Programs for Kids

No Contracts!!!  Plenty of parking!!!

Best times to register:
Monday - Thursday 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm or by appointment

(If you plan on attending class the same day you register, please come 15 to 20 minutes
before class is scheduled to allow time for the registration process)

Beginning Kids' Tae Kwon Do (ages 6-11)

"Because kids are special, we specialize in kids"

Our Beginning Kids' Tae Kwon Do Program includes:

  • 8 weeks of black belt instruction
  • Karate uniform that's yours to keep
  • Guidebook

No extra or hidden registration fees or contracts 

Beginning Kids' package includes up to four (4) 30-minute classes per week.  Choose from the options below:

Tuesdays: 3:30, 5:15, or 5:45pm
Wednesdays: 5:00pm
Thursdays: 3:30, 5:15, or 5:45pm
Saturdays: 9:30 or 10:00am

Once your child is more experienced, additional days and times are available at no extra charge.

COST: 1st Child $195.00 (for 8 weeks of lessons) $89.00 per month thereafter
  2nd Child $165.00  (for 8 weeks of lessons) $70.00 per month thereafter
  3rd Child $145.00 (for 8 weeks of lessons) $60.00 per month thereafter

We also have TKD classes at the Banneker Community Center (349-3735).  Scholarships are available. 
You may call the Banneker Center for prices and class times.

Children's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Mick Williams is a blue belt in BJJ and a member of MCMA for almost 18 years. Mick has extensive instructor experience and is the instructor for the adult BJJ program currently taught at the Meltdown Center. Kids BJJ will focus on teaching the principles of BJJ in a fun and interesting way while in a safe environment. Kids will get training in an art that focuses on ground grappling and self-defense that compliments their TKD training. The uniform will be TKD uniform bottoms and a t-shirt. Later kids will have an opportunity to purchase Judo and Jiu-jitsu gis if they wish.

TIME: Fridays from 5:00-6:00pm at MCMA
AGES: 10-14 years old
ATTIRE: TKD uniform bottoms and a t-shirt
INSTRUCTOR: Mick Williams
COST: FREE to MCMA members

 

MCMA is recognized as the leader in martial arts for children.  Teaching karate to youngsters has become a trademark of the Scotts.  Their success and involvement in the community has secured their reputation for excellence.

About the Instructors:

Steve Scott began his martial arts training in Hawaii in 1973, eventually earning his black belt in Tae Kwon Do from Grand Master Duke Lee in 1978.  He currently holds the rank of 6th degree black belt in tae kwon do.  He was awarded his black belt in Hapkido in 1986, and his black belt in Modern Arnis under Grand Master Remy Presas in 1995.  Mr. Scott has taught martial arts for several schools and clubs during his many years as a Bloomington resident.  He also taught Tae Kwon Do and close combat tactics when he was an infantry officer in the Marine Corps.  In addition to his role as chief instructor at Monroe County martial Arts, Mr. Scott oversees martial arts programs at the Monroe County YMCA and the Banneker Community Center.  Mr. Scott incorporates a unique sense of humor in his teaching.  He believes in traditional values of respect, discipline, and hard work, but he also stresses that martial arts should be fun.

Linda Scott started training in Tae Kwon Do in 1987 and currently holds the rank of fourth degree black belt.  She has a Master of Science degree in Education from Indiana University and has taught middle school in Bloomington since 1984.  In addition to her role as business manager of MCMA, Mrs. Scott has competed extensively at the local, state, and national level.  In 1993, she was ranked 3rd in the nation in forms by the North American Sport Karate Association.

The Scotts were married in their karate uniforms and cut the cake with a samurai sword.  They opened Monroe County Martial Arts in November of 1991.  They have an adopted son, MCMA black belt Patrick Jessee.

Parent Q & A

What benefits will my children get out of karate training?

At MCMA, your children will learn self-descipline, respect for others, and will gain self-esteem, physical strength, and coordination.  As they progress through the ranks they will also learn to be leaders and role models for new students.  In addition to all of that, our karate program is just plain fun!

Is karate dangerous?  Can my child get hurt?

Like any other sport, karate carries an element of risk.  However, at MCMA we pay a great deal of attention to safety.  Beginning children practice techniques on a bag or in the air, but never on each other.

Will karate turn my child into a bully?

Bullies are insecure children who feel the need to dominate weaker children.  Karate training is meant to give your child the self-confidence needed to avoid such trouble.  The kids at MCMA are told that if they use martial arts to pick on others, they may be asked to leave our school.

What if my child is getting picked on at school?  When should karate be used to defend himself/herself?

The children at MCMA are taught that karate is to be used as a last-ditch means of self-defense when all other methods have failed.  Please let us know if your child is having problems with bullies.  We ask that you work with us and their teachers at school in helping them learn how to avoid trouble before it starts.

Is karate practiced as a religion?

Not at MCMA.  Although certain Asian religions influenced the development of martial arts, we do not practice those religions nor do we teach them.  MCMA students are free to practice the religion of their choice.

What type of karate do you teach at MCMA?

The children learn Tae Kwon Do, a Korean style of Karate that is a synthesis of Kung Fu, Karate, and an ancient Korean martial art called Tae Kyon.  Tae Kwon Do is the world's most popular martial art, with an estimated 15 million practitioners around the world.  Children age 9 and up may also study Jeet Kune Do.

Isn't karate training mostly for boys?

Absolutely not!  Girls can excel at martial arts and enjoy it just as much as boys.  Martial Arts is a wonderful way for your daughter to learn the assertiveness she'll need when she is an adult.  It is also an effective method of unarmed self-defense.

How long does it take to earn a black belt?

Various schools and styles have different standards of promotion.  At MCMA, an adult or older child can expect to earn a black belt in about 4 years with hard, consistent work.  A younger child might take longer-anywhere from 6 to 8 years depending on age and maturity.

What do you have that other karate programs don't have?

We have the best children's program in the county.  That isn't bragging, just a simple fact.  We offer more children's classes than any other karate program.  Our instructors are professional.  We also organize fun, family oriented outside activities such as picnics and chili suppers.  We truly love what we're doing at MCMA.

What if you raise your prices?

Like everyone else, prices increase over time.  However, once you join MCMA, your tuition will never increase.

Will I have to sign a contract or commit to a long period of time?

No!  Some studios will make you sign a year or even a 5 year contract that commits you to pay a monthly fee whether your child attends classes or not.  We do not do that.  After your child completes the introductory lessons, you can pay month to month and stop at any time.  We will even put your account on hold if you are on vacation or taking a break.  Just be sure to let us know ahead of time.

Is there a sign up fee?

No.  Again, some studios charge an annual $15.00-$25.00 registration fee.  What do you get for this fee?  Usually nothing more than a membership card.  We at MCMA do not believe it is fair and honest to charge a fee for which you get nothing.