Common Mistakes Many Parents Make When
Choosing a Martial Arts School
Buyer Beware
Recent tragic events in our schools, well documented in the media, have given rise to the awareness for the need of higher standards in the Child Care Industry. While Virginia Social Services makes every effort to enforce state standards, Martial Art schools DO NOT require special licensing, and are NOT required to meet special standards or qualifications.
Despite the fact that Martial Art "teachers" have direct physical contact with and powerful mental influences on children, anyone with a "buck-and-a-business license" can open a Karate school. If you can believe it, there are more state regulations required to operate a hot dog stand, than there are to open a Karate school!!!
The unfortunate result is that the Martial Arts industry, once revered for it's high moral and ethical values, has turned into a virtual free-for-all. Teaching Martial Arts is now considered an easy moneymaking venture for anyone who claims to know how to throw a kick and a punch. There are absolutely NO other standards involved! (There is even a disbarred attorney that now owns a Karate school here in the tidewater area!)
Raising Standards
Frank Cucci, owner of LINXX Academy of Martial Arts, has dedicated his life to raising the standards of the Martial Arts industry here in Hampton Roads. As a leader in the industry, he feels it is his duty and responsibility to lead the charge to help restore honor to the profession.
To that end, Mr. Cucci is working with the VA State Attorney General's office to introduce state legislation that, if passed, would establish a base line of statewide standards and introduce consumer "safeguards" that would help verify bona fides of individuals with whom parents intend to do business with.
As the development of such a regulatory process will take considerable time and effort, it is incumbent upon parents to carefully check into the backgrounds of such businesses. Over the years we have advised hundreds of parents on this issue, and find the most common question regarding quality is…
"There's a Karate school on every street corner in Virginia Beach.
How can I tell the difference?"
Helpful Information
Here's a list of pre-qualifiers that may help you in your decision making process. We have taken the opportunity to provide you with our own comments, so you have a standard to work from. Please consider them before enrolling your child into a Martial Arts Program:
Q. How long has the school been in business?
A. LINXX Academy opened its doors on March 16, 1992. Now recognized as premier school in Tidewater, LINXX remains committed to the task of providing students with the most practical and effective self-defense skills, rooted in the principles of ethical-moral development.
Q. What are the qualifications of the owner?
A. Frank Cucci is the Founder and Head Instructor of the LINXX Academy of Martial Arts. He is a veteran of the elite U.S. Navy SEAL Team and has over 25 years of martial arts experience. He is considered by many to be one of the most experienced and highly skilled martial artists in the country.
Q. What are the qualifications of the staff?
A. A common practice in the martial arts industry is to use teen-aged students as volunteer assistant instructors. This benefits the school by cutting down on pay-roll expenses, and gives the appearance of a better student to instructor ratio.
Mr. Cucci, personally trains and supervises the LINXX instructor staff. They are a professional team of adult instructors that are friendly, enthusiastic and committed to the well being of each student. By having 4 to 6 adult instructors on the floor at all times, LINXX ensures a very low student to instructor ratio, maximizing personal attention for every student.
Q. Does the school conduct criminal background investigations on its employee's?
A. LINXX conducts background investigations on all employees and proudly retains this information of file.
Q. Is the price too high or too low?
A. This is a personal decision regarding quality. Tuition can range from $35.00 per month at the YMCA, to $199.00 per month at a highly reputable school (depending on type of program, payment plan, number of family members, etc). Please remember (for your child's well-being), if you are shopping around for the lowest price, you always get what you pay for.
Q. Is the owner/instructor married and have children of his own?
A. You may ask, "Why does that make a difference?" Because most adults with children of their own, know how to treat other children! The fact is; people without children are not as familiar with various child behaviors, motivators and sensitivities.
Q. Does the school emphasis sport or safety: Are children taught "katas and forms" or practical self-defense?
A. It is important to realize that in a real life self-defense situation, there are no rules, no time limits and no referees. Unlike Tae Kwon Do and other similar sport-oriented styles, LINXX offers a curriculum that has been rigidly tested and proven to effectively address the realities of self-defense.
I sincerely hope this information helps you make a more informed decision regarding the martial arts and the welfare of your child. If we can be of assistance in anyway, please feel free to contact me at 495-7070 or admin@linxxacdemy.com.
Sincerely,
Ryan Russo
Program Manager
