A martial art can be defined as a system of techniques; physical and mental exercises developed as an effective means for self-defense and offense, both unarmed and with the use of weapons.

The origin and history of martial arts is a controversial issue. We can see signs of martial arts in Greece, Egypt, Korea, Africa, Japan, China, Okinawa, Thailand, as well as other cultures and countries. There is a clear trail leading from the Southern China regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and martial artists.

We offer classes for children and adults in Shaolin Kempo and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

We offer classes for adults in Wing Tzun Kung Fu.

Please see the individual style pages for more detailed information on our styles.

At the time of this writing, we have students from four through over seventy.

All ages can benefit physically and mentally from martial arts training.

Yes, we offer separate class times for children and adults in Shaolin Kempo Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Classes are separated by age and rank. Wing Tzun is an adult only curriculum.

That depends on the class and the time of day and who shows up. For kids Karate we break the kids up by experience level so the average number of students in class is about twelve. We usually have over twenty kids in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes. In the adult karate class we usually have about twelve to twenty. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu usually averages over twenty. The average class size for Wing Tzun is about six.

Yes, we have experienced tremendous growth and we are always interviewing and welcoming new students.

Absolutely! Children, women and men of all ages, sizes, and skill levels will both learn and benefit from these highly effective self defense systems. Every student is unique - we will help each one to reach his or her full potential as a martial artist and to grow on a personal level.

The ability to defend oneself from attack is dependent on many factors. Certainly, the longer you train, the more able you will become. The probability of success is relative to the strength and ability of the defender vs. that of the attacker(s). It is important to realize, however, that there are no guarantees! It is possible for a beginner to get lucky or an advanced martial artist to be caught during an inattentive moment. This uncertainty is one of the practical reasons why strategies that reduce the chance of conflict are more important to self-defense than physical prowess.

Beyond all that, a beginner should think in terms of years (as opposed to weeks or months) before s/he begins to be proficient at the martial arts.

The time it takes to become proficient varies according to the style and your abilities. At Louisville Martial Arts Academy, you should feel that you are getting the basics down and can defend yourself fairly well after your first year or two. To reach a black belt, the same variables come into play. There is never an easy answer to this question. How long it will take you depends on how often you train, how hard you train, and how much you practice outside of class.

The bow is a symbol of respect in Asian cultures and is just like a western handshake.

At Louisville Martial Arts Academy, each Karate class begins and end with a period of silent meditation. The meditation is used to clear the mind of distractions and gets it ready to learn. It has no religious significance.

There are numerous mental and physical benefits to learning martial arts. On a mental level, students will enjoy improved self confidence, self esteem, and concentration. Physical benefits include life saving self defense skills and improved reflexes, flexibility, stamina, balance, and strength. In addition to better mental and physical health, our students have fun! Friendship and laughter are all part of the curriculum.

No, most of our new members have no previous experience. If you have experience in karate or some other martial art, of course you're also welcome.

You are more than welcome to observe any of our classes.

We recommend everyone do an introductory class for orientation purposes and do some group classes to see if they like it. There is no cost to try it.

You may start anytime. You will need an orientation class for Shaoilin Kempo. Please call to arrange a time.

Most world champions, like any top athlete, were probably well-coordinated natural athletes before they began their martial arts training. Most of us, however, come to the martial arts in order to become more coordinated and physically fit. So the brief answer is, "not very". Even if you feel like the world's greatest "spaz," you can still practice martial arts and by doing so, your coordination and fitness will greatly improve.

One of the biggest misconceptions about studying martial arts is that you have to already be in shape to learn. Most students come to us looking to get in shape and to develop a healthy lifestyle by learning something interesting that they can do for the rest of their lives. Two months after you start you will feel so much better, you won't believe it.

Naturally, you always miss something of value when you miss part of a class, but we feel it is better to come to part of a class than to not come at all.

Bowing is a gesture of kindness and respect for another person. Common among Eastern cultures, the closest equivalent here in the West is a handshake but the bow has some intentions that handshakes don't. Bowing is both a greeting and an acknowledgement of another person's worth.

Martial Artists embrace a philosophy that all people are worthy of respect. Learning to respect others is paramount to correct understanding of martial arts. Great physical and mental power must be offset by making a habit of putting other people before oneself, otherwise karate students might easily become bullies. So as we gain strength with potential to harm others, we also endeavor to become kinder people. Bowing and other forms of martial arts etiquette are training tools to help the student make kindness a habit.

Most everyone starting out expresses this same concern to a greater or lesser extent. Making the leap, so to speak, and crossing over the line to new and uncertain territories always requires a certain amount of courage and belief in you. Once you do the first and most important thing, inquire and get started, you will see how quickly you become comfortable with martial arts training. We have a terrific group of dedicated students and instructors who look forward to lending a hand and assisting you with your training needs. Remember, all of our students - and instructors - started out just like you.

Whenever you participate in any physical activity, there is a risk of injury, whether its volleyball on a family picnic or martial arts training. You're likely to be sore from the physical exercise of martial arts, especially at the beginning, but that's true of any new, regular physical activity. You are learning a martial art so you will get the occasional bruise. Our Academy has an outstanding safety record because we go to great lengths to ensure the safety of our students.

We recommend that a child be at least 5 years old. Although we have had some start as early as four in our Jiu-Jitsu class. It really depends on the individual child.

At Louisville Martial Arts Academy, children learn that martial arts are not an act of violence, but the art of how to handle themselves in a problematic situation. Aggression will be channeled into assertiveness to increase a child's self esteem and build discipline and character. (See our Children's Program Page).

Many children are already involved in activities outside of school, such as soccer, football, music, creative writing, baseball, and the like. The strategies and positive mindsets that are conveyed through the martial arts can prove to be beneficial to children's performance in other activities. More importantly, martial arts training will prove to strengthen the mind and the body, and will teach children skills that may be necessary to help them avoid harmful situations, or escape from negative situations that may fall upon them.

At the end of a good kid's class we like to play some sort of game. This is to end the class on a fun and positive note, at the same time developing coordination, team work, sportsmanship and self confidence.

There will come a time when your child will say, "I'm too tired to go to class today." This is a critical point in your child's training. You must teach them to follow through and have a never-quit attitude. While the martial arts are an enjoyable and very worthwhile activity for children, it should be recognized that progress takes consistent class attendance, some practice and support from the family - your child can't drive to class.

Don't be concerned about "pushing your child." Children wouldn't go to school, brush their teeth or clean their room if you didn't "push them." There's a big difference between helping a child follow through on an agreed-upon goal and forcing them to participate.

It's realistic, however, to expect a child to resist his commitment, eventually. Most parents understand that this is a natural response, but should not allow this temporary attitude to lead to quitting. Quitting can quickly become a bad habit. Facing these types of challenges is an inherent part of martial arts training - and life.

Instructors can help, but parents must be primarily responsible for instilling a "no-quit" attitude in their children. Honoring one's commitments is the very foundation of setting goals and achieving them. Quitting only leads to underperformance and failure. The world is full of great starters. Teach your child the skills to set goals and see them through to their completion, however, and he will be one of the rare and successful finishers in the world.

Attending your child's class is important to your ability to motivate your child. When you know what he has been learning, you can then help him develop a positive attitude about his next class. Remind him how much he enjoyed his last class and that he can look forward to having fun with his friends again.

Every style of martial arts is different. The perspective should be that they are not starting over but are learning a new and different style. Whatever you have learned you take that with you wherever you go and it will help you succeed. We have had many Black Belts that have come to our Academy to train over the years that put on white belts to learn something different.

We are looking for responsible serious students. You have to commit to yourself, your training, and the Academy for at least a year.

No, your membership in the Academy works like a gym membership. You pay one price for one art and the other arts are available to you at no charge. In fact we encourage everyone to cross train as much as possible.

No, come to every class you can.

The uniform - or expected/required attire - varies from system to system.

Karate and Jiu-Jitsu require uniforms and you receive a free one when you sign up for one of these systems.

Wing Tzun doesn't require specific uniforms - though we do encourage school and/or system related shirts and pants. For the most part, though, just wear comfortable training clothes for these classes.

Yes, we encourage families to train together. We make it very affordable for the whole family to do.

We use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to collect your tuition. EFT is a simple and effective method to guarantee your tuition is paid on time each month. The exact amount of the tuition is automatically withdrawn from your designated bank account on the same day each month and electronically transferred to the school through the banking system.

While the thought of funds being moved from your account automatically each month may be uncomfortable, it is the safest and easiest payment method. No person actually accesses your account and views your personal or account information. It's just two computers communicating with each other and only taking the actions you've authorized. Only the exact amount can be withdrawn, not a penny more.

EFT is not only practical, but also a psychological means to maintain a positive and excellent teacher/student relationship, without financial or business issues interfering with your training and that relationship. EFT makes the whole process easier because it guarantees that your tuition payments will be made in a timely fashion each month, without any problems. You can forget about payments and concentrate on learning and growing and we can concentrate on teaching you.

Some of Our students choose to pay for a year up front. If you choose to do this then we give you a month free. (You only pay for eleven months.)