What IS the Padded Weapons program at CAA?
The Padded Weapons program at Collierville Arts Academy is a year-round martial arts program similar to the more common karate or taekwondo programs. The main difference is that our Padded Weapons focuses on historical and cultural influences using safe, padded weapons and instead of striving for a 'black belt', our students are working to receive the vaunted 'black sash'. An easier way of thinking about this program is to call it HERO TRAINING. For a video glimpse and more program/teaching philosophy details, please visit here.
When does the season for Padded Weapons classes begin and end at Collierville Arts Academy?
Our ongoing padded weapons classes do not have a start/stop date. Students may train all year long.
How old do you have to be in order to take Padded Weapons classes?
We have Padded Weapons classes for students as young as 6.5 years old through adults.
How do I get started in Padded Weapons?
Potential students (and their parents) are certainly encouraged to come and watch a class but the best way to get started is to come and TRY a class. Anyone is welcome to take a FREE CLASS to help decide if they'd like to become a part of our padded weapons martial arts program and continue with regular, ongoing lessons.
For ages 6-7.5, students may come take a free class on Mondays from 5 - 5:45pm.
Students age 7.5+ - 9.5+, may come try a free class on Mondays from 5:45-6:45p.
For ages 9.5 - up, students may come take a free class on Mondays or Fridays from 6:45 - 8pm.
New students may enroll in the Padded Weapons programs at ANY TIME. No waiting for a start date. No equipment purchase. We supply everything - just come wearing basic workout clothes, ready to learn Padded Weapons!
What happens after my free class?
After taking a free class, students who decide to enroll in the padded weapons programs will be placed according to age as follows:
Students ages 6 - 7.5 are placed in the Squires program.
Students ages 7.5+ - 9.5 are placed in the Knights program.
Students ages 10 and up are placed in the BattleMasters program.
Please note: depending on the student's size, maturity level, any disabilities or conditions, or behavioral issues, these placements may be altered at the discretion of the Director/Teacher.
And how long does this take to finish?
Depending upon the program, student's age, and the number of times per week a student is able to come and train, completing the program to receive a black sash may take 2 - 3.5 years.
Is there a Registration Fee?
Padded Weapons students do not pay a Registration Fee until they decide to join the program. If, after taking their free class, a Padded Weapons student decides to join the regular, ongoing Padded Weapons programs at CAA, a Registration Fee is assessed on the account and they begin to pay tuition according to their payment plan.
Registration for all regular, ongoing Padded Weapons students takes place in person at the front counter. Once per year, a Registration Fee is charged to CAA accounts. Our basic Registration Fee (for one student) is $25 and the Family Registration Fee (for 2 or more students from the same family) is $45 total. Registration Fees are due at the time of enrollment.
What about equipment? When do I have to buy the necessary gear?
Typically, new Padded Weapons students who have just signed up will want to purchase a set of gear. We will provide a link to order the gear needed in order to get the starter set. Until then, students may continue to borrow our gear for up to one month of classes. If you decide not to purchase your own gear past the first month of regular lessons, you may opt for a 'rental' of a set of gear for you.
How is tuition for Padded Weapons handled at Collierville Arts Academy?
We accept Cash, Checks, and VISA/Mastercard credit and debit cards for tuition and purchases at the front desk. Tuition may also be mailed to 369 Distribution Parkway, Collierville TN 38017 in check only. You may also pay for basic tuition and some fees online through our website. We also have the capability to set you up with an automatic payment plan through PayPal or by electronic check bank draft.
At Collierville Arts Academy, Padded Weapons students are enrolled in an ongoing martial arts program that has total duration of more than one year. There is no financial contract however upon Registration tuition is charged to the student's account for one year at a time. At any time, a student may withdraw from the program by paying a Withdrawal Fee equal to two months' tuition.
You seem to offer a lot of courses my family might be interested in. Do you offer discounts for multiple family members?
Yes, we do. We offer several types of discounts.
1) The Class Frequency Discount. When a student takes more than one class per week, their tuition becomes discounted in keeping with their frequency. Instead of paying two times the single class/week rate for two classes a week, a discount is applied to make studying at the Academy affordable.
2) The Family Member Discount. CAA offers a discount of 10% off the second of more student from the same family. The Family Member Discount is calculated using the lesser tuition amounts for the discount, no matter which family member enrolled first.
3) The Basic Family Value Plan. No matter how basic discounts are designed, if a family wants to involve more than two students at the Academy, the tuition totals can quickly add up. Therefore, CAA offers a special flat rate that covers a Family in full for any regular courses on our schedule for as many members are in your family. If this option interests your family, please ask us.