Question 1

How do I start at Elevate Martial Arts?

Accepted Answer

Start with the free class request form. You'll pick your location, the program that matches your age group, and a class time that fits your week. We'll confirm your appointment by email, and all you have to do is show up a few minutes early in comfortable clothes.

Question 2

Is the first class really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, genuinely free. There's no card required to book it and no obligation afterward. We'd rather you experience a real class first and decide from there, because martial arts is something families should choose on purpose, not be talked into.

Question 3

What happens after I submit the trial form?

Accepted Answer

You'll get an email with your appointment details, anything we need signed ahead of time, and a reminder before class. If we need to confirm a detail like age or program fit, a coach will reach out. On class day, arrive about 10 minutes early and we'll take it from there.

Question 4

Do I need any experience before starting?

Accepted Answer

None at all. Almost everyone who walks through our doors starts as a complete beginner, including most adults. Classes are built so brand-new students learn the basics safely while more experienced students work on their own goals in the same room.

Question 5

Can I watch a class before signing up?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You're welcome to come in, sit in the viewing area, and watch a class from start to finish. Many parents do this before booking a trial, and it's often the fastest way to see the coaching style and the atmosphere for yourself.

Question 6

What if my child is nervous?

Accepted Answer

Nervous is normal, and our coaches expect it. We pair new students with a coach or a friendly senior student, keep the first class simple, and never force a child onto the mat before they're ready. Most kids who start out hiding behind a parent are smiling and participating within the first ten minutes.

Question 7

Which age group is my child in?

Accepted Answer

Little Dragons is ages 3–4, Tigers is 5–8, and Dragons is 9–12. Teens 13–17 train in our adult classes, and adults are 18 and up. If your child is on the edge of two groups, a coach will watch them in class and place them where they'll do best.

Question 8

How are classes divided by age and experience?

Accepted Answer

Classes are grouped primarily by age so students train with peers who share a similar attention span and body size. Within each class, coaches adjust drills for newer and more experienced students, so beginners aren't overwhelmed and returning students keep progressing.

Question 9

Do you offer classes for adults with no experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A large share of our adult students had never trained before joining, and plenty are coming back to fitness after years away. You'll learn stance, movement and technique at a pace you can handle, and nobody is expected to keep up with a black belt on day one.

Question 10

Can teens train with adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes, teens 13–17 train in the adult program. It's a big part of why teens grow so quickly here: they're held to an adult standard in a supervised environment, and coaches pair them thoughtfully so training partners are appropriate in size and experience.

Question 11

What if my child wants to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instead of kickboxing?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine. We teach a blended curriculum, so students get exposure to striking and grappling and can lean into what they love. Tell your coach what your child is drawn to and we'll point you toward the classes that fit.

Question 12

Can we switch programs later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kids grow, schedules change, and interests shift. Just talk to a coach and we'll move you into the class or discipline that makes more sense. There's no penalty for changing direction.

Question 13

Do you require long-term contracts?

Accepted Answer

We keep membership simple and talk options through in person after your free class. You'll never be signed up during a trial, and you'll always know exactly what you're agreeing to before anything starts.

Question 14

How much does training cost?

Accepted Answer

Most memberships run between $149 and $189 per month depending on the program and how often you train. There are no registration fees or surprise testing charges baked in. A coach will walk you through the exact options for your family after your free class.

Question 15

Do you offer family discounts?

Accepted Answer

We do, and it's a generous one. Two family members pay regular tuition and every additional immediate family member trains free in our regular martial arts program. Specialty programs may have additional fees.

Question 16

Can I freeze my membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Injuries, deployments, travel and busy seasons happen. Let us know in writing and we'll place your membership on hold so you're not paying for classes you can't attend, then pick right back up when you're ready.

Question 17

What if we need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Just talk to us. We'll explain the terms of your specific membership and handle the cancellation without pressure or guilt. Families sometimes come back a year or two later, and we want that door to stay open.

Question 18

Are uniforms included?

Accepted Answer

New students receive a uniform as part of enrolling, so you don't need to buy anything before your first class. Kickboxing and MMA students also need gloves, and we'll help you pick the right size and weight rather than guessing online.

Question 19

How do you keep classes safe?

Accepted Answer

Coaches are background-checked and first-aid certified, mats are cleaned regularly, and every partner drill is directly supervised. Contact is introduced gradually and always with control, so students build skill without building injuries.

Question 20

Is martial arts safe for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Beginners spend their early classes on movement, balance and technique rather than hard contact. Compared with many youth sports, our injury rate is low precisely because intensity is controlled by coaches instead of by a scoreboard.

Question 21

My child has ADHD, autism, anxiety, or struggles with focus. Can they still participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many of our students fit that description. The structure, clear expectations and repeated routines of a martial arts class are genuinely helpful for kids who struggle in less predictable settings. Tell us what works and what doesn't for your child, and our coaches will adjust.

Question 22

What happens if someone gets hurt?

Accepted Answer

Fortunately, injuries are uncommon, but bumps and bruises are part of learning any physical activity. If a student is hurt, class stops immediately and one of our first-aid certified coaches checks on them. If it's anything more than a minor bump, we'll contact you right away and make sure your child is cared for. We're parents too, and we treat every student the way we'd want our own children treated.

Question 23

Do students spar right away?

Accepted Answer

No. Sparring is earned, not assigned on day one. Students first demonstrate control, defense and good partner habits, and early sparring is light, supervised and geared toward learning rather than winning.

Question 24

What should we wear to the first class?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable athletic clothes you can move in — a t-shirt and shorts or leggings work perfectly. We train barefoot, so no special shoes are needed. You'll receive a uniform once you enroll.

Question 25

What should we bring?

Accepted Answer

A water bottle and a good attitude cover it. If you have long hair, bring a tie, and leave jewelry at home. Everything else you need for a first class is provided.

Question 26

Where are your locations?

Accepted Answer

Our primary academy is in Middletown at 21168 Calistoga Road, and we have a second training location in Clearlake at 3245 Bowers Avenue serving the north and east shore. Class offerings vary slightly by location, so check the schedule before you book.

Question 27

Where do we park?

Accepted Answer

In Middletown, street parking is available around the building. If you enter from the rear alley, please do not park in the private rear parking lot. In Clearlake, there is plenty of free on-site parking at the Senior Center.

Question 28

How early should we arrive?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes early for your first class, and 5 minutes early after that. That gives you time to check in, meet your coach and get on the mat without feeling rushed.

Question 29

What if we miss a class?

Accepted Answer

Life happens and nobody is penalized for it. Most programs run multiple times a week, so you can attend another class that week or simply pick up at the next one. If you're going to be out for a while, let us know so we can help you catch up.

Question 30

Can siblings train together?

Accepted Answer

Siblings normally train in their own age-appropriate program, which keeps both kids challenged at the right level. We schedule families back-to-back whenever possible so you're only making one trip, and our family pricing makes multiple kids affordable.

Question 31

Can parents watch class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we hope you do. There's seating alongside the mat so you can see what your child is learning and hear how coaches talk to students. Some kids focus better when a parent steps back a little, and a coach will tell you honestly if that's the case.

Question 32

Will martial arts help with bullying?

Accepted Answer

It helps in the way that matters most: kids who carry themselves with confidence are targeted far less often. We teach awareness, verbal boundaries and how to walk away first, with physical skills as the last resort. Students learn that the goal is to stay safe, not to win a fight.

Question 33

Will this improve confidence and focus?

Accepted Answer

That's the part parents notice first. Belt progression gives kids visible proof that effort pays off, and the class structure trains them to listen, wait their turn and finish what they start. Most families see the difference at home and at school within a few months.

Question 34

How long does it take to earn a black belt?

Accepted Answer

Earning a black belt is a long-term journey, not a quick program. For students who train consistently, it typically takes between 6 and 10 years. We don't sell belts or promote on a schedule—students earn each rank through skill, character, consistency, and perseverance.

Question 35

Do you work with homeschool and charter school families?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we have a dedicated Homeschool & Charter Education Center with resources on PE credit, socialization and enrichment funding. We work with charter-school families whenever possible, including Lakeview Charter. Reach out and we'll talk through your school's vendor process.

Question 36

What are Leadership, Elite, HIT Squad, and Fight Club?

Accepted Answer

These are our advanced and specialty training groups. Leadership develops teaching and mentoring skills, Elite is for students pursuing a higher training standard, HIT Squad focuses on conditioning and performance, and Fight Club is our competition-minded sparring group. Each meets in addition to regular classes.

Question 37

How do students qualify?

Accepted Answer

Invitation, based on attendance, attitude and readiness rather than raw talent. Coaches watch for students who show up consistently, help others and handle correction well. If you're interested, tell your coach — knowing your goal helps them look for the right moment.

Question 38

Can adults compete?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Adults compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing and MMA events at whatever level suits them, and plenty of adults never compete at all. Competing is always a choice here, never an expectation of membership.

Questions before you start

Getting started

Programs

Membership & pricing

Safety

Logistics

For parents

Advanced training

Still have questions?

Your first class is free.