Question 1

When can I join?

Accepted Answer

You can start at anytime!  We do not go by sessions. We provide one on one instruction when a student needs it.

You are welcome to observe a class or jump right in for your FREE trial class.

We train all ages together, but each Martial Arts has a minimum age requirement.
Taekwondo: 4 years old to adult
KumDo: 12 years to adult
Kali: 12 years to adult
Kyudo: 16 years to adult
Aikido: 18 years to adult

Question 2

Do I have to sign up right away?

Accepted Answer

You can try a FREE class before you decide to join our school. We love offering this option because it gives us a chance to get to know you, and you get to know us!

Question 3

Will my child be safe at your school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are USATKD SafeSport School.

Parent Statement Regarding Instructor Conduct & Safety Policies
At Mireu Martial Arts, the safety, well‑being, and healthy development of every student, especially our minors, are our highest priorities. To uphold these standards, all instructors, assistant instructors, black belts, and staff members are required to sign a formal Safe Interaction Policy Agreement. This agreement has already been reviewed and signed by every member of our instructional team.
This contract outlines clear expectations for communication, physical contact, professionalism, and appropriate boundaries when working with students. It ensures that:
All interactions with minors are transparent, respectful, and developmentally appropriate
Physical contact is limited to brief, instructional corrections and always explained verbally
Instructors never train alone with a minor behind closed doors
Private communication with minors (texts, DMs, calls, social media) is not permitted
Social boundaries are maintained at all times, both inside and outside the dojang
Any concerns or inappropriate behavior are reported immediately to school leadership

These guidelines protect students, families, and instructors alike, and they reinforce the safe, supportive environment we are committed to providing.

If you have any questions about our policies or would like to review the agreement in more detail, please feel free to reach out directly to me.

Grandmaster Lonnie Matthews
lonniematthews11@gmail.com

Check out this link for more information.
https://www.usatkd.org/usatkd-safest-place-to-play

Question 4

What do I wear to class?

Accepted Answer

New members should wear comfortable athletic clothes such as workout pants and a t-shirt.  We practice in bare feet.

After you join, you'll get a uniform that is required to be worn for each class and during promotion testing.

Question 5

I am (or my child) is autistic and/or has ADHD. How do you handle this? Would I (or we) be able to join?

Accepted Answer

We believe everyone and every child should have an inclusive place to learn not only martial arts, but social skills.  We value all humans and their different learning styles.

We have many in our community that are autistic, have ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other neurodivergent traits.

We would love to meet you and your child to see how we can best provide instruction.  Our community is accepting and understands what it means to be a martial arts family.

We are welcoming to all, we strive to ensure there will be no differences in the treatment of persons because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity.

Check out this blog post that features Mireu Martial Arts in the January 2025 Taekwondo Times.

Question 6

I have (or my child has) a physical disability. How do you handle this? Would I (or we) be able to join?

Accepted Answer

We believe everyone and every child should have an inclusive place to learn not only martial arts, but social skills.  We value all humans and their abilities.

We understand that not all physical disabilities can be seen and we know that there is a range of abilities for all types of people.  We value what you CAN do, not what you cannot do (yet!).

We would love to meet you and/or your child to see how we can best provide instruction.  Our community is accepting and understands what it means to be a martial arts family.

We are welcoming to all, we strive to ensure there will be no differences in the treatment of persons because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity.

Question 7

How do Promotions work and how often do they happen?

Accepted Answer

We do promotion testing about every two (2) months for color belts and every six (6) months to test for 1st Dan Black belt. After reaching your 1st Dan Black Belt, we follow the Kukkiwon minimum waiting period based on current Dan rank degree.You must come to class often, display proficiency in forms, step sparring, and free sparring. You must also display your knowledge and have volunteered within the community to be eligible for testing day. We have a "pre-testing" event the week of promotion testing to help you prepare.Once you join, you'll have access to the Student Expectations and the Student Manuals. In the expectations, we outline all the requirements for testing.You are not required to test at every promotion testing.Double promotion / skipping a belt level is not allowed, even if you've skipped a promotion testing date.

Question 8

Can I double promote (skip a belt level) at Mireu Martial Arts?

Accepted Answer

At Mireu Martial Arts, we believe in maintaining the integrity and tradition of martial arts progression. Why we do not double promote: Our school teaches a comprehensive dual-style curriculum combining both major branches of Taekwondo:ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation)WT (World Taekwondo): Recognized by the KukkiwonBecause our testing syllabus alternates focus between ITF and WT requirements at each rank, skipping a belt level means skipping an entire half of the martial art system. Each step is necessary to build a well-rounded practitioner.

Question 9

How long does it take to get a Black belt?

Accepted Answer

It is different for every person.

Each martial art has different skills and time-in-rank requirements, in addition to participating in tournaments, demonstrations, and teaching responsibilities.

On average, for both Taekwondo and KumDo: it is possible to achieve a black belt in about 3-4 years, if one attends class frequently and consistently.

Question 10

Does your school compete in tournaments?

Accepted Answer

TaeKwonDo is an official Olympic sport and there are many opportunities for all ages.

Our school does compete. We also have a requirement to participate in Tournaments to apply for your Black Belt.

*Proof of participation in 4 tournaments before testing for 1st Poom / Dan is required.

2 tournaments from White to Brown Belt and 2 tournaments from Brown High to 1st Poom / Dan is a solid plan to get all 4 tournaments in before Black Belt testing.

Additional Requirements for Black Belts:
1st to 2nd Dan – 2 tournaments 
2nd to 3rd Dan – 4 tournaments 
3rd to 4th Dan – 6 tournaments

Check out our Events page for upcoming Tournaments:

Form Competition:  you'll go up against others on the performance of your patterns, much like a gymnastics event. You're judged individually on your accuracy, strength, balance, and coordination. It's highly competitive, beautiful, and inspiring to watch. People of all ages participate - from 3 to 90!

Sparring Competition: there are many entry levels ranging from no contact to full-contact. There is continuous sparring as well as a point based system where participants stop and reset after each point earned.

Tournaments are quite fun! You'll meet other students from different schools, all learning and training just like you. Friendships form because the martial arts community is a close-knit tribe.

Question 11

Can Martial Arts help me get into college?

Accepted Answer

Yes!!!  When the college board is reviewing your transcripts and application, martial arts will be unique and intriguing!

Martial Arts such as Taekwondo and KumDo require discipline and consistency much like going out for a regular school sport. However, Taekwondo and KumDo are a way of life instead of a season sport, like a lot of the school sports. In that way, Taekwondo and KumDo show a greater consistency and commitment to the community.

Plus, we do participate in tournaments! There are individual and team opportunities!

Another benefit is that our school requires community volunteering between each promotion testing, which is a great addition to your college application. With testing being every two (2) months, you'll be volunteering a lot over the years!

Question 12

Does your School do Demonstrations?

Accepted Answer

Mireu Martial Arts has a demonstration team that can perform at parties, events, and festivals!  
We can customize our demonstrations for your purposes, but typically our demonstrations include:
Taekwondo Forms Sequences
Fist and Foot Board and/or Brick Breaking
Advanced Punching and Kicking Techniques
KumDo Individual and Group Sword Sequences
​​
At some events we will even have participants try some board breaking and play games!!

Question 13

Which Martial Arts should I do?

Accepted Answer

Everyone is different. Read about each type of martial arts we offer on our CLASSES page to see what meets your goals.

Starting with Taekwondo at age 11 and under is a great basis for all other martial arts.
 
Taekwondo has a minimum age of 4 years old.
Judo has a minimum age of 7 years old.
KumDo has a minimum age of 12 years old to join.
Aikido has a minimum age of 18 years old to join.

Kyudo has a minimum age of 16 years old, but you must be a minimum of 5 feet tall due to the length of the bow.
Kali has a minimum age of 12 years old to join.

Question 14

Can I donate to the school?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can donate money to help students in need attend classes, purchase sparring gear, go to tournaments, or participate in promotion testing.

Please note - we are not a non-profit, so any monetary donations will not be tax deductible. However, the money will help enrich as student's experience.

Question 15

What is Open Weapons Class like? Is there an age restriction?

Accepted Answer

You must be 12 years old or older to join Open Weapons class.

We have people using hyup do, nunchuck, Bo staff, sai, two swords, and a single kumdo sword.

Other options are available, and Master Cusmano will usually get other weapons out for participants to try.

During class we'll also work on both traditional forms and building creative forms and basic and more advanced strikes.

Open Weapons is more unstructured class than regular Taekwondo or KumDo classes.  When tournaments are near participants tend to focus on tournament forms.

Book a free trial!

Question 16

How do I explain Martial Arts to my Child?

Accepted Answer

Grandmaster created a fun little book showcasing a bit about Mireu and our Community.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions