Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Packages
Are there free trials?
Yes, only if you are a registered LHA participant or was referred by a registered LHA participant. Free trials cannot be granted for participants who have previously utilized this benefit.
Can I sign up at one location and practice at another?
No. Participants can only attend programs at the location where they have enrolled for.
How long is a class package valid for?
All Group Classes run on an ongoing course basis. Hence, missed classes cannot be refunded, nor replaced by a make-up session.
For One on One Class packages there is currently no validity period attached to a purchased package. However, one credit (equivalent to one class) will be deducted from the package if the participant is absent for two consecutive weeks or two consecutive booked sessions. Absence from class includes any self-made cancellations and amendments that is done within six hours prior to start of a class.
Can I share a package with another person?
No. A purchased package shall only be attributed to one person only and cannot be shared no transferred to another.
Can I extend/ suspend my package?
No. However, we can grant a one-time transfer at no additional cost per class package. Transfers can only be done for the remaining amount of class credits. The used credits in the transferred package will not be restored, but continue as it is at the time of transfer. Partial transfers are not allowed.
Are there other fees aside from class fees?
Yes. Participants taking part in contact-intensive programs will need to purchase (on their own or via the Club) a set of protective equipment (detailed listing on required equipment can be found on each Program page). First timers and participants on trial may simply be dressed in exercise attire that will allow free movement.
Participants interested in events outside of regular classes (e.g. grading, workshops, tournaments, etc.) will need to pay an annual membership/ affiliation fee, aside from the fee for the event. Check with the Coach-Instructor for more details.
Classes
What is the minimum age to join?
It depends on the Program that you are enrolling for. Children between the age of 7 and 14 can enjoy our KATA or Karate for Schools programs, while individuals aged 15 and above can enroll in any program we offer. Parents hoping to enroll their children who are aged below 7 years old can consider our One on One classes.
I am totally new to martial arts and fitness. What is the best way to get started?
All of our classes are beginner-friendly, so anyone can join in right away! If you're unsure, you're always welcomed to visit a class, watch the program and freely speak to the coach-instructor and participants to see if it's what you're looking for. Do Contact Us before you come to visit to avoid making a wasted trip in the event of a class cancellation.
Must I be fit to join?
New participants need not have a high level of fitness to enjoy our classes. For safety reasons however, they must be medically fit enough for light to moderate exercise. When in doubt, we recommend an assessment from a qualified medical professional.
In any case, classes at LHA adhere to the philosophy of "challenge by choice", which means that participants always have the freedom to refrain from further exercise whenever they become unwell or decide that further participation will endanger their well-being.
What is the class culture like?
The style of instruction for each program will depend on the coordinating Coach-Instructor. Generally however, we are aligned to uphold safety, respect, and mutual improvement as key tenets in the way we do things.
There will be participants strong and weak, coming from different ages and walks of life; we don't discriminate and convey our sessions in a style that is effective for everyone.
We clean after ourselves, so that everyone can practice in safety and comfort.
We communicate openly and firmly advice against behaviors that are unsafe and disrespectful.
Programs
What is the difference between learning Karate in LHA and other places? Are you teaching a new Karate style?
Our Karate programs are based on authentic Karate traditions, accredited by reputable governing bodies, and led by Coach-Instructors who are certified and permitted to teach them.
The key difference in learning Karate at LHA is that you can choose which aspect of Karate you want to focus on- for practical application (based on self-defense/ martial arts), forms (kata), or combat sports (based on rules), rather than being forced to do everything in a typical Karate class for arbitrary reasons.
By doing Karate in the way that you prefer, we believe that you can enjoy it more and benefit from its full expression.
In spite of being conveyed by Coach-Instructors of different styles, our programs are all standardized and beginner-friendly, making them easy to follow by Karate enthusiast of any style or anyone else new to martial arts.
Is Kudo and MMA (mixed martial arts) the same thing?
MMA as we know it today, refers to a combat sport where athletes engage in a bout that allows for a wide range of unarmed combat techniques, from striking, to grappling, takedowns, and joint locks.
MMA athletes typically learn a variety of fighting disciplines through different martial arts and (visually) often sport shorts, padded open-finger gloves, and bare minimum protective gear (e.g. groin and teeth protectors).
We consider Kudo to be MMA in a sense that it is also a combat sport that allows for the same wide range of unarmed combat techniques.
Instead of having to take different martial arts classes, Kudo programs are usually already unified to cover the various fighting disciplines of striking, grappling, and joint-locks.
They key difference is that Kudo athletes in competition wear a Kudo outfit (Kudogi), similar to a Karategi and are protected with a full-face head gear and groin guard, alongside a minimally padded open-finger gloves.
Kudo is also established as part of Japanese martial arts culture, hence adhering to similar codes of etiquette as often seen in other Japanese martial arts/ combat sports like Kendo, Judo, and Karate.
Do we offer Grading?
Yes. Grading is available for participants who are interested in formal progression in Karate and/ or Kudo. Grades conferred by LHA via our partner grade-certifying bodies:
- New Int. Karate Org. (NIKO) for Ashihara Karate
- Kudo Int. Fed (KIF) for Kudo Daido Juku
- A partner organization within our network for other Karate styles
Is my grade/ belt from another Karate/ martial arts school transferable to the Karate class at LHA?
LHA is not a grade-certifying body and as such, we have no opinions over what belt color a participant wears. Participants are free to don any color belts they wish to if they choose to be dressed in a gi for practice. Above all, a participant's attitude in our classes matters more than the belt they wear and we're not shy to turn away participants who do not embody the values we hold at LHA.
Got other questions? Contact Us!
Are there free trials?
Yes, only if you are a registered LHA participant or was referred by a registered LHA participant. Free trials cannot be granted for participants who have previously utilized this benefit.
Can I sign up at one location and practice at another?
No. Participants can only attend programs at the location where they have enrolled for.
How long is a class package valid for?
All Group Classes run on an ongoing course basis. Hence, missed classes cannot be refunded, nor replaced by a make-up session.
For One on One Class packages there is currently no validity period attached to a purchased package. However, one credit (equivalent to one class) will be deducted from the package if the participant is absent for two consecutive weeks or two consecutive booked sessions. Absence from class includes any self-made cancellations and amendments that is done within six hours prior to start of a class.
Can I share a package with another person?
No. A purchased package shall only be attributed to one person only and cannot be shared no transferred to another.
Can I extend/ suspend my package?
No. However, we can grant a one-time transfer at no additional cost per class package. Transfers can only be done for the remaining amount of class credits. The used credits in the transferred package will not be restored, but continue as it is at the time of transfer. Partial transfers are not allowed.
Are there other fees aside from class fees?
Yes. Participants taking part in contact-intensive programs will need to purchase (on their own or via the Club) a set of protective equipment (detailed listing on required equipment can be found on each Program page). First timers and participants on trial may simply be dressed in exercise attire that will allow free movement.
Participants interested in events outside of regular classes (e.g. grading, workshops, tournaments, etc.) will need to pay an annual membership/ affiliation fee, aside from the fee for the event. Check with the Coach-Instructor for more details.
Classes
What is the minimum age to join?
It depends on the Program that you are enrolling for. Children between the age of 7 and 14 can enjoy our KATA or Karate for Schools programs, while individuals aged 15 and above can enroll in any program we offer. Parents hoping to enroll their children who are aged below 7 years old can consider our One on One classes.
I am totally new to martial arts and fitness. What is the best way to get started?
All of our classes are beginner-friendly, so anyone can join in right away! If you're unsure, you're always welcomed to visit a class, watch the program and freely speak to the coach-instructor and participants to see if it's what you're looking for. Do Contact Us before you come to visit to avoid making a wasted trip in the event of a class cancellation.
Must I be fit to join?
New participants need not have a high level of fitness to enjoy our classes. For safety reasons however, they must be medically fit enough for light to moderate exercise. When in doubt, we recommend an assessment from a qualified medical professional.
In any case, classes at LHA adhere to the philosophy of "challenge by choice", which means that participants always have the freedom to refrain from further exercise whenever they become unwell or decide that further participation will endanger their well-being.
What is the class culture like?
The style of instruction for each program will depend on the coordinating Coach-Instructor. Generally however, we are aligned to uphold safety, respect, and mutual improvement as key tenets in the way we do things.
There will be participants strong and weak, coming from different ages and walks of life; we don't discriminate and convey our sessions in a style that is effective for everyone.
We clean after ourselves, so that everyone can practice in safety and comfort.
We communicate openly and firmly advice against behaviors that are unsafe and disrespectful.
Programs
What is the difference between learning Karate in LHA and other places? Are you teaching a new Karate style?
Our Karate programs are based on authentic Karate traditions, accredited by reputable governing bodies, and led by Coach-Instructors who are certified and permitted to teach them.
The key difference in learning Karate at LHA is that you can choose which aspect of Karate you want to focus on- for practical application (based on self-defense/ martial arts), forms (kata), or combat sports (based on rules), rather than being forced to do everything in a typical Karate class for arbitrary reasons.
By doing Karate in the way that you prefer, we believe that you can enjoy it more and benefit from its full expression.
In spite of being conveyed by Coach-Instructors of different styles, our programs are all standardized and beginner-friendly, making them easy to follow by Karate enthusiast of any style or anyone else new to martial arts.
Is Kudo and MMA (mixed martial arts) the same thing?
MMA as we know it today, refers to a combat sport where athletes engage in a bout that allows for a wide range of unarmed combat techniques, from striking, to grappling, takedowns, and joint locks.
MMA athletes typically learn a variety of fighting disciplines through different martial arts and (visually) often sport shorts, padded open-finger gloves, and bare minimum protective gear (e.g. groin and teeth protectors).
We consider Kudo to be MMA in a sense that it is also a combat sport that allows for the same wide range of unarmed combat techniques.
Instead of having to take different martial arts classes, Kudo programs are usually already unified to cover the various fighting disciplines of striking, grappling, and joint-locks.
They key difference is that Kudo athletes in competition wear a Kudo outfit (Kudogi), similar to a Karategi and are protected with a full-face head gear and groin guard, alongside a minimally padded open-finger gloves.
Kudo is also established as part of Japanese martial arts culture, hence adhering to similar codes of etiquette as often seen in other Japanese martial arts/ combat sports like Kendo, Judo, and Karate.
Do we offer Grading?
Yes. Grading is available for participants who are interested in formal progression in Karate and/ or Kudo. Grades conferred by LHA via our partner grade-certifying bodies:
- New Int. Karate Org. (NIKO) for Ashihara Karate
- Kudo Int. Fed (KIF) for Kudo Daido Juku
- A partner organization within our network for other Karate styles
Is my grade/ belt from another Karate/ martial arts school transferable to the Karate class at LHA?
LHA is not a grade-certifying body and as such, we have no opinions over what belt color a participant wears. Participants are free to don any color belts they wish to if they choose to be dressed in a gi for practice. Above all, a participant's attitude in our classes matters more than the belt they wear and we're not shy to turn away participants who do not embody the values we hold at LHA.
Got other questions? Contact Us!