Q and A

1. Do you teach as a full time business?
No, both instructors maintain full time jobs.
We teach because we enjoy the art and wish to pass the knowledge on.
2. Do you emphasize the sport aspect of martial arts or self defense?
Kokondo places its emphasis on self defense and doing your best, rather than sport.
3. How much contact can I expect from your self defense training?
The best description is 'semi-contact''.
The Instruction emphasizes self control and safety.
We understand that we have a job and or school to go to the next day.
We also believe it is primarily up to the student's comfort level as to how much contact they will give and receive.
4. Are you a certified instructor?
Yes.
Vince Peterson received his instructor's certification through the IKA in 1997, after being an assistant instructor for over five years.
Lisa Peterson received her instructor's certification through the IKA in 2010,after being an assistant instructor five years.

5. Can I get a letter of recommendation directly from your instructor?
Please do. This is something any instructor should be able to provide for a prospective student.
Contact : Kaicho Gregory Howard, International Director/Chief Instructor
e-mail: kaichoika@gmail.com
Phone: 860-805-4676

6. How long have you been training in Martial arts?
Vince Peterson started his training in 1986.
He has maintained a constant level of training, and he continues his training under the direct supervision of the International Director.
Vince Peterson has never taken a 'break' from training.
Keep in mind many instructors will say they have been training for 25 years or longer
but if you talk to them you will find they have had 'breaks' in their training.
Mr. Peterson believes in the adage:
“If you say you have been training for 10 years make sure you have not been training one year ten times."

7. Are you a religion based martial art?
No.

8. If I train with you can I still train other in other martial arts?
No.
Kokondo is a closed system.
We maintain this idea because there is so much to learn in any martial art.
We feel it will slow the learning process for students to study more than one system at a time.
Chinese proverb: Man who chases two rabbits catches neither.

9. I have trained in martial arts before. Would your Instruction be a good fit for me?
Set an appointment and see.
Please leave all your comparisons behind you.

Please read the link below.
Zen Proverb
10. How long does it take to get a black belt?
It depends on the personal training ritual of the student. The average is six years.

11. How much do you charge for testing?
We do not have a per test charge.
To be tested you must be a member of the IKA.
The fee is 75.00 for adults and 50.00 for children. This membership fee is paid once per calendar year.
We are a small martial arts school that live and train as friends. Personal growth and safety is a way of life in the dojo.