Frequently Asked Questions About Our Roseville Kids Martial Arts Program
What age can my child start martial arts?
Children can begin martial arts at THE STUDIO as young as 3 years old. Our youngest students participate in an age-appropriate martial arts program for children from age 3 to 6 that is designed to introduce basic Taekwondo skills while developing listening, coordination, confidence, focus, and the ability to follow directions. As children grow, they transition into programs designed specifically for their age and developmental level. If you’re looking for kids martial arts in Roseville, we offer programs for preschoolers, children, teens, adults, and families.
Does my child need previous martial arts experience?
Not at all! Most of our students begin with absolutely no martial arts experience. Our instructors are experienced at teaching beginners and introduce skills progressively so children can build confidence while learning at an appropriate pace. Everyone starts somewhere, and our goal is to make every new student feel comfortable and successful from their very first class.
What if my child has previous Taekwondo or martial arts experience?
That’s great! If your child has previously trained in Taekwondo, Karate, or another martial art, we’ll conduct an evaluation to better understand their experience, knowledge, and current skill level. From there, we’ll determine the most appropriate way to transition them into our Roseville martial arts program while recognizing their previous training whenever possible.
Can martial arts help my child with focus and discipline?
Absolutely. Focus and discipline are fundamental parts of Taekwondo training. Students learn how to:
- Listen while someone else is speaking
- Follow multiple-step directions
- Stay focused on a task
- Control their bodies
- Practice patience
- Finish what they start
- Work toward long-term goals
- Respond appropriately to correction
These skills don’t stay inside the martial arts school. Parents often see improvements carry over into homework, school, sports, and home life.
What should my child expect in a typical kids martial arts class?
Every class is structured to develop the whole student—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Classes generally include:
- Mobility and movement preparation
- Flexibility
- Warm-up and fitness
- Traditional Taekwondo techniques
- Kicks, strikes, blocks, and combinations
- Forms
- Practical self-defense
- Sport Taekwondo drills and skills
- Focus and discipline
- Character development
Every class includes an element of traditional Taekwondo combined with self-defense and/or sport Taekwondo, physical fitness, and character development. The specific emphasis changes throughout the curriculum so students receive well-rounded martial arts training.
What are the benefits of Taekwondo for kids?
The benefits extend far beyond learning kicks and punches. Kids Taekwondo can help develop:
- Confidence
- Focus
- Discipline
- Respect
- Fitness
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Endurance
- Self-control
- Goal setting
- Perseverance
- Leadership
- Social skills
- Resilience
- Personal safety skills
Children learn firsthand that improvement comes through consistent effort. Those lessons transfer into school, sports, friendships, family life, and eventually adulthood.
Does your kids martial arts program include bully prevention?
Yes. Bully prevention is an important part of our children’s martial arts curriculum. We teach children that the best self-defense often begins before a situation becomes physical. Our goal isn’t to teach children to fight. Our goal is to give them the confidence, judgment, awareness, and skills to handle difficult situations appropriately. Students learn concepts such as:
- Confidence and assertiveness
- Situational awareness
- Verbal boundary setting
- When to walk away
- When to find an adult
- How to avoid escalating a situation
- What to do if a confrontation becomes physical
Do you teach child abduction prevention and kids’ personal safety?
Yes. We believe self-defense begins with awareness and prevention, not simply physical techniques. Personal safety is incorporated throughout our children’s martial arts curriculum. Students receive age-appropriate training in areas such as:
- Child abduction prevention
- Stranger awareness
- Situational awareness
- Recognizing unsafe situations
- Using their voice
- Escaping grabs
- Finding trusted adults
- General personal safety
- Emergency response concepts
Do you offer adaptive martial arts for kids with special needs?
Yes. THE STUDIO offers Adaptive Martial Arts for students who may benefit from modifications, individualized pacing, additional assistance, or a different approach to instruction. Our goal isn’t for every student to perform every skill exactly the same way. Our goal is for each student to become the best version of themselves. We recommend scheduling a Meet & Greet so we can learn more about your child and determine how to give them the greatest opportunity for success. Depending on the student, modifications may include:
- Class structure
- Communication methods
- Physical techniques
- Pace
- Expectations
- Teaching style
- Additional one-on-one support
Can martial arts help with homework and school?
Yes. We don’t teach math or spelling during Taekwondo class, but we teach many of the skills children need to become successful students. Martial arts develops focus, discipline, listening skills, persistence, confidence, goal setting, and the ability to work through frustration. When children learn to concentrate, follow directions, and continue working when something becomes difficult, they’re developing many of the same skills required for academic succes
Will learning martial arts make my child aggressive?
Quite the opposite. Quality martial arts training teaches children that physical skills come with responsibility. Students learn:
- Self-control
- Respect
- Discipline
- Restraint
- Confidence
- Appropriate use of force
As children become more confident in themselves, they often feel less need to prove themselves to others.
What if my child already plays other sports?
Great—they can do both. THE STUDIO’s Taekwondo program is not seasonal, and many of our students participate in soccer, baseball, basketball, football, wrestling, gymnastics, dance, swimming, and other sports while continuing their martial arts training. We offer a flexible class schedule, and members can often switch between available classes during the week to accommodate changing sports schedules. That means your child doesn’t necessarily have to stop Taekwondo every time another sport begins. We encourage students to maintain momentum because: Consistency leads to success.
Will Taekwondo make my child better at other sports?
Absolutely. Martial arts develops athletic abilities that transfer extremely well into other sports, including:
- Speed
- Agility
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Coordination
- Explosiveness
- Core strength
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Reaction time
- Body awareness
- Mental toughness
Students also learn how to receive coaching, handle pressure, recover from mistakes, and keep trying when something is difficult. For many children, martial arts becomes the foundation that makes them better athletes everywhere else.
What’s the difference between Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu, and Jiu-Jitsu?
Each martial art has its own history, philosophy, and training emphasis. Taekwondo originated in Korea and is particularly known for dynamic kicking, striking, athletic movement, forms, self-defense, discipline, and character development. Karate originated in Japan and generally emphasizes strikes, blocks, forms, and disciplined technique. Kung Fu comes from China and includes many different systems ranging from softer flowing styles to powerful striking arts. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu developed in Brazil and focuses primarily on grappling, ground fighting, leverage, and submission techniques. There isn’t necessarily one martial art that’s right for every child. We love Taekwondo for kids because it combines athletic development, practical self-defense, traditional martial arts, sport, discipline, confidence, goal setting, and character development into one comprehensive activity.
Do you have a martial arts program specifically for teenagers?
Yes. We offer a designated Teen Martial Arts Program so teenagers can train with students closer to their own age and maturity level. Teenagers are at an important stage of development, and having a positive environment, supportive instructors, and meaningful goals can make a tremendous difference. Teen Taekwondo offers a unique combination of:
- Fitness
- Self-defense
- Confidence
- Stress relief
- Discipline
- Leadership
- Social interaction
- Personal responsibility
Can parents take martial arts with their kids?
Yes! We offer a Family Martial Arts Class that allows parents and children to train during the same class. Adults work on age-appropriate adult curriculum while children train with other children in the same environment. Parents can work toward earning their own black belt alongside their children. Family martial arts is a great way to:
- Exercise together
- Share a common interest
- Work toward goals together
- Hold one another accountable
- Encourage each other
- Create lifelong memories
Do you offer private martial arts lessons for kids?
Yes. Private lessons can supplement regular classes or, in certain situations, provide a customized training option. Private Taekwondo lessons are available for many reasons, including:
- Accelerating progress
- Additional one-on-one attention
- Adaptive needs
- Preparing for belt testing
- Competition training
- Developing confidence
- Limited family schedules
- Catching up after an absence
- Working on a specific skill
- Students who learn better individually
What Taekwondo forms do you teach?
Our students learn the Taeguk forms throughout their color belt training. At the black belt level, students progress into the recognized Kukkiwon black belt poomsae appropriate to their rank. Forms help develop:
- Concentration
- Memory
- Balance
- Precision
- Coordination
- Power
- Technique
- Body control
They are also an important part of traditional Taekwondo training.
Do you offer weapons training?
Yes. Weapons training is incorporated into portions of our Black Belt Program and may also be offered to color belt students as an ancillary program. Additional weapons training can also be provided through private lessons. Weapons are introduced progressively with a strong emphasis on safety, responsibility, discipline, and proper technique.
What certifications can my child receive when they become a black belt?
Students who meet the appropriate requirements have the opportunity to receive both:
- Kukkiwon Black Belt Certification
- Moo Do Taekwondo Association Black Belt Certification
Kukkiwon is the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Korea. Kukkiwon certification provides internationally recognized documentation of a student’s Taekwondo rank. Their Moo Do Taekwondo Association certification additionally recognizes their accomplishment and standing within our organization. Your child’s black belt therefore represents more than a rank awarded by one local martial arts school—it is supported by established Taekwondo credentials.
How long does it take for a child to earn a black belt?
Every student progresses differently. Age, attendance, consistency, effort, maturity, practice, and skill development all contribute to advancement. We don’t believe a black belt should simply be handed to someone because enough time has passed. Students should develop the skills, knowledge, character, and maturity expected of the rank. The most important question isn’t simply: “How quickly can my child become a black belt?” It’s: “Who will my child become while earning it?”
Why is the belt system good for children?
Because it teaches one of life’s most valuable skills: how to accomplish a long-term goal. A black belt can initially seem like an enormous goal. Students learn to break that goal into smaller steps: Learn the next skill. Earn the next stripe. Prepare for the next testing. Earn the next belt. Over time, children learn a powerful formula: Set a goal. Make a plan. Work consistently. Don’t give up. Accomplish the goal. That’s a lesson they can use for the rest of their lives.
Do kids have to compete in Taekwondo tournaments?
No. Competition is available for students who enjoy it, but children don’t have to become competitive athletes to receive the benefits of martial arts. Some students love competing. Others train primarily for:
- Confidence
- Self-defense
- Fitness
- Friendships
- Discipline
- Personal accomplishment
- Earning a black belt
Both paths are completely valid.
Do you offer weekend martial arts classes?
Yes, we have a weekend program. Because the best option depends on your child’s age, experience, schedule, and goals, we’ll discuss the available weekend program during your Meet & Greet appointment and determine whether it’s a good fit for your family.
Can martial arts help get my child away from screens?
Absolutely. Taekwondo gives kids an opportunity to step away from phones, gaming systems, tablets, and televisions and actively engage in the real world. They’re:
- Moving
- Interacting with other kids
- Solving problems
- Learning physical skills
- Working toward goals
- Receiving immediate feedback
- Building real-world confidence
Instead of simply being entertained, they’re actively becoming better at something.
Will my child make friends in martial arts?
Very likely! One of the great things about a martial arts school is the sense of community. Students train together, learn together, test together, encourage one another, sometimes compete together, and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Because children are working toward common goals, friendships can develop naturally. Many lifelong friendships begin on a martial arts floor.
What happens when my child fails or struggles with something?
We think those moments can be some of the most valuable moments in martial arts. Not every kick works the first time. Not every belt is easy to earn. Not every competition goes exactly as planned. Students learn that struggling doesn’t mean quitting. They learn how to:
- Accept coaching
- Make corrections
- Try again
- Deal with frustration
- Remain positive
- Persevere
- Eventually accomplish something that once seemed difficult
We don’t want to remove every obstacle from a child’s life. We want to give them the tools and confidence to overcome obstacles.
What type of character development do you teach?
Character development is a major part of our kids martial arts program. Taekwondo creates countless opportunities to reinforce:
- Respect
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self-control
- Responsibility
- Leadership
- Kindness
- Sportsmanship
- Humility
- Courage
- Accountability
We want our students to become great martial artists. But even more importantly, we want them to become exceptional human beings.
What if my child is shy or lacks confidence?
That’s one of the reasons martial arts can be so valuable. We don’t expect a child to walk through the door already confident. Confidence is something we build. Children develop confidence by learning new skills, overcoming challenges, earning belts, performing in front of others, accomplishing goals, and discovering they are capable of more than they originally believed. Small victories become bigger victories—and eventually that confidence starts showing up outside the martial arts school too.
What if my child has a lot of energy?
Great! Martial arts gives children a structured environment where they can move, kick, exercise, challenge themselves, and expend energy while simultaneously learning when to move and when to be still. Martial arts doesn’t simply burn energy. It teaches children how to control and direct their energy.
Is my child too old to start Taekwondo?
Definitely not. Children and teenagers begin Taekwondo at many different ages. A student doesn’t have to begin martial arts at age 3 to eventually become an accomplished martial artist or earn a black belt. Wherever your child starts, we’ll meet them there.
Tell us about THE STUDIO’s Head Master.
THE STUDIO’s Head Master, Master Amitis Pourarian, brings a unique combination of martial arts expertise, athletics, education, leadership, and community service to the program. Highlights include:
- 8th Degree Black Belt
- Former U.S. National Team Member
- Stanford University graduate
- FOX40 Women of the Year recipient
- Decades of martial arts training, teaching, coaching, and leadership
- Senior leadership within the Moo Do Taekwondo Association
- Longtime advocate for using martial arts to develop confidence, character, leadership, and stronger communities
That philosophy carries through THE STUDIO’s curriculum, instructor development, and culture.
Tell us about your martial arts instructors.
One of THE STUDIO’s greatest strengths is our instructional team. We are fortunate to have a leadership team of more than 30 instructors, instructor trainees, and junior leaders supporting our programs. That depth allows us to provide an exceptional level of individual attention and support that is unusual for a martial arts school of our size. Our teaching philosophy is simple: Knowledgeable enough to teach at an exceptional level. Humble enough to always continue learning. Kind enough to make every student feel valued. Our instructors aren’t there simply to teach kicks and punches. For many of them, Taekwondo made a positive difference in their own lives, and teaching is their opportunity to give that gift back to the next generation.
What training and certifications do your martial arts instructors receive?
We take instructor development extremely seriously. Before becoming a certified instructor, an instructor candidate completes approximately 300 hours of assisting and teaching under the supervision of certified instructors. Once eligible for certification, instructors complete a formal certification process through the Moo Do Taekwondo Association. Certified instructors are then required to recertify every two years to help ensure they remain current in curriculum, instructional standards, teaching methodology, and safety practices. Certified instructors are also:
- Background checked
- CPR certified
- Trained in instructional methodology
- Educated in safety and student management
- Required to participate in continuing education
- Required to recertify every two years through the Moo Do Taekwondo Association
Many instructors also pursue additional certifications and specialized education that enhance their ability to work with different students and circumstances. Depending on the instructor, additional areas of expertise may include:
- Trauma-informed training
- Adaptive martial arts
- Personal safety
- Bully prevention
- Child abduction prevention
- Competition coaching
- Child development
- Leadership
- First aid and emergency response
- Specialized martial arts subjects
We believe the quality of a martial arts program can never exceed the quality of the people teaching it. That’s why instructor education isn’t something our team completes once. It is an ongoing commitment to professional development, continuing education, and recertification at THE STUDIO.
What are your class sizes and student-to-instructor ratios?
We are incredibly fortunate to have a leadership team of more than 30 instructors, instructor trainees, and junior leaders. That depth allows us to maintain what we believe is an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio and provide significantly more individual attention than families may expect from a larger martial arts program. We are proud to be in the top 1% for student-to-instructor support within our industry. More instructors and leaders on the floor means:
- More individual correction
- Better supervision
- More opportunities for encouragement
- Faster assistance when a student is struggling
- Better ability to accommodate different learning speeds
- More individualized attention
- A safer and more productive training environment
We want students to experience the energy and community of a group class without ever feeling lost in the crowd.
What makes THE STUDIO different from other kids martial arts schools in Roseville?
There are many things we’re proud of, but one of the biggest differences is that we take the responsibility of teaching children extremely seriously. We’re not simply providing an activity. We’re helping shape young people. Our program combines:
- Traditional Taekwondo
- Kukkiwon curriculum and credentials
- Moo Do Taekwondo Association curriculum and certification
- Kids self-defense
- Bully prevention
- Child abduction prevention
- Personal safety
- Fitness
- Sport Taekwondo
- Focus and discipline
- Confidence building
- Character education
- Leadership development
- Adaptive martial arts
- Teen martial arts
- Family martial arts
- Private martial arts lessons
- Weapons training
- Internationally recognized Taekwondo credentials
- Highly trained and certified instructors
- A flexible schedule for busy families
Our instructors are knowledgeable, caring, and committed to continuing their own education. We believe the goal is not simply to produce children who are good at Taekwondo. The goal is to use Taekwondo to help produce confident, capable, respectful, resilient, and exceptional young people. We want children to become physically capable enough to protect themselves, mentally strong enough to face challenges, disciplined enough to pursue their goals, and confident enough to believe in themselves. We don’t just build black belts. We build exceptional young people.
What is THE STUDIO ultimately trying to teach my child?
Taekwondo is the vehicle. Developing the person is the mission. Of course, we want students to learn excellent kicks, forms, self-defense, sparring, and traditional martial arts. But we also want them to learn:
- How to work toward something difficult
- How to handle disappointment
- How to listen
- How to lead
- How to stand up for themselves appropriately
- How to respect others
- How to stay calm under pressure
- How to finish something they start
- How to believe in themselves
If your child becomes an excellent martial artist, we’re proud. If Taekwondo helps them become a stronger and more confident person for the rest of their life, that’s the real victory.
What is the best way to get started with kids martial arts in Roseville?
The best first step is to schedule a Meet & Greet appointment. This gives you and your child an opportunity to:
- Visit THE STUDIO
- Tour our Roseville martial arts facility
- Meet our instructors
- Learn about our children’s Taekwondo programs
- Ask questions
- Discuss your child’s goals
- Review scheduling options
- Learn about adaptive, private, teen, family, and weekend programs if applicable
- Determine the best program and class for your child
It also gives us the opportunity to meet your family and make sure we’re the right fit for one another. Book your Meet & Greet here: