Frequently Asked Questions

General

Martial Arts / Self Defense

CrossFit

I have never done martial arts, sports or fitness training before, is the Tactical Arts Academy right for me?

Of course.  We have students of all skill levels, shapes and sizes.  Our programs are designed to accommodate beginners and experts alike.

Should I get into shape before coming to class?

Don't wait. The best way to get in shape is to come to class.  You will find that you will get into shape as you learn and practice.  Our classes scale to any level.

Who can benefit from your programs ?

Almost anyone with the right attitude.  The activities and exercises in our classes can be adjusted to fit the pace and intensity level of each person.  We will challenge you, but that challenge will be at the appropriate level for you.

Who are your members?

We have a great mix of people in our community including programmers, doctors, nurses, engineers, psychologists, police officers, marines, business owners and people in the service industry.  The most important thing to note is that they all come together and support one another.

What type of commitment will it take to benefit from your programs?

Once you decide our programs are right for you, you should plan on a long term approach lasting several months or years.  In order to really benefit, you should plan on attending at least 2 to 3 classes a week.  With this commitment, we can guarantee you will progress.

The more time you spend training, the faster you will learn and get into shape.  Most people find that our classes are fun and training becomes addictive rather than a chore.

I have a busy schedule and I travel often, so I will sometimes miss a class or even a week at a time.  Is that ok?

Yes, missing classes occasionally is no problem.  If you do miss a class, just know a few minutes of practice or training outside of class can make a big difference.  We post workouts and homework on our blog that may help you keep moving forward when you can't make it to class.

What programs do you recommend?

It depends on your goals.  We have members that train only martial arts and members who train only CrossFit.  However, we find that combining martial arts and CrossFit is the best way to excel.  The martial arts classes will teach you how to protect yourself and CrossFit will ensure your body is ready to apply the skills you develop.

What amenities do you have? 

We have a comunity room and meeting room where we can meet for lectures get some work done or just hang out.  We have wifi available.  We have a shower and a dressing room available for anyone who needs it.  Our training rooms are air conditioned.  We offer member's only online training resources.   We have high quality training equipment that offer 1000's of training options.

How can I get started?

Just email or give us a call.  We can answer your questions and set up an appoitment to meet you.  When you come to visit, we will discuss your goals to see which program is best for you.   There is no charge for the appointment.  It's an opportunity for us to get to know you better and determine how we can best serve you. 

What should I wear for your martial arts classes?

Bring comfortable clothes that are suitable for exercise such as a t-shirt, shorts or pants.  We typically practice both Pencak Silat and Dumog barefoot and Kali with shoes. 

Will I need any equipment for classes?

For the Kali class, you will need a pair of rattan sticks and training knives.  We offer these for sale, and can guide you to select the right length and size appropriate for you.  We will recommend other gear appropriate for you as the needs arise.

Should I study only one martial art or can I start with more than one?

It’s up to you.  Many new students enjoy starting with more than one program, others feel more comfortable with just one.  Fortunately, all the classes we offer at the Tactical Arts Academy are closely related in principles and mechanics, so it is easier to learn them simultaneously. 

I don't carry a knife or stick, why should I study weapons? 

In order to have a good defense, you must understand the offense.  Should you ever be attacked, it is likely that your attacker will have a weapon or the environment will offer one.  Even when you are unarmed it is best you understand that a weapon could be involved in a confrontation.  Studying the dynamics of edged weapons and impact weapons will make you safer.

What should I wear for your CrossFit classes?

Bring comfortable clothes that are suitable for exercise such as a t-shirt, shorts or pants.  Any athletic shoes will be fine.  You may later consider investing in minimal or low heel running shoes, weightlifting shoes and / or any other shoe that allows you to perform better in class. 

Many who do Crossfit prefer Inov-8 brand running shoes, Vibram 5 Fingers or even Chuck Taylors which all allow you to get your heel low to the ground and move more like you are barefoot.

CrossFit workouts look really hard.  How can I do them? 

The workouts you see posted on our blog are the ideal workouts for our most conditioned athletes.  In class, these workouts are adjusted to better fit each person at their own fitness level.  We do this by changing the weight, number of rounds or time requirements.  We also substitute different exercises when necessary. 

Our members work on a progression to eventually do the workouts without modifications.  To help everyone set shorter- term goals, we offer 3 tiers of workouts that allow members to see their fitness progress.

What kind of exercises do you do? 

CrossFit is a general fitness program that gives you a functional strength and conditioning base that will help you perform any other physical activity.  To ensure you are well rounded, we do many types of exercises including simple pushups and pullups, running, biking, rowing as well as olympic weightlifting, basic gymnastic movements and kettlebell exercises. 

How are your workouts different than other gyms? 

Our workouts follow the principles that elite athletes use when training for sports.  This involves multi-joint movements and explosive exercises that condition your metabolism and build strength as well.  In CrossFit, we develop 10 general skills equally.  These skills are cardiovascular / respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.  In one workout, you may combine jumps onto a box, 200 meter sprints, and lifting a weight from the ground to above your head.

Most gyms offer "cardio" workouts or bodybuilding style weight lifting with machines.  The cardio workouts are fine, have limited results.  The exercise done with machines typically develop muscles that are more bulky and better for a bodybuilding look rather than the functional strength our workouts offer.  Also, it the typical gym workout follows a routine that quickly plateaus.  With us, you will rarely do the same workouts more than once.  Each session is very different and therefore encourages your body to continually improve.

How long does it take to see results? 

Many of our members began seeing results after just 4 or 5 workouts.  Everyone sees results within 2 - 4 weeks.  The way our training method is structured, your body will respond on a hormonal level to make a change.  This happens as a result of doing CrossFit workouts much more quickly than it does in the typical workout you may see in a big gym.