Frequently Asked Questions

Kowkabany’s Family Martial Arts FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – General Martial Arts Questions

Do I need martial arts experience?

No prior experience is required. We design our programs for beginners with no previous experience of the martial arts, and we teach them step-by-step to ensure safety and to build confidence from the very first class.

Are martial arts classes safe?

YES! Safety is the top priority, along with making students feel comfortable in our training environment. All of our classes are taught by Certified Master Instructors, and they supervise every aspect of the training floor. Techniques are taught with control, and students use specialized safety shields for practicing.

What qualifications do instructors have?

Our Instructors are Certified Chief Master Instructors who have been teaching kids, teens and adults for over 40 years. Chief Masters Laura and David Kowkabany lead EVERY class, and they are assisted by high-level Black Belts to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment. All of our instructors regularly re-certify and continue their education to maintain the highest safety and teaching standards.

How much do martial arts classes cost?

The cost for a martial arts program varies by location and is frequently based upon the Instructors’ qualifications. Most reputable schools will be upfront with their pricing if you call them. When comparing pricing, you should also ask about required equipment, fees for testing, and if your ranks will be certified with an international organization. At KFMA, our ranks are certified with the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) which provides worldwide credentials.

How do I know which program is right for me or my child?

Your training with us will start with a scheduled appointment that will lead into your first introductory class. You will not be asked to sign-up on day one! We want you to experience training in our school, and we’ll send you home with a full packet of information so that your decision to train with us can be one that is well thought-out and free of any pressure. Most of our students begin on our basic program and train two days a week

How often should students attend classes?

Most of our students begin training in two classes per week, which is ideal for a beginner. Based on your goals and your progess, you may wish to consider our advanced programs that allow you to train in three to four classes per week. Our schedules are flexible, allowing you to change your class times from week to week.

How long are the classes?

Our pre-school group (Tigers) enjoy a 30 minute class, as at their younger age, their attention span is shorter. Our family classes vary between 45 and 60 minutes.

What equipment or uniform is required?

For your introductory class, you simply train in comfortable athletic attire. Once a student is enrolled, we will provide you with your personal training uniform. You will not need to purchase any additional equipment until you begin sparring at the mid-rank belt levels (typically six to twelve months after starting), and at that time you will need to purchase your safety gear (face mask, headgear, chest protector, etc.).

Can students attend multiple classes?

All of our programs allow students to attend at least two classes a week, with advanced options allowing four classes and even unlimited for our advanced program high-rank belts.

Frequently Asked Questions – Preschool Martial Arts (Ages 3-6)

What is martial arts training like for preschool-age children?

Our preschool martial arts program, affectionately known as our ‘Tigers,’ focuses on basic movements (gross motor skills), coordination and balance, listening skills and following directions. Classes introduce basic discipline, while also being fun and engaging with basic martial arts techniques to build confidence. Chief Master Laura Kowkabany leads all of these classes, along with several assistants.

How does martial arts help preschool children?

Martial arts help young children with coordination and balance, while developing focus and confidence. Life skills are also introduced at this age, including courtesy, respect and making friends. Positive correction and patience are cornerstones of teaching preschool children in our safe, structured setting.

Is martial arts safe for preschoolers?

Yes! Our preschool classes are specifically designed for young children, with plenty of supervision and a strong focus on safety, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.

How does martial arts help preschoolers emotionally?

As young children participate in structured activity, many for the first time, they learn how to take turns and share time with other kids and how to manage the emotions that come from social interaction. Consistent routines in our curriculum allow for success in learning their techniques and getting comfortable with the martial arts drills, and this leads to an increase in confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions – SchoolAge Children Martial Arts (Ages 6-12)

What are the benefits of martial arts for school-age children?

The Martial Arts help children build their confidence as they develop focus, coordination, and improve their physical fitness. We also work on basic life skills, frequently reinforcing what parents are teaching at home. These life skills include courtesy, respect, integrity, goal-setting, self-discipline and perseverance.

How does martial arts help children at home?

Our parents have provided this answer many times over the years. They notice improved listening skills, an increase in personal responsibility and self-control, as well as happier and more confident kids.

How does martial arts help children in school?

The Martial Arts curriculum and our teaching methods help develop focus, self-discipline, and perseverance, as well as improving listening skills. These same skills can translate into better grades due to better performance in the classroom, and more effective study skills at home.

How does martial arts help children socially?

In a martial arts setting that is based on courtesy and respect, children learn to work alongside their peers toward similar goals. Children gain confidence as they advance through the rank system and master new skills, and they develop friendships with their classmates.

How does martial arts help children in the community?

The true values of the martial arts include respect, courtesy, integrity and personal responsibility. Students learn to discover their talents, how to develop them, and then how to use them to help others. As their confidence builds, they are also seen as role models in their schools and in their social circles.

How does martial arts help with bullying?

The Martial Arts builds confident children, who become stronger physically and mentally, while still maintaining self-control. Students learn to handle confrontations calmly and use verbal skills instead of physical (whenever possible) to handle challenging situations.

Do children learn self-defense?

Children learn the basic concepts of self-defense, and focus on understanding personal boundaries, avoidance, and age-appropriate physical responses (only if necessary) – not aggression. When self-defense skills are discussed with children, the same information is shared with their parents.

Frequently Asked Questions – Teen Martial Arts Programs (Ages 13-17)

How does martial arts benefit teenagers?

The Martial Arts help to build strong, confident, disciplined teens. The training will improve their physical fitness levels, while they build friendships and grow into responsible adults.

Can martial arts help teens manage stress?

Yes. Just like with adults, the consistent physical activity helps to manage stress and improve mental clarity, which helps with emotional balance. Training alongside like-minded teens as they work towards their goals can help to create lifelong friendships.

How does martial arts help teens with confidence and peer pressure?

The Martial Arts reinforce self-respect and personal responsibility, and the life skill discussions held during classes help to reinforce good decision-making. Teens are also regularly encouraged to turn to their support network (parents, teachers, mentors) when faced with challenging decisions.

Do teens learn safe self-defense?

Yes, as every properly taught Martial Art is based on self-defense from a physical and mental standpoint. Our training includes self-defense concepts, awareness and prevention, as well as the proper application of physical defensive skills if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions – Adult Martial Arts Training

Is martial arts good for adult fitness?

That is a frequently asked question for sure! Yes. Martial arts is excellent for adult fitness as it provides a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health.

I’m older — am I too old to start martial arts?

No. Adults of all ages train at KFMA, and it’s common to see adults in their 40s and 50s training in our daily classes. Training drills can be adapted as necessary based on individual fitness levels and limitations.

Can martial arts help reduce stress?

Many adult professionals train with us for a mixture of stress relief and physical fitness. Training is an effective and safe way to release stress, and improves mental focus and emotional balance.

Can martial arts help with mental fatigue and focus?

Martial arts training requires concentration and repetition, and this helps sharpen focus, improve mental clarity, and reduce fatigue.

Do adults learn safe self-defense?

Our adult martial arts includes safe self-defense training, focusing on awareness, avoidance, confidence, and controlled responses rather than confrontation.

Are adult classes separate from kids’ classes?

As KFMA is a Family Martial Arts school, kids, teens and adults will train in the same classes. However, when working on drills for strength and power, adults will be paired-up with adults for safety and to maximize their workouts. Parents who train with their kids will also have the option of partnering with their children for certain drills.

Family Martial Arts Training

What is family martial arts training?

At KFMA, Family Martial Arts training allows parents and children to participate in our martial arts classes at the same time. This time together creates a shared experience while allowing instruction to remain age-appropriate.

Can parents and children train at the same time?

Except for our pre-school children, older children, teens and adults can train during the same family martial arts classes. We typically offer two family classes per day, several days per week, which makes training more convenient for busy families.

What are the benefits of martial arts training as a family?

There are very few sports that allow adults, teens and children to train together, but KFMA’s family classes excel at that. Training as a family encourages shared goals, mutual support, and positive habits. The shared experience time on the training floor can lead to improved communication at home, as well as respect and accountability.

How does family martial arts training help children?

Children feel more motivated and confident when training alongside their parents, and they are more engaged in their martial arts training. Training together also reinforces discipline, consistency in attendance, and respect in the school and at home.

How does family martial arts training help parents?

Parents benefit from improved fitness, stress reduction, and confidence while also gaining a deeper understanding of the values and life skills their children are learning through martial arts. When parents and their children train together, they also provide motivation and support to each other as they progress through the ranks.

Can martial arts strengthen family bonds?

Yes. Training together or supporting one another’s progress helps strengthen relationships, build trust, and create positive shared experiences that extend beyond the martial arts school.

Is family martial arts training suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes. Martial arts programs can be adapted for different ages and fitness levels, allowing each family member to progress at their own pace while still being part of the same training community and in the same classes.

Martial arts training offers benefits that extend far beyond physical activity. Students of all ages develop discipline, confidence, focus, and respect that positively impact their lives at home, at school, at work, and in the community.

What if I have more questions?

If you’re considering martial arts training in Westchase, Oldsmar, Odessa or the Northwest area of Tampa, the best next step is to speak with one of our Chief Master Instructors at KFMA to learn more about our programs, our class times and the benefits that training in our Family Martial Arts school can offer.

Chief Masters Laura and David Kowkabany have dedicated their lives to helping every student at KFMA to recognize their God-given talents, and to learn to develop them to their full potential. Students who train at KFMA will develop a number of life skills that will help them to find success not only in the martial arts, but also in their academic fields, in their professions, and perhaps most importantly, in their family relationships.

For more information regarding our Family Martial Arts classes, just give us a call at 813-540-5528. KFMA is located at 13910 Monroes Business Park, just two doors down from the Tampa Bay Brewing Company off Racetrack Road.

For more information on our personal credentials, please take a look at this article:

https://teamkowkabany.com/about-us/

Kowkabany’s Family Martial Arts is chartered with the American Taekwondo Association: https://atamartialarts.com/