I have registered and I believe my son and I will enjoy your program. Now I have a few more questions after viewing the training site.
For the white belt training, initially what I see is only defense techniques. Do you have specific strikes, blocks and kicks for your belt requirements? If not, may I incorporate my own into our training?
I have previous martial arts experience. I have earned a green belt in (Style Deleted), and (Style Deleted), and I have studied (Style Deleted), and (Style Deleted), and I have also studied (Style Deleted). In all cases, my study has ended due to the instructor deciding to quit teaching. You mentioned on your training video that it is possible to attain advanced ranking with previous experience, so I thought I should let you know of my experience level.
Do have any special uniform requirements such as colors or styles and patches allowed or required?
For my son, do I need to wait and add him to the registration for Dragon Kenpo after I receive my Orange Belt and Assistant Instructor rating, or should we add him on now?
One thing I did not see on the site (maybe I just didn't look in the right place) is the belt rank structure. Can you give me a quick run down on belt order?
I also want to thank you for creating this online training program. At last I will not need to worry about my instructor getting tired of teaching. It looks like you are well established and I will finally get a chance to complete what I am starting. It has been my life desire to teach as well as train, not only in the arts but also in fitness. Perhaps, thanks to your program I am finally getting headed down the right path.
Thanks! Anonymous
Anonymous, Your experience is simular to many in our program. It qualifies you for Advanced Standing. That means that you will be able to proceed through the first 3 training levels at your own pace. Currently your rank is listed as None. Once you complete your study of this level email me and I will advance your rank to White. At that time you will be studying Yellow belt techniques and also will be able to view the Warmup clips which are basic punching and kicking methods. Feel free to add your own methods to ours. This school is designed to include your past knowledge, not replace it. After you are familar with those techniques email your promotion request and you will be advanced to Yellow Belt. As a Yellow Belt you will be studying Orange techniques. I suggest you give yourself a week or two with this level. Then you may again request promotion to Orange Belt and elevation to Assistant Instructor. You will be able to view all promotions and changes of status in My Awards. Let me know when you wish to add your son to the roster. He will progress a little differently. Beginning with his rank of None he will study White belt until your satisfied with his understanding.... There is no Time in Rank for any White Belt. After that first promotion there is a 90 day Time in Rank requirement to fulfill before future advancements. We recommend a standard black karate gi, American Flag patch on the right sleeve. WDK uniform patches are availble in the Online Store and go on the left side of the chest. With your permission I would like to use our emails in the next newsletter. It can be anonomous if you wish. Also consider drafting a letter of introduction to the members of your new school. It's not required but it is a good way to let others know that you're serious and want to be involved.
Welcome to Your New School!
Coach Ron Pfeiffer
Here's the rank structure; None, White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, 3rd Brown, 2nd Brown, 1st Brown, 1st Black, Red Belt (Full Instuctor), 2nd Black, etc...
I had a few questions about your program...
School: World Dragon Kenpo Schools of Self Defense
Topic: Answer questions about your program honestly and completely, it's important!
Since I just completed an email exchange with a new member of my school I thought that might make some interesting reading for this new website. Here it is.
Concerns about Membership...
Sir,
I found your website that offers membership for on-line training in Dragon Kenpo. Can you tell me a little more about your program?
Are the training materials in the members area for use, or are they simply available for purchase? Will I need to purchase a number of DVD's?
Will I find a number of "hidden fees"?
Are all belt ranks awarded through video testing?
Are there any weapons taught in your on-line course?
Could my 10yr old son train with me and achieve rank?
I await your reply with anticipation. I am ready to get started in a training program, but I must first get through the selection process and find the right program.
-- Anonymous
Questions and Answers
Hi Anonymous Good Questions... The answers follow your questions below. Then at the bottom I've included the standard letter that I send to all our inquiries. Sincerely, Coach Ron Pfeiffer
Sir,
I found your website that offers membership for on-line training in Dragon Kenpo.
Q.Can you tell me a little more about your program? A.Sure can.
Q.Are the training materials in the members area for use, or are they simply available for purchase? Will I need to purchase a number of DVD's? A.The training is availble through our online school. You just login and begin your study. No DVD's to keep track of.
Q.Will I find a number of "hidden fees"? A.Absolutely not. There are no hidden fees. All fees are fully disclosed to our members. The month student tuition is 9.95/mo. Certificates are viewable through the My Awards link and can be printed. Signed and sealed certificates can be ordered through the Online Store, for you or persons whom you may train in the future. Members may also order uniform patchs.
Q.Are all belt ranks awarded through video testing?
A.Video testing is only required for promotion to Black Belt and above (the exam fee is $20). Color belt promotion is done by Time in Rank, which means students may request promotion after 90 days. Students may request promotion via video or in person exam, most choose Time in Rank.
Q.Are there any weapons taught in your on-line course?
A.We have a video training program teaching Nunchaku.
Q.Could my 10yr old son train with me and achieve rank? A.Yes. Your son would have his own membership and his tuition would only be $5/mo which would be added to your invoice. You would be responsible for his training and advancement. Since you would be assisting me in his training once you acheive Orange Belt you could request Assistant Instructor status with our School, World Dragon Kenpo Schools of Self Defense.
I await your reply with anticipation. I am ready to get started in a training program, but I must first get through the selection process and find the right program.
A.The following text is what I send to persons who don't have the forsight to ask good questions.....
-- Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
We are located in Lake Geneva WI at the YMCA. Our virtual martial arts program serves members around the USA and in several different countries. Membership Information for Student/Instructor Members WDK.
Thanks for your interest in our school, World Dragon Kenpo. Whether or not you're familiar with Dragon Kenpo Karate you will enjoy a true "school experience" if you elect to become a full member, through our virtual dojo secured members area. It would be an honor to introduce you as the newest member/instructor candidate of World Dragon Kenpo Schools of Self Defense. Here's a bit more information concerning our virtual school. Tuition is only $9.95/mo which makes our school the most affordable alternative for many of our members. Dragon Kenpo is a derivative of Parker kenpo. To describe the style some have called it "stand up grappling". Forms in our school are a personal choice of the member, that is, it's up to you if you choose to practice a set of forms. Many of our student/instructor members do use forms since they bring them with from previous training. Here at the YMCA in Lake Geneva Wisconsin we use tkd patterns. The first 8 technique are "judo" in origin taught at the white belt level. If you'd like to start viewing techniques right away go to http://selfservice.championsway.net/MyOffice/VBBX/cs_reg.aspx?o=8947 or visit www.dragonkenpo.us and click the Join link. Check the latest edition of our ezine for some interesting reading for persons interested in self defense at www.dragonkenpo.net/mar07slayer.html. Let me know if you have any other questions your past experience may qualify you for Advanced Standing which allows for more rapid advancement thru a couple of the lower rank levels.
Sincerely, Coach Ron Pfeiffer 5th Dg. Black Belt World Dragon Kenpo Schools of Self Defense www.DragonKenpo.us