Frequently Asked Questions

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art with a history spanning centuries. The name translates to "the way of the China hand" — a reference to its ancient roots. It is a complete martial arts system that develops striking, kicking, blocking, forms (called hyungs), weapons, and self-defense. Unlike arts focused purely on competition, Tang Soo Do is designed to develop the whole person — building discipline, focus, and confidence alongside physical skill.

Three years old is the youngest we enroll. Children ages 3–4 join our Little Tigers program, which is designed specifically for very young learners. Ages 5–7 join Little Dragons. Our main Tang Soo Do program starts at age 8 and continues through teens and into adulthood.

Membership pricing is published right on each program page — Preschool memberships start at $149/month, Kids & Teens at $159/month, with Gold (unlimited) options available. For adults, the Adult Founders Membership is $139/month for unlimited training — a limited-time rate, so lock it in while spots last. Family discounts apply automatically, and the 5th family member always trains free. Visit the program page that fits your family, or text us at (203) 441-5358 and we'll walk you through the options — no pressure, no sales pitch.

For the free trial class, comfortable athletic clothes are all you need — shorts and a t-shirt work great. No special gear or equipment is required to start. If your child decides to enroll, a uniform (dobok) will be provided or purchased as part of the membership they choose.

For a student who trains consistently, earning a black belt realistically takes about four years. This varies depending on how often a student attends and how quickly they progress — but the belt system is designed to reward real skill and character development, not just time in class. The journey is the point.

Yes. Safety is our top priority. All PMA instructors are First Aid trained, and multiple instructors are present on the floor at all times. Classes are structured by rank so students are always training with others at an appropriate level. Sparring is introduced gradually and always done with proper gear and instructor supervision.

None whatsoever. Our adult program welcomes complete beginners. If you have never set foot on a martial arts mat, that's perfectly fine — our instructors will meet you exactly where you are and build from there. Many of our adult students start from zero and go on to earn their black belts.

Yes. Our instructors have experience training children with ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other special needs. Martial arts is often an excellent fit for these students — the structured environment, clear expectations, and physical outlet can be genuinely transformative. If you have specific questions about how we work with your child, text or email us and we'll talk it through.

We run classes Monday through Thursday evenings, with Little Tigers and Little Dragons starting at 4:30 PM and the main program running through the evening. You can see the full color-coded schedule on our home page or contact us directly.

Yes — our Adult Tang Soo Do program is for students ages 17 and up. Classes run Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. No experience is needed, and your first class is free. See our Adults page for details.

Little Tigers (ages 3–4) is designed for our youngest students — short classes focused on listening, coordination, and fun. Little Dragons (ages 5–7) builds on that foundation with more structure, belt progressions, and age-appropriate technique. The main Tang Soo Do program (ages 8+) is a full curriculum with forms, self-defense, sparring, and a belt system that goes all the way to black belt and beyond.

Yes! Birthday parties are available on Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 PM. It's a fun, active, memorable experience for kids of all ages. Contact us for details on what's included and how to book.

Private lessons are available by appointment at $30 per 30-minute session. They're a great way to accelerate progress, work on specific techniques, or give a student one-on-one attention. Text or email us and we'll set one up.

We keep our fees simple and fair. Late payments carry a $30 fee after 10 days, and returned checks or failed bank transfers carry a $35 fee. That's it — no hidden charges.

We know life gets busy. Memberships are month-to-month unless you choose a multi-month package, so you're never locked in. If your student needs a break — a sports season, a school crunch, whatever life brings — you can freeze your account (typically up to 30 days) or simply cancel and rejoin when you're ready; the mat will be here waiting. Cancellations just require seven days' notice: they take effect immediately when done in person, or you can email info@prospectma.com and we'll take care of it.

The easiest way is to book a free trial class. Come in, try a class, and see if it's the right fit — no commitment, no pressure. You can book directly on our website or text us at (203) 441-5358. We'll handle the rest.