Frequently asked questions

We start at age 3, with our Tiny Champs program. We divide students by age, and teach movements and skills appropriate to a child’s stage of development. We require that the kids are toilet trained and most of the time, we are the first coach and teacher our students have besides Mom and Dad!

The facts show that the opposite is true! Martial arts makes kids calmer and more respectful than ever. Martial arts always has been about peace, and it always will be.

As a parent, I'm sure you've seen that kids can get injured doing just about anything. Martial arts is no different, however we take safety very seriously here. Injuries happen very rarely, and we do everything in our power to avoid them. In a recent insurance industry survey, martial arts was found to be the nineteenth in terms of injuries in kids’ sports and activities - way behind football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, and cheerleading.

Other sports get very competitive and kids who don’t keep up or are just learning the game get left behind - sitting on the bench. No one sits on the bench in martial arts. Video games are more mentally stimulating than watching TV - and one of the things that keeps kids engage is the individual achievements and leveling up. Martial arts allows for this at an individual’s own pace - with rewards along the way!

Yes! After all, these are children we're dealing with here. And kids love their fun. We do a variety of games and activities that have kids laughing, learning, and constantly moving. We work hard here - but we play just as hard. In a good martial arts class, the kids are sweating and smiling!

Every program has something to offer, and Kansas City North has some very good ones!

Most programs from kids are Taekwondo or Karate-based. Ours is based on Krav Maga and Mixed Martial Arts with a strong emphasis on character development and life skills. 

We are teaching FUNCTIONAL martial arts. Meaning, the kids are hitting pads and working with a resisting training partner, rather than kicking or punching to the air or performing katas or forms.

The kids wear uniforms and belts and observe martial arts etiquette, but are building a foundation of practical martial arts skills that will serve them throughout life. They won’t have to re-learn movements and tactics as they mature.

We have a Black Belt Excellence Program that is unique. Each month, we have a theme that is based on Character - such as RESPECT, INTEGRITY, HONESTY.

All students have homework assignments supported by mat chats that build these qualities, which parents must sign off on before rewards are provided - stripes on belts.

The character development is balanced with tests on physical development - Qualities of Champions such as INTENSITY, SPEED, and ACCURACY. Every two weeks, our students are setting and getting goals based on character as well as physical qualities!

Most Krav Maga schools are certified to teach a level 1 or level 2 class for adults, and are primarily kids’ martial arts schools. There’s nothing wrong with this, but we are able to teach and certify through the entire curriculum, up to and including Krav Maga Black Belt - as well as offering special training seminars such as Active Shooter, Home Invasion, Rape Prevention, Edged Weapons Survival, Handgun and Long Gun Retention and Recovery, Impact Weapon Defense, and Instructor Development.

We have a Fight program for regular people, and offer advanced training in Boxing/Kickboxing, No-gi Submission Grappling, and Modern Weapons - Knife, Stick, and Gun. We are one of the few programs that has put all the pieces together.

We do not wear belts in our adult classes, and wear training shirts and sweat pants or MMA shorts. Adults are encouraged to set goals and test for rank, but are never required to do so, and are not restricted to beginning curriculum. 

Krav Maga conditioning and movements are different than you’re likely to practice at a gym or fitness class. We offer a free evaluation if you are concerned about your fitness level, and will give you the help you need to get started, or get ready to start!

Both! Most members opt for group classes, but feel free to ask any of our instructors for more info on private sessions

At peak times, there's between 6-20. Some times have more, some less. But we make sure to have enough instructors to match the class size. That way you always get the attention you need.

NO. Our students include professionals in 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s with different body types, levels of athleticism, and some of our classes are majority female! We are not a “fight school,” but offer sparring, grappling, and weapons programs to members who are interested. All are welcome and made to feel welcome.

In a nutshell: they're experts, extremely supportive, a lot of fun, and highly focused. They're there when you need an extra push to do your best, and there when you need a good laugh. The content is serious but we like to have fun.

Not at all. For self-defense & drills, you'll be paired up with either people of your skill level - or more advanced students who will help show you the ropes. No one here is a "bully" or anything like that. Everyone is extremely supportive and encouraging of one another. We run a clean mat and expect everyone to welcome and help new members. We’ll call to check on you after your first class. Honestly, you might be sore - but you won’t be beat up!