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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
We offer programs designed for every stage of development — no matter where your child is starting:
Black Belt Kids (Ages 4–6): Our youngest students learn through movement, imagination, and play. Classes focus on listening, following directions, balance, and basic coordination — building the foundation for a lifetime of physical confidence. Every class is structured to feel like an adventure.
Kempo Kids (Ages 7–11): This is where kids begin real martial arts training. Students learn Shaolin Kempo techniques, belt rank progression, discipline, and teamwork. Classes are energetic, structured, and designed to challenge kids at exactly the right level.
Teens & Adults (Ages 12+): Our teen and adult program is a full Shaolin Kempo curriculum with no shortcuts. Whether you're 14 or 54, you'll train alongside a motivated community, develop real self-defense skills, and earn each rank through demonstrated growth. Adults often tell us it's the first fitness commitment that has actually stuck.
Not sure which program fits best?
[Book a free intro class →]
Absolutely — and it won't cost you a thing. We offer a free 1-day trial class for all new students, with no signup, no pressure, and no obligation.
Here's how it works:
Call or contact your nearest location to schedule your trial day
Show up in comfortable athletic clothes — no gear needed
Take a full class alongside current students with one of our instructors
Walk away with a clear picture of whether Longevity is the right fit for you or your child
We believe the mat speaks for itself. Come see what we're about before you make any decisions.
[Book Your Free Trial Class →]
After your free trial, our Starter Packages are the best way to begin your martial arts journey. We offer two options based on age:
Preschool & Kinder Startup — $49 (Ages 3–6)
2 full weeks of age-appropriate classes
Your child's own traditional karate uniform (gi) to keep
Small class sizes with instructors trained in early childhood development
Focus on coordination, confidence, focus, and discipline in a fun, engaging environment
Beginner Starter Package — $69 (Ages 7 and up — Youth, Teens & Adults)
2 full weeks of unlimited group classes
Two private 30-minute lessons with personalized one-on-one coaching
Your own traditional karate uniform (gi) to keep
Shaolin Kempo fundamentals taught at your exact skill level
Both packages are valid for 2 weeks from your start date, include a uniform, and are designed to give you real training — not just a taste. There are no hidden fees and no long-term contracts required to get started.
[See Starter Package Options →]
Shaolin Kempo is a complete American martial arts system that draws from four foundational disciplines:
Shaolin Kung Fu — fluid, powerful striking techniques
Kempo Karate — practical self-defense applications
Jiu-Jitsu — takedowns, ground defense, and joint control
Wrestling — balance, leverage, and physical control
Unlike systems that specialize in only one area, Shaolin Kempo prepares students to handle real-world situations standing, clinching, and on the ground. It's also deeply progressive — students advance through a structured belt rank system that keeps training meaningful and motivating at every level.
We teach Shaolin Kempo because it produces well-rounded martial artists, not just athletes who perform well in a single context.
None whatsoever. Every one of our programs is beginner-friendly by design.
Our instructors are trained to meet students exactly where they are — whether your child has never done a cartwheel, or you're an adult who hasn't exercised in years. The curriculum is structured so that beginners learn fundamentals alongside more advanced students without feeling lost or left behind.
What we do ask of new students:
Come with an open mind and a willingness to try
Wear comfortable athletic clothes to your first class (a uniform is included in your Starter Package)
Arrive 10 minutes early so we can introduce you to the instructor and show you around
No fitness level required. No prior martial arts experience required. Just show up.
The physical benefits are real and visible: improved strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance. But our students and their parents consistently tell us the deeper benefits matter most:
For children:
Focus and attention — the structured, call-and-response format of class trains the brain to listen and stay on task
Confidence — kids discover what they're capable of in a safe, encouraging environment
Respect and self-discipline — core values built into every class, not just talked about
Bully prevention — not just self-defense, but the calm confidence that makes children less likely targets
For teens and adults:
Stress relief with a physical and mental outlet
Consistent community — a training family you actually look forward to seeing
Measurable progress — belt ranks give long-term goals and short-term wins
Real self-defense skills drawn from a complete, tested system
Martial arts training at Longevity is about building people, not just black belts.
If your child is between 4 and 6 years old and curious about movement, they're ready.
Black Belt Kids classes run 35–40 minutes and are built around short, engaging activities that hold young attention spans. Every class reinforces the same core concepts through games, drills, and positive repetition:
Focus — learning to listen and follow multi-step instructions
Balance and coordination — essential motor skills for this developmental stage
Respect — for instructors, peers, and themselves
Confidence — celebrating small wins every single class
Our instructors are experienced in early childhood development and know how to redirect energy, encourage shy students, and make every child feel seen. Parents are welcome to observe from our parent viewing area.
Children in this age group don't need to be able to sit still — that's actually one of the things we help them learn.
Kempo Kids classes run approximately 50–55 minutes and follow a consistent structure that students quickly come to love:
Warm-up — dynamic movement, stretching, and light cardio to get the body ready
Basics review — stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks reinforced through repetition
Technique instruction — new or advancing curriculum content taught by an instructor
Partner or group drills (and sparring) — applying techniques in a safe, supervised setting
Belt rank advancement is earned through demonstrated skill at formal testing events — not simply by showing up. This keeps progress meaningful and gives students real goals to work toward. Most beginning students in this age group advance through a new rank every 3–4 months when training consistently.
Our teen program (ages 12–15) bridges the gap between the structured kids' curriculum and adult training. It covers the full Shaolin Kempo belt system with age-appropriate intensity, vocabulary, and expectations.
Teens train with a dedicated peer group and are held to higher standards of focus, leadership, and technical precision.
As they advance, high-achieving teens may be invited to join our STORM Leadership Team — a selective program that develops instructional skills, mentorship, and public representation of the school. The STORM program isn't just about martial arts. It builds the habits, communication skills, and self-awareness that serve students far beyond the dojo.
For teens who feel they've “aged out” of kids' programs but aren't sure about adult classes — our teen program is exactly the right bridge.
Yes — Longevity Martial Arts Centers has two full-service locations:
Santa Monica — 1606 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404 | (310) 394-5188
Fullerton — 1620 S Harbor Blvd Ste. D2, Fullerton, CA 92832 | (714) 345-5785
Students enrolled at either location may train at both — your membership gives you access to the full Longevity family. This is especially useful for families with varied schedules or students who want additional mat time during the week.
Both locations offer the same Shaolin Kempo curriculum, the same belt rank standards, and the same Longevity training philosophy.
[Find Your Location →]
Getting started is simple — and your first class is free.
Try a free class — contact your nearest location to schedule your no-obligation trial day
Choose your Starter Package — the $49 Preschool/Kinder Startup (ages 4–6) or $69 Beginner Package (ages 7+), both valid for 2 weeks and including your uniform
Complete your 2-week starter — attend group classes (and private lessons if ages 7+) at your own pace
Decide what's right for you — we'll never pressure you, and we'll always be honest about fit
If you have questions before booking, we're happy to answer them. Call us, email us, or stop by during class hours and watch a session — our doors are open.
Santa Monica: (310) 394-5188 | samo@longevitymac.com
Fullerton: (714) 345-5785 | fullerton@longevitymac.com
[Book Your Free Trial Class →]
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