How long will it take to become reasonably proficient?

        The time it takes to become proficient varies depending on your own abilities and how much effort you apply in your training.
In Tae Kwon Do, Shin's Martial Arts students will begin to learn techniques for most situations in only 3 months, and after 6 months students should be able to defend themselves successfully against a person of the same size or slightly bigger.
In Combat Hapkido (purely Self Defense based) you should begin to learn techniques the very first night you take it.
Tae Kwon Do is geared towards Sport and Fitness with emphasis placed on precise technique, and Combat Hapkido is geared solely towards Self-Defense with emphasis towards "Use what works for you best, right now".

How Many Classes do you offer per week?

        We offer classes 3 nights a week for children (ages 4-8 years) and 4 nights a week for everyone else. We at Shin's Martial Arts recommend 2-3 classes per week, plus some practice on the side, preferably at your home. Click Here to see the Class Schedules

How are your classes divided?

        Classes are divided by belt rank, Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced. Beginners are White Belts. Intermediates are Yellow Belt - Blue Belt. Advanced is Purple Belt and above.
At Shin's Martial Arts the student is encouraged to attend classes as often as possible, especially when you're just starting, so there is always a diverse group of students and to develop your basic techniques as well as possible as fast as possible.
Students may participate in any class that is below their rank, but may not take more advanced classes without special permission!

Are the classes safe?

        All our classes are taught in the safest manner possible. There is a "No Contact" rule in effect, which means no student punches or kicks another without the strictest of supervision. The protective gear that is required by all students reduces the chances of injury even further.
Students interested in sparring may do so, but only under supervision and with the proper safety equipment. The chances of getting injured are very small since training is constantly supervised with safety in mind.

Does your school compete in tournaments?

        Yes, we compete, but we don't force anyone to participate in tournaments. We feel tournament competition is an important part of training. It is a good way to compare your skills and progress with other people of the the same age and rank from other schools. Tournaments are also a good learning experience so you can meet people from other styles of martial arts, and you might even "borrow" an effective technique you observe!