Beginner's Self Defense Class

1.  What do I need to know about the Beginner's Self-Defense Class?

• No experience is required - we teach you what you need to know.

• It's simple, effective, and inexpensive.

• You can try one class free with no obligation.

• Any adult aged 15 years and up can take the class.  There is no upper limit on age.  Your physical size, gender, and level of physical fitness or conditioning will not prevent you from taking this course.

2.  What do I wear to class?

• Loose fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

• Sweat pants and a tee shirt are a good start.

• For males, an athletic supporter and protective cup are required.

3.  Will I be the only student in the class?

• You may be the only beginner in the class, but definitely not if you bring a friend with you.

• Other students who have completed the Beginner's Self-Defense course, and who are continuing from previous sessions, will be in the class.  They will be working separately from the beginners.

4.  Does that mean I will never be working out with more experienced students?

• No.  During your initial training, you will work out only with other new students, under the supervision of an experienced Instructor.  As time progresses, you will participate in drills with students of other ranks.

5.  What happens if I am forced to miss one or more classes during the twelve weeks?

• We understand that sometimes there are legitimate reasons that cause students to miss a class.  If you miss one or two weeks out of twelve, you'll be able to catch up.

6.  Do I have to break boards or cinder blocks?

• No.

General Questions

1.  How long has Winged Dragon Karate Club (WDKC) been teaching martial arts?

• Since 1977.

2.  What styles do you teach?

• WDKC teaches the Chinese arts of KENPO and CHIN-NA.

3.  What is the lineage of WDKC?

• WDKC was founded by Dave Cheatham, Joy Cheatham, and Lorenza "T" Trotter.  All were students of Prof. David D. Rix (10th Degree Black Belt) and Prof. Joanne Price (8th Degree Black Belt) at Defender's Inc., in Dundalk, MD (http://www.5centerplace.com).

• Although the WDKC founders have all retired from teaching regularly scheduled classes, the Club retains strong ties with them.  Dave Cheatham (8th Degree Black Belt) is the Club's Director Emeritus.  He continues to teach special classes for Black Belts and also conducts martial arts seminars.  He is responsible for promoting existing WDKC Black Belts.

• Prof. Rix and Prof. Price continue actively teaching at the Defenders Club.  In Sept. 1999, Prof. Rix celebrated 50 years in the martial arts.  Prof. Rix is also engaged in conducting a wide range of seminars for WDKC Black Belts.

4.  What is Kenpo?

• Literally, Kenpo means "fist law" or "law of the fist".  Kenpo is a martial arts style which combines efficient hand strikes and kicks against street-style attacks.  Kenpo is Chinese in origin and was popularized in the United States by Master Edmund Parker.

 

Keith Heid (left) ,Winged Dragon Karate Club3rd Degree Black Belt at a seminar with Kenpo Master and 10th Degree Black Belt, Larry Tatum (right)

5.  What is Chin-Na?

• Literally, Chin-Na means to "seize and control".  It is a martial arts style that uses techniques applied to the joints and muscles, joint locks, and other techniques to subdue and control an opponent.

6.  How do I get started?

• You can try the Beginner's Self-Defense class free for one class!!  If you decide to continue, complete the A.A. County Rec & Parks Registration Form and send it in with your check for the appropriate amount.  See our "Class Registration" page.

7.  Are the classes co-ed?

• Yes.

8.  Do children and adults participate in the same class?

• No. Separate classes are conducted for the children in Grades 2 through 9 in our Junior Division.  Adult classes are offered for students aged 15 years and older.

9.   Is there full contact during the classes?

• No.  Our students are taught to exert proper control so that full-contact is avoided.

10.  How long does it take to get to Black Belt?

• It depends on the individual.  Earning a Black Belt takes dedication, commitment, tenacity, and, quite frankly, hard work. A student attending class one night per week can earn a Black belt in as little as six years.  Some students prefer to register for two classes per week, so they can earn a Black Belt in less time.

11.  Do I need a uniform?

• You do not need a uniform to begin the class.  For more info on the uniform, see out "Uniforms" page.

12.  I already have a uniform that I obtained from another martial arts school.  Can I wear that to class?

• Our basic uniform is a black top and black pants.  If your uniform is black, you can wear it to class, provided that all insignias, logos, patches, etc, from your previous school are removed.

13.  I have no martial arts experience. Can I still join the class?

• Yes.  In fact, not having any experience in defending yourself is precisely the reason for joining the class.

14.  I have studied other martial arts styles for several years.  Do I have to start over?

• You will need to start over in the sense that you need to know the Kenpo forms and techniques in order to be promoted.  However, your previous martial arts experience should allow you to progress through the ranks at a faster rate than someone with no previous experience.

15.  Why are your classes less expensive than other karate schools?

• We are under no pressure to charge high prices to either pay the rent or to make a profit for the instructors.

• The training facilities (which are located in Anne Arundel County schools) are provided by County Dept. of Recreation and Parks.
• Our instructors all hold other full-time jobs.  They teach karate classes because of their dedication to the martial arts, not because they need to pay bills.

16.  Does earning a Black Belt automatically qualify someone to teach?

• No.  Being a Black Belt does not mean the individual will be a good instructor.  Our Black Belt instructors must learn how to teach by working with higher ranking, experienced instructors.
• Our instructors receive training in effective instructional techniques not only from within WDKC, but also from special classes and seminars conducted by leading karate instructors in the Baltimore Metropolitan area, and from across the United States.

 

Winged Dragon Black Belt Instructors Glenn Sawyer (middle) and Jay Meade (right) practice Wall Techniques under the supervision of Prof. David Rix at a  Black Belt Seminar

17.  How do I know if a WDKC Black Belt is also trained to teach?

• Black Belts who are certified as instructors are members of the Black Pearl Society.
• They wear white gi pants instead of our standard black pants.
• They wear a Black Pearl Society patch on their right sleeve.

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