is it ok to do a class with people from all levels?

Question

i'm thinking of going to this place karate america , http://www.kaleaders.com/ for the deal that they show on that webpage of 6 weeks of instruction and a uniform for 47 dollars. the only problem i'm seeing is that they told me, while the kids are grouped by belt levels, the adults are all thrown together in one class. i'm 21, wishing i could pose as a kid. ought i to pass up this deal and try to find some place that has separate level classes for adults?
think it would be terribly uncomfortable?

Answer 1

Mixed ranks can be fun if they are a good group. It helped me learn at a faster rate because I was able to watch higher ranking students, and eventually help teach newer people ( a requirement at my school regardless of rank).
It says on the website that age is only one factor in placement. You could always ask to be in the younger class until you feel comfortable with the school. It might just work out for you.

Answer 2

Do the class. So what if a 10 year old is more advanced than you? Does the 40 yr old skip work just because you do a better job than him? NO! Beside you are there to learn, so are they. Age is not relevant.

Look you will learn more from watching and training with people who are more advanced that you. Look at it this way, if you can improve by watch some, what difference does it make what age the other person is? You will have gained something more and improved your self.

I remember being the second best student in my class when I was 11 or 12, there where several adults in my class. I know was the second best for two reasons. 1 everyone (even the instructor) told my I was and 2) I was the only one that lasted in a sparing matches against a much better trained and 16 year old kid (he was the instructor's son). The 15-16 year old would always win, but I never quit. He respected me for that and I looked up to him for his skills.

That is the fun of a mixed class.

Answer 3

You don't say why you are considering taking martial arts and forty seven dollars is pretty cheap for a gi and six weeks of classes. There may be a follow on program or schedule of adult classes. It could be a new school and they may not have many adult students. In martial arts children under 14 still comprise 76% of the student enrollment in martial arts schools and children do have a shorter attention spann and require more individual time.

There are advantages to working out in classes where the the students are seperated by rank . It allows the instructor to concentrate on a particular group of sudent's needs for a longer period and he/she can give them all the attention and time during that particular class. At the same time group classes can give you the opportunity to work with other higher ranking students and see where they are at and where you are going so-to-speak as well as give you a greater variety of people to work and develop your skills with. At my studio we do both with the adults having a Novice, Intermediate, and Advance class each three or four times per week as well two adult group classes per week. Since you are a beginner you have very little to lose other than your time so I would check it out and try it at least to start with. Just don't sign any long term contracts and check out other schools in your area if this one does not suit your needs or reasons for taking up martial arts.

Answer 4

In my dojo, adults of all ranks and ages train together in one class. Sometimes for partner drills, sensei will match same or similar ranks together, and sometimes not. It's helpful to have your skills challenged by someone of higher rank. It's also helpful to train with lower ranks. You have a chance to mentor them and help them learn their techniques. You can also learn by seeing their weaknesses and how they struggle to learn. Besides, all students have strengths and weaknesses. A lower rank may be better at some things than a higher rank. The higher rank may have weaknesses that they've tried hard to overcome. Watching and working with all skill levels is beneficial, so don't let that hold you back.

If the school is any good, the class is fun, no matter who you're training with at the moment.

Answer 5

Its a good deal because you can learn from each other. But remember to work along side each other. I know how tough it will be. In the school i am looking into I will be put with beginners. But I do not know if its kids or adults. But remember the instructors feel that its the best for the grade levels to inner act with each other.

Answer 6

I did the opposite, as a 14 year old kid I took only adult classes, i did it for 3 years, it helped me improve and get strong.

I would not recommend taking a class with kids, unless you plan on teaching them, otherwise instead of improving your skills, you'll be hindering them.

To answer your question, yes it is ok as you learn from all levels, as far as conditioning exercises it doesn't matter what belt color they have, but it's their fitness level what matters, if you are sparring or doing drills, you can still learn from all levels.

Answer 7

No, actually it's more comfortable to have students of different ranks in class, it helps to see other students doing the same techniques that you are trying to learn. I've always been in mixed classes, as a matter of fact, mine were mixed not only by rank, but all ages too. I never had a problem learning, and I think it helped the younger students to see adults just starting out, as they were.

Answer 8

Definitely shop around. Check out the class, usually dojos will let you do this for free. If not, don't go to that school, they have something to hide for a reason. But, check out a few so you can see how different classes are run before you make your mind up what dojo you want to study at. Good luck and have fun with your introduction to Martial Arts.

Answer 9

in classes of mixed levels, you either are a teacher or you are a student. The people that i train BJJ with determine how i train. If Im with someone new i train lightly and work with them, if im with someone of a higher level i go all out.. Its great to work through the basics again as much as possible, so training with all levels is great as long as the more experienced guys arent just jerks and hammer you day after day

Answer 10

To be your best you should train with three levels of people.
-1- Those that are far above you in skill. Being those who can defeat you at will.
-2- Those who are about even with you in skill. Sometimes you win, sometimes they win. it's about 50/50.
-3- Those who you can beat at will.

IF you maintain training with each of these three levels of people you will be a better martial artist. Now I only speak from a mma view point. If your talking kata or tag, my idea may not really work for you. If your talking about combat it really helps.