The safety of our students and the way our classes are conducted are vitally important to us. You can expect to see a qualified instructor carefully monitoring every class. If you ever see anything that raises any questions or concerns regarding safety in the classroom immediately bring it to our attention.

Sparring drills are a vital part of our program. When promotion to Orange Advanced and subsequent ranks occurs, students are required to purchase Kicks USA certified safety equipment. Whenever safety equipment is purchased, each student should personalize their equipment by printing their name on each piece with a marker. All safety equipment must be worn by every student when directed to do so by the instructor.

The following is a list of the required equipment at each rank:

Your authorized Kicks USA uniform must be worn by each student to every class. When laundering your uniform, use only non-chlorine bleach. The use of chlorine bleach will reduce its life span. It is customary not to wash the belt. The aging of the belt is representative of the knowledge you have gained. At first belt tying can be a challenging endeavor, when you attend your first class one of our Leadership Team Members will show you how to tie your belt. Please be aware of personal hygiene and keep your uniform clean at all times.

When you enrolled you received two school patches: the Kicks USA Patch and the American Flag. Please have these on your uniform prior to attending your first class. When you qualify to wear special achievement patches please follow the diagram outlined under "Uniform & Patches" or click here.

Student & Parent Responsibilities

Respect is one of those qualities that tells everyone everything about you before you even say a word. It is evident in the way you treat and care for yourself, others, and the environment. Respect is a foundational quality of our school. The following is a list of school etiquette that all students and parents are asked to maintain at all times. Adherence to these rules allows us to maintain an environment where we can continue to teach respect and discipline.  For a more complete list click here.

• Please do not train with jewelry.

• Please do not wear street shoes on the training mat.

• Please refer to all instructors by their teaching titles.

• Please arrive ten minutes early for your scheduled class.

• Please put all shoes and equipment neatly away during class.

• If you arrive late to class, please wait at the entrance of the training floor for the instructor to invite you into class.

• Please bring all training equipment to all classes.

The parents role is extremely important to us and to the growth of your child. At Kicks USA we will do all we can to reinforce the same values and life principles that you teach your children at home. You can help us help your child in three ways:

1. Be their best cheerleader. Be actively supportive of your child's participation by regularly watching their progress in class and attending extracurricular activities when we have them.

2. Encourage their progress. Reward effort and achievement with support and praise. You must lead them by example by showing enthusiasm whenever they succeed, no matter how small the endeavor. In the end, all grand achievements are nothing but a series of small successes.

3. Apply the lessons they learn here at home. Use positive motivation with your child at home by applying the lessons learned in the classroom as leverage. Ask them if their conduct is becoming of a Black Belt, or ask them, "would a Black Belt’s room look this messy?".

When you enroll for classes you will be issued an attendance card. This card will identify how many classes you currently have and how many classes you need before you are eligible to promote to the next belt level. These cards can be found at the Student Manager’s desk in two boxes labeled "First Class" and "Second Class".

The first time you train each week, your card will be filed alphabetically in the "First Class" box. For your second class that week your card will be in the "Second Class" box. Before class begins, remove your card from the card file and place it in the Attendance Card Tray on the Student Manager’s counter top. Your attendance in class will be entered into the computer, and your card will be stamped and returned to the card file. New cards will be issued after each rank promotion.

Should you miss your class for any reason, Make Up Classes are available every Friday.

Guest Policy

Martial Arts Demonstrations

When you first enter Kicks USA you will notice that the students are wearing different colored belts. As a part of martial arts tradition, different colors represent levels of achievement and skill.

Blue and Red Tip Requirements for Each Belt Level

Rank Evaluation Requirements

Prior to the Red Tip evaluation students will receive a notice of eligibility for Rank Evaluation. This letter includes a list of responsibilities for each student to complete prior to their Rank Evaluation. The list includes the following responsibilities:

1.  Have your parents and teachers fill out your Notice of Intent to Promote (NIP)

2.  Complete your Life Skills/ Written Evaluation

3.  Submit your evaluation fee to the office.

4.  Order/Purchase Equipment for your next rank.

5.  Check school calendar for the date and time of the next Rank Evaluation Day.

The Rank Evaluation Day is the students’ final evaluation. It is a time where parents and friends are invited to celebrate the students’ achievement. Passing students are awarded belts and certificates at the conclusion of the evaluation.

Make-ups are only available for excused absences, not poor execution, and are available on the Friday following the Rank Evaluation Day.

Red Tip and Rank Evaluation make-ups are given only in extraordinary cases of absence (work, vacation and illness) and only then if the instructor feels it is the best choice versus an extra four weeks of practice. Blue tipping cannot be made up except in the most extraordinary of circumstances.

The following are the standards used by our instructors when scoring a student during a Red Tip evaluation, and on Rank Evaluation Day.

Scoring Standards

10 - Superior Far more than is expected at current belt level.

9 - Very Good Above average for current belt level.

8 - Good On track for current belt level.

7 - Needs Practice Correct Fundamentals - Need more repetitious practice.

6 - Unacceptable Student is not familiar with the required technique.

The Black Belt Club is comprised of students committed to the goal of Black Belt. By the rank of Green Belt a student should have made the commitment to Black Belt and join the Black Belt Club. Over 80% of our students are BBC members or BBC Graduates.

To qualify a student must be a Gold-Advanced or above and must first be recommended by their instructor for membership.

How do I get recommended?

To qualify for advanced training beyond your Affiliate Membership, you must:

1. Have set a goal of Black Belt.

2. Have regular belt exam participation.

3. Super attitude in the martial arts classroom, school/work and at home.

4. Demonstrate the qualities of Black Belt Excellence in and out of the school.

5. Have a high level of enthusiasm for martial arts class.

6. For students still in grade school, a good report card on conduct and attitude from parents and teachers.

7. Support school functions.

8. Have good attendance and eagerness to make up absences.

9. Be current with tuition payments.

10. Have full support of family.