Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Can I try out a class before signing up?

You bet!  We encourage everyone to try several classes (no charge, of course) before signing up in order to see what training at CAMA is like.  Given the tremendous breadth of our curriculum, it takes several classes to get a feel for the school as one class may emphasize throwing or grappling while another may emphasize striking and weapons.  Some classes may be physically demanding while others may be less so.  There are two Head Instructors with different training and teaching styles.  For all these reasons, feel free to come to any class and try several out before committing.

2.  Will I get a good workout?  Will this be too hard for me?

Classes are vigorous, but not exhaustive.   We have all had different life experiences, which give us different body types and abilities.  For this reason, we ask students to begin each class with exercises and stretching.  From that point, each student can find his or her own level of stress.  We do not fight one another of compete with one another as we train; we offer support as training partners.  We strive to assist students so they will progress quickly to improve their level of fitness, flexibility and technical skill.

3.  Will I get hurt?

Safety is emphasized every day, during every class.  No full-contact training occurs and students work in a collaborative environment to encourage learning.  Given the nature of throws and takedowns, people with chronic shoulder or back injuries should approach a martial arts class with caution and discuss their options with an instrutor and physician prior to training and make accommodations as they train.  Proper gear, such as wrestling shoes, bag gloves, uniforms (varying in style depeding on the activity), and kneepads will help students (and instructors) in avoiding discomfort during and after training.

4.  Do CAMA students compete in fighting competitions?

It is not required or promoted!  Some students naturally seek out competition.  In this case we can coach students individually at the competition level.  CAMA offers a family oriented program that emphasizes fitness first and fight "training" second.  We are not a "fighting school."  Our instructors have experience in fighting and coaching and they are schooled in many forms of competition.  If a particular student chooses to compete in judo, NAGA, point karate, submission, or kickboxing, we can aid and coach them, usually outside of standard class hours. 

5.  What ages are welcome at CAMA and can I get a discount with my family?

All ages!  We have special family rates to make the experience affordable.  During classes, we generally break up classes by age to avoid accidental injury.  Children ages 2-4, 5-10, 10-15 and adults (15 and up) enjoy different training times.  Allowances are made for size and maturity.

6.  Will I have to sign a contract and how much does it cost?

For rank and certification in Zanshin Kai you can chose the length of the contract, from 1, 3, 6, 12 months and up.  For Yoga and Kickboxing, no contract is required.  We have several plans that will accomodate anyone who wants to train.  If you want to train one day a week, Adult Tuition is $50 per month.  If you want to train two days a week, Adult tuition is $80 per month.  If you want to attend all 46 classes per month we offer you will only pay $130 each month.  If you are only interested in the Yoga and Fitness Kickboxing, you have the option of purchasing a punch card good for either 5 or 10 classes.  That way you can come to the Yoga and Fitness Kickboxing classes when you can make it, without the confines of a contract.  Zanshin Kai Payments are made monthly in advance and may be made with check, credit card, or electronic funds transfer. 

Young Adult (10-15 yrs) and Youth (5-10 yrs) tuition is $80 per month and Tiny Dino's/Lil' Dinos (2-4 yrs) is $50 per month.

7.  What formal / traditional martial arts training occurs at CAMA?

Zanshin Kai Seizan Ryu Kempo Jujutsu and Kali-Silat / Eskrido-Pangamot.  These sister systems are complete, traditional martial arts that encompass everything we do at CAMA.  Both Head Instructors are fully certified to teach and offer instructor certifications in both of these styles.  People who chose to study in the unlimited program will earn belt ranks in both systems simultaneously.   This can be offered because both Head Instructors are certified at the master level in these arts.

8.  Will I study and learn to defend against weapons?

Yes, unless you find it objectionable.  In any of the above formats, students will learn the hard and soft styles of fighting - striking, kicking, throwing, wrestling, and submission.  All students may participate in weapons training, including the use of the long and short stick, wooden sword, Jo (short staff), and Bo (long staff).

In special law enforcement, military, and tactical defense classes adults may learn to use and defend against handgun, club, knife, and other personal defense and field expedient weapons.

9.  Can I focus my training in a particular area or do I have to train in everything?

Absolutely!  Students may also limit their training to a particular aspect of the art as follows:

Pangamot / Jujutsu:  A soft style of empty-hand fighting designed to defend against an armed opponent when the defender can acquire the opponents weapon and use it against his or her attacker;

Kali - Silat / Kempo:  A hard style of empty-hand and armed combat where many strikes and some throws and submissions are utilized to subdue an attacker;

Eskrima / Eskrido / Arnis:  This is a complex weapon-based art that involves striking, disarming, throwing, and submission with weapons.  It is traditionally taught to law enforcement and military personnel or to those requiring special tactical defense training such as women who are in fear of violence or subject to stalking;

Fitness Kickboxing:  This non-competitive sport is an outstanding and explosive way to exercise with an eye toward extreme fitness;

Grappling / submission:  This is a popular sport and incredible workout.  You will build trendous stamina, strength, speed, and flexibility.  You will gain an understanding of how to find and apply technical concepts in a moving and changing environment.  Submission simply means that at the end of the encounter one partner is placed in a condition that forces them to signal (by "tapping out") for the drill to stop.  When properly understood and completed at quarter speed and quarter power, the risk of pain and injury can be controlled.

10.  What if I already have a black belt in another system, will I have to start all over again or will I be able to keep my rank?

This can vary based on the similarities between the system you hold rank in and Zanshin Kai Seizan Ryu.  In all cases you should not be required to start over at a white belt.  CAMA routinely enrolls new students who have significant martial arts, boxing, and wrestling experience who are already at a black belt or equivalent level.  The ranking system used at CAMA is proficiency based.  Once you begin classes you will be evaluated by both Head Instructors who will determine where your previous experience places you in relation to the requirements of Zanshin Kai Seizan Ryu.  After your evaluation period, which is typically one week long, you will be placed in a training group at the appropriate belt level.  This can be up to the black belt placement you have already earned.  In all cases, you will understand what Zanshin Kai attributes your previous training has given you and all areas you need to improve for black belt level proficiency.