REAL SELF DEFENSE
AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
B r e n t w o o d, T N
615 - 661 - 5595
Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by Master Instructor, Daniel Klapheke
What is the difference between Elite Martial Arts (EMA) and karate or tae kwon do schools?
Our goal is to teach our students how to effectively defend themselves from virtually every type of violent attack. We constantly update our techniques and strategies because the fighting arts, like the military, are always evolving. We want to make sure our students are prepared to take on any challenge by focusing on the most realistic methods of self protection.
Every other martial arts school in the area teaches a traditional style of martial arts like karate and tae kwon do. As a 5th degree black belt in karate and a 2nd degree black belt in tae kwon do, I know that these styles are fun and flashy, but have no self defense value.
We do not spend time memorizing long patterns of outdated techniques or doing unrealistic moves to someone who is standing still. Instead, we train using drills, padwork, grappling and sparring.
What is the difference between EMA and MMA fight gyms?
We use the same techniques and more as MMA gyms but without the ego and attitude of a fight gym. Our goal is not to ready our students for the cage, but to prepare them for actual attack scenarios using the skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, Thai Kickboxing, and Krav Maga.
As effective as MMA cage fighting is by itself, it doesn't encompass a true street fighting skill set. In the cage, there is only one opponent, a referee and many rules. Our students safely learn how to defend themselves against multiple opponents, weapons and dirty fighting. But don't worry--our facility is clean and our staff is very professional.
What are the fees and do you have memberships?
We can customize a membership for you based on your initial commitment to training. We have month to month memberships that can be canceled with a written notice and we also have memberships that are six months long. Tuition can be as low as $100/month and there is a heavy discount for family members. All memberships can be canceled if a student moves out of the area or if an injury or illness results in extended absence.
Will training at EMA make my child violent or turn them into a bully?
Absolutely not! The opposite is true. Because what we teach our children is so effective, we are very clear with our students that what they learn is only appropriate in real emergencies against real bad guys - not just a peer that's making them angry.
On top of that, we work with parents to carefully monitor kids' behavior at home and at school, ensuring that they follow what we call the Warrior Code of Conduct. Each month, we focus on one Warrior Code lesson such as humility, respect, or self control. Our kids do their best to perform well in school, treat kids and adults with respect, control their emotions at the martial arts school and at home, display excellent manners, and help other people - not hurt them.
What are kata and do you do them at Elite Martial Arts?
Kata, also known as forms, are ancient patterns of karate moves that look flashy. Since kata are a great form of exercise which develop coordination, our children spend a very small portion of their class time learning short combinations of the most useful and/or most dynamic traditional techniques. We never teach lengthy kata, but instead focus on more effective self defense as mentioned earlier.
In our adult classes, we do not teach any kata because teens and adults are physically ready to learn more advanced fighting curriculum.
What is "point sparring" and why don't you do it at EMA?
Point sparring, used in tae know do and karate, helps children learn to control their body, but it is dangerously unrealistic.
When I trained in karate and tae kwon do, I excelled in point sparring. But in the mid-nineties, I began training in full contact fighting and Krav Maga and realized that point sparring was just a game of tag with stringent, unrealistic rules.
For this reason, we don't engage in point sparring. If someone is attacked in a parking garage, there are no rules to follow. The assailant will do whatever it takes to overcome you. If you are only trained to fight tournament style, you are likely to get hurt or killed.
Our students spar using professional grade fight gear. Our sparring includes boxing, kicks above and below the belt, takedowns and takedown defenses. We also free grapple on a daily basis.
Please know that we are very careful with both children and adults. We do not throw you in with just anyone on your first day of class. Our instructors monitor all training, ensuring that everyone has a positive experience.
Is class attendance restricted at EMA?
Our trial memberships are limited to 2 classes per week. Our regular memberships include unlimited attendance.
EMA offers classes for several fighting styles, do you have to pay more to learn all of them?
NO. We believe it takes several different fighting styles to be able to defend yourself effectively, so our memberships are all-inclusive.
"I've looked all around for practical self defense training. I found it here. If it doesn't work - we don't do it."
Mark, Student
