Parent & Student Guide
Attendance
Regular attendance is the key to progress. For students in the Introductory and Basic Training Courses, a minimum of two classes per week is required to gain the benefits that YMAA offers. Martial Arts training is a process of both learning and physical development. Your regular and consistent participation will help you progress at a steady pace.
If for some reason you are not able to attend class for more than a day or two we ask that you call the school at 978-388-2332 OR 978-388-3719 and let us know.
Payments
Please note that payments returned for insufficient funds will result in additional charges and could interrupt your training.
Protocol and Etiquette
Student creeds are designed to better reinforce the set of values taught by the staff at Yang's. The purpose of each creed is to emphasize the key concepts of martial arts training. STUDENT CREED Creed #1: I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health. Creed #2: I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others. Creed #3: I will use common sense before self defense and never be abusive or offensive. All students are required to know each of their three creeds and be able to understand the meaning and application of each.
Earning respect starts by treating others with respect. We practice this by Greeting.
Greeting
It is customary in Asian culture to greet one another as a sign of respect. It is not a symbol of worship nor does it hold any religious significance. The Kung Fu greeting consists of the right hand forming a fist and the left hand remaining open, each meeting at chest height. All Kung Fu students are expected to greet upon entering the classroom (as a sign of respect to the studio) and at the beginning and ending of each class. Students arriving late or leaving early should always greet upon entering/exiting the classroom.
Respect
In addition to the Greeting, students are expected to be respectful in the studio (this includes the entrance way and waiting area). Walking, speaking quietly and courtesy are all signs of respect.
Addressing Instructors
Please address your Instructors as Mr./Mrs./Miss . (last name). This also includes any members who may assist in classes.
Please Be On Time
If you are late, please enter the classroom quietly and wait by the door until you are acknowledged by the Instructor to join the class. If you need to leave early, please inform the Instructor at the start of class.
Jewelry & Eating/Drinking During Training
Please DO NOT wear watches or jewelry of any kind during class. Jewelry may cause possible danger to yourself or your classmates. We are not responsible for lost or stolen jewelry if you are asked to remove them during class.
Please DO NOT chew gum, eat, drink or bring any food or beverage products into the classroom (water in sport-cap bottles are permitted).
Outdoor Footwear & Coats
Shelves are provided for the storage of your outdoor shoes. Outdoor footwear of any kind is strictly prohibited in ALL classrooms. Hooks are provided for your coats and outdoor clothing. Please label ALL of your belongings with your name. We are NOT responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings.
Use of Equipment in the Classroom
Please DO NOT use any kicking/punching bags, blockers or other equipment in any classroom without the permission and supervision of an Instructor. If you indulge in any horseplay or unsafe behavior which could result in injury to others, you may be suspended from training.
Uniform
The student uniform consists of black martial arts pants, a Yang's T-shirt and a belt. All uniforms are expected to be clean and odor free. Please help your child understand that the uniform represents a sign of respect and self-discipline.
DURING TIP AND BELT TESTING, STUDENTS MUST WEAR THEIR COMPLETE UNIFORM, INCLUDING THEIR BELT.
The student uniform and martial arts shoes are available for sale and may be purchased at any time at the Front Desk.
Testing
The purpose of student testing is to make sure each student is progressing on schedule. Testing for students is done in the last week of each month. Colored belt promotion tests and ceremonies are held in March, June, September, and December. During certain times of the year, testing is also held at the various camps and seminars.
Student test fees are included in each of the training programs (Introductory, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Black Belt Club) – so there are no additional fees for testing. Five Areas of Testing Students who perform competently in the five areas of testing will be awarded their next tip or belt. 1. Knowledge of the curriculum—Students must know the entire curriculum necessary to progress to the next level. The curriculum for Juniors, Teens and Adults is available at the Front Desk or on this website. Although effort is rewarded more so at the beginning belt levels and greater technical proficiency is expected as students attain higher ranks, students must still be able to perform all movements in their current and previous curriculum in order to be promoted.
2. Spirit and Energy—Students are expected to participate in each class with 100% spirit and energy.
3. Attitude and Protocol—Students should demonstrate a positive and respectful attitude and follow the protocol of the studio, such as greeting and remembering to address their Instructors respectfully.
4. Fitness—Students are expected to improve their fitness as they progress. This can be demonstrated by doing good push-ups and calisthenics, as well as performing the movements required with good endurance.
5. Basics and Application—Good basics are the foundation of a good martial artist; therefore, we expect students to perform competently at all belt levels. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the application of movements they are learning.
E-mail Newsletter
“THE SHAOLIN SOURCE” is our newsletter which is delivered via email. The newsletter is filled with information to educate and assist our students. It includes monthly recognition for outstanding achievement, news on current events in the school, the current class schedule, and information on special training camps and seminars.
When You Need Extra Help
If for any reason you fall behind and need some extra help or training guidance, see an instructor or S.W.A.T. team member. Achieving goals is one of the most vital instruments used in building a student’s confidence. Communications, teamwork and action are essential for the benefits to be obtained.
Private Training (PT)
Private training (PT) is an excellent tool for making rapid progress in the martial arts. Whether you need to get caught up; want to accelerate your progress; or just need a little help, private training works wonders. PT is only offered by selected instructors and assistants who have been personally certified and approved by Sifu Scott Tarbell. Hourly rates are quite affordable and discounts apply to persons taking blocks of 10.
Viewing Classes
All students are encouraged to invite interested friends, co-workers, or family members to view a class and receive a personal demonstration of YMAA martial arts. Please arrange with an instructor in advance of bringing someone in, so we can make sure to staff the school accordingly.
Lost and Found
If you leave something behind, we put it into lost and found. Please see an instructor and they will try to locate it for you. Unclaimed items are discarded after 8 weeks.
Holiday Schedule
The studio is closed on certain major holidays. Holiday hours are always posted inside the studio at least two weeks prior to the holiday and announcements are made in class. Please note that your annual membership rate includes a 50 week program and excludes major holidays; however, we do allow you to consider a make-up if you would like.
Vacations or Extended Absences
If you will be missing class for vacations or illness of a period of more than 3 consecutive weeks, please notify the school.
Make-Up Policy
Should you happen to miss a class, make-ups are allowed. Please phone at least 24 hours in advance to let us know that you would like to come in for a make-up class. Credits are not offered for missed classes and memberships cannot be extended for missed classes. Classes which are not made up within your membership period are forfeited.
Inclement Weather
In situations of inclement weather, please use your judgment and call the studio before you come.
Parents Dropping Off & Picking Up Children
Parents dropping off children to attend class should do so ten minutes prior to the class and pick them up within ten minutes of class ending. The studio becomes very busy around class times and we cannot be responsible for watching unattended children. Around holiday periods and inclement weather, please confirm that the studio is open before dropping any children off. Due to heavy pedestrian traffic in the parking lot, please drive slowly. For your children's safety and for liability purposes, children are not allowed to play in the parking lot or surrounding outdoor areas at any time. Please use caution when exiting the building. Your cooperation in leaving within 5 minutes of the end of your class is appreciated. This relieves the congestion in our waiting area as well as provides adequate parking for incoming students.
Parents and Guests
Parents and guests are welcome to watch classes through the viewing windows. When invited into a classroom by the instructor, please remove your outdoor footwear. Once you leave a classroom, please do not re-enter. A revolving door distracts the class. Unattended children are not allowed in a classroom at any time. We ask that you keep you the volume of your conversations low in the waiting area. Any young guests should be supervised by their guardians/parents while waiting for students attending class.
Sparring (Optional)
Students are allowed to start sparring after they reach a minimum of a Purple Belt or upon approval by Mr. Tarbell. Due to mandatory insurance regulations, all students who attend sparring class must have their own hand protective padding, a helmet, a protective mouth piece, and a cup (when required). This equipment is available or purchase at the Front Desk.
Merchandise Available For Sale
Books, DVDs and VHS videos by Dr. Yang and the school uniform are just a few of the merchandise items available for purchase at the studio. Questions about what is available can be directed to any of the staff at the Front Desk. If an item is not in stock, a special order can be placed.
Kung Fu Family Memberships
Once you are enrolled in a regular Kung Fu program, immediate family members within the same household may enroll at a discount. Discounts cannot be applied to special offers . Certain programs may be excluded. Please see the front desk for details.
Clubs
Black Belt Club, S.W.A.T., and DEMO Team information can be found at the front desk or on our website www.YMAAKUNGFU.com
Training Camps and Seminars
Throughout the year, the YMAA Amesbury offers different training camps and seminars directed by Sifu Scott and other guest instructors. These are great opportunities to make quicker progress in training, to challenge yourself, and meet students and instructors from other schools.
Students have consistently commented that these events were both enjoyable and informative. There are no prerequisites to attend and students of all ranks are highly encouraged to participate.
Emails and the Internet
Please give the school your email address. We use this to keep you up-to-date on events and important training information. YMAA does not sell, or otherwise distribute your email address to other parties in any way.
Important Contact Information
YMAA Amesbury (main number) 978-388-2332 OR 978-388-3719
Email Address ( Scott Tarbell) scotttarbell@AIM.com
Most Important
Train Hard, Smile Alot, and Have Fun!!!
See You in Class!
Thanks,
Yang’s Martial Arts Association of Amesbury
