
Choosing a martial arts school can feel overwhelming
At Total Self Defense, we believe families make the best decisions when they have all the information up front. Below are the most common questions we hear from parents and adults, along with our straightforward answers.
Membership Options
Q: Am I locked into a one‑year commitment? A: Not at all. You choose the level of commitment that fits your family.
We offer three flexible options:
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2‑Week Trial — $50 A low‑pressure way to experience our classes, instructors, and community.
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Monthly Membership — Cancel Anytime Includes essential training gear: uniform, mouth guard, and gloves. Ideal for families who prefer flexibility.
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Annual Membership — Best Value Includes a full gear package: bag, uniform, mouth guard, gloves, shin guards, kicks, nunchaku, and headband. Perfect for students who want everything they need for long‑term progress.
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Attendance Expectations
Q: Do we have to attend all five days you’re open? A: You’re welcome to — but it’s not required. We recommend a minimum of two classes per week. This gives kids and adults enough repetition to build skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Scheduling Flexibility
Q: Are we locked into the same days each week? A: No. You can choose different days week to week. Our instructors appreciate when families register for classes ahead of time because it helps us tailor lessons and ensure every student gets the most out of their training.
When Kids Want to Quit
Q: My child is excited now, but what if they want to quit halfway through the year? A: This is extremely common — and completely normal.
Every student, regardless of age, hits moments where training feels hard, tiring, or less exciting than video games or other activities. These moments are actually part of martial arts development.
Here’s how we support families:
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Instructor Partnerships: Each student has an instructor who knows them, encourages them, and helps them work through tough moments.
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Parent–Instructor Conversations: We encourage parents to call us and let their child talk directly with their instructor. Kids often struggle to explain why they don’t want to come — talking it out helps them feel understood and supported.
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Building Real‑World Resilience: Learning to push through boredom, overwhelm, or frustration teaches students how to handle difficult conversations, challenges at school, and everyday obstacles. We want Total Self Defense to be their anchor — a safe, fun place where they learn to overcome hard things.
Refund Policy
Q: Do you give refunds? A: No. Our programs are built around commitment, consistency, and personal growth. We provide flexible membership options so families can choose the level of commitment that feels right.
Video/Picture Policy
Q: Will my picture be on Facebook? A: Yes. One of the waivers you sign when joining Total Self Defense includes permission for us to use photos, video, and audio from classes and events.
We do this for a simple reason: when families visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram, we want them to see real students, real training, and real progress. Authentic moments matter. We’ve tested using AI‑generated images, and they simply don’t reflect who we are — a community built on genuine effort and real people growing stronger together
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