HMAA Website Logo02

HMAA Frequently Asked Questions

             Español   Tagalog Vietnamese

United States Flag Okinawan Flag Japan Flag Thai Flag05 Philipiine Flag

Q: What should I wear to class?
A: At HMAA, our members wear a school t-shirt and shorts or sweat pants and sneakers.

Q: What type of martial arts do you train in?
A: We train in a “mix” of different martial arts because we are open to studying any martial art or martial sport that contains quality techniques or training methods. For example, in our Empty Hand/Self-Defense curriculum, we combine techniques and training drills from Okinawan Karate, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, grappling, wrestling, judo, kung fu, Western Boxing, Thai Boxing, kickboxing, ground fighting, JKD concepts and Filipino Martial Arts.

Q:   Do you train fighters for competition?
A: HMAA’s focus is on realistic self-defense training, including the use and defense of edged weapons.  Although it is not a requirement, HMAA members may compete in NHB (no holds barred), Submission Wrestling (BJJ), Kickboxing, Thai Boxing, or Stick Fighting events if they wish to test their skills

Q: Can I watch or try a class before signing up?
A:   Yes.  You can watch or even take two (2) free classes to try the training with no obligation. We have no contracts and members can come and go as they please. Membership in the Downtown Club at Houston Center is not required to train at HMAA.

Q:   How much are the classes?
A:   The 90-minute Filipino Martial Arts and street-based MMA classes are both $15 each and the 45-minute classes are $10 each.  Private lessons are
$50.00 per hour. We offer a 50% discount for active duty military personnel on any classes.

Q: What type of people will be in the class with me?
A:   Most of HMAA’s members live or work in or close to the downtown Houston area. We are working professionals that are looking to learn self-defense and get some exercise after work or at lunchtime.  We have a few members who are college students that train when time permits before or after school. The age range of HMAA’s Members is currently between 26-53.

Q:   How long will it take before I am proficient?
A:   That depends on a lot of factors.  HMAA members are encouraged to learn at their own pace and advancement is dependent on individual effort. The key to advancement at anything is relatively simple . . . those that practice more and train harder tend to advance quicker than those who do not.

Q:   Do you have a ranking system at HMAA?
A:   HMAA Members who are interested in obtaining rank in one of the martial arts systems we study can do so if they wish.  Instructor certification in these systems can be earned through the respective Grand Master, Kru, Sifu or Master of that system. We do not wear any type of rank signification in class, since performance makes it obvious who the advanced students are.

Q: Do you use protective gear?
A: Absolutely.  Nobody wants to get hurt while training.  That is why HMAA members are required to use appropriate protective gear, including Boxing Gloves, Head Gear, Shin Guards, Groin Cups and Mouthpieces when we are sparring and appropriate protective gear while sparring with weapons.

Q: Do you offer private lessons?
A: Yes. Private lessons in any of the martial arts that we study are available by appointment by calling (713) 550-6575 or e-mailing johnathan@houstonmartialartsacademy.com or joe@houstonmartialartsacademy.com.

Q: Do you host martial arts seminars?
A: Yes. HMAA hosts a variety martial art seminars several times a year for people interested in training with the Grand Masters and Masters of the arts we study.  Seminars are usually open to the public.

The Houston Martial Arts Academy *  (713) 550-6575  *  info@houstonmartialartsacademy.com