We’re thrilled to have you consider Total Self Defense for your martial arts journey! Getting started is easy and completely FREE. Simply click the 'Sign Up' link at the top of our website to register for your first class. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, we have programs tailored just for you—including our Mini Warrior Class for kids aged 4 to 8. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

• What is the cost of a child lacking confidence?

• What is the cost of bullying?

• What is the cost of poor discipline or low self‑esteem?

• What is the cost of not knowing how to defend themselves? “Martial arts is the only activity where the skills follow your child into adulthood — confidence, discipline, respect, and the ability to protect themselves.”

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This is not seasonal. This is not temporary. This is not entertainment.

This is identity‑shaping.

Just like shoes, try them.  Total Self Defense has three styles to choose from.  You may like one, you may like all three.  It’s up to you.  The membership at Total Self Defense allows you to train an unlimited amount (within your age group). 

Training timelines vary because every student’s journey is unique, but here’s what we recommend to see real progress:

For beginners, we suggest 2–3 days per week to build a strong foundation in skills, coordination, and confidence. As students move into intermediate and advanced levels, we recommend a minimum of 3 days per week to continue developing power, precision, and higher‑level skills.

Each style takes a minimum of 3½ years to complete, but progress is always individual. Everyone learns at their own pace, and everyone faces different challenges along the way. What matters most is consistency — showing up, training regularly, and staying committed. With steady effort, students grow stronger, more confident, and more skilled over time.

Great question — and an important one. The “yelling” you hear in class is actually called a KIA, and it serves several purposes in martial arts training.

When we KIA, we’re breathing out with power. Any time we breathe out, we naturally make sound — talking, shouting, or projecting our voice. Hearing our own voice helps students build confidence, especially for kids who are learning to speak up and believe in themselves.

In the dojo, the KIA is also a sign of respect. It shows that a student is giving 100% effort and staying focused. It keeps energy high, helps with timing, and reinforces strong technique.

In a real‑world situation, you wouldn’t yell “KIA.” You’d say something appropriate for that environment — a command, a boundary, or a loud verbal cue to create space or call for help. But in the dojo, KIA is the safe, universal sound we use for everyone.

KIA can also serve as a form of intimidation in self‑defense — projecting strength and confidence can stop a situation before it escalates.

So while it may sound loud at first, it’s actually a powerful tool for breathing, confidence, respect, and real‑world self‑defense skills.