo, it is the individual that matters, and winning is almost a guarantee due to the fact that the individual is competing against themselves as they grow and improve. We strive to show how Taekwondo can become a way of life, the whole life, and not become the ending to the statement "When I was younger I played..."
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Can parents watch?
Of course it is our goal to get the whole family involved in class. However, we do not recommend parents stay and watch their children in class. Not only is it a distraction for them, but we have found that many times the child prefers to be in class without having to worry about their parent(s) judging and/or monitoring them. After all, that's our job!
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Do I have to fight and compete in tournaments?
It may sound funny, but martial arts are not about fighting. You’re here to grow as an individual, strive for excellence, gain fitness, self-defense, self-discipline and an overall sense of well-being. We do practice free-sparring and have tournaments, but these activities are not forced or expected from beginning students. Later, you may be surprised to find yourself having more confidence and partaking in these activities that you may have otherwise never seen yourself doing.