4 Towers Martial Arts

Thank you for your interest in 4 Towers Martial Arts.  The following are frequently asked questions asked by those inquiring about our schools.  If you have any question that is not referenced here, please let us know, we will be glad to answer them for you.  Thank You

Sensei Butch Torres
Sensei Debbie Torres

Q:        What is the difference between Karate and Tae Kwon Do?

A:         Karate (Empty Hand) is a Japanese / Okinawan Martial Arts that utilizes 50% of hand techniques and 50% leg and kicking techniques.  Tae Kwon Do (Way of the hand and foot, sometimes referred to as Korean Karate) is a Korean Decent Martial Art that emphasizes primarily in leg and kicking techniques.

Q:        Does an individual have to enroll alone, or may their family enroll together?

A:         4 Towers Martial Arts is open to individuals and family members alike.  Please feel free to ask about our family enrollment plan.

Q:        How long will it take to get my Black Belt?

A:         The dedicated student at 4 Towers Martial Arts may ordinarily achieve their Black Belt (SHODAN) in 4 years.  However, it is the students’ skills, dedication and motivation that dictate the time it will take them to achieve their Black Belt.  Students may not achieve their full Black Belt until the age of 15. However, students under the age of 15, who complete the requirements for Black Belt will be become Junior Black Belts (SEMPEI), and will be recognized with a Black Belt with a white strip in the middle.

Q:        Karate looks like a violent, aggressive activity.  Will my child be more prone to fighting if they join your school?

A:         Karate as a whole has gained the myth of being violent and / or aggressive.  This is mainly due to the media such as T.V.  and movies.  However, in reality Karate subdues the overly aggressive, hyperactive child and draws out the more passive and introverted child.  4 Towers Martial Arts emphasizes DISCIPLINE, COURAGE, HONOR and RESPECT as the Pillars of our DOJO. As such, every student is expected to adhere to the DOJO’s principles and what they stand for. This pertains to adult students also. (SEE PILLAR POSTERS)

Q:        I feel as if I’m too old to start Karate.  Do I need to be young and in shape to begin training?

A:         You can start training at any age. Everyone works at their own pace.  It does not matter what belt is attained, SAFETY is our first and foremost concern. If a student can not perform an exercise or perform an activity, they are not required to do it. 

Q:        My child is already energetic and I am afraid that he /she will use their newly acquired skills to hurt someone.  What do you do about this?

A:         Proper ethics and DISCIPLINE are taught at 4 Towers Martial Arts.  Our students are taught never to practice on their siblings or friends, especially on anyone at school.  Students are taught Karate as self-defense and not for fighting.  Our students are taught to talk their way out of confrontation and to try to avoid physical confrontation at all cost.

Q:        My child has problems with bullies at school.  Will joining your Karate school help them in this area?

A:         Discussions are held periodically in class to identify problems such as this.  Specific solutions are formulated to help students deal with these situations.  In addition, at the parent’s request, our instructors are willing to hold a one on one discussion with the child to help boost their morale.

Q:        Are there any religious connotations in your style of Karate?

A:         None.

Q:        My child is very nervous about joining.  Can parents stay and watch during class?

A:         Definitely !! Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their children train.  We have a parents waiting area which allows you to observe the classes through the available windows or via our close circuit T.V. system.

Q:        Can I come in and just watch a class to see what you do?

A:         The doors to 4 Towers Martial Arts are always open and spectators are always welcomed.  While you are here, feel free to talk with some of our parents and ask them any questions you may have in regards to our school.

Q:        How is your belt levels structured?

A:         Are belt structure is as follows:

Beginners: White, Yellow, Orange           

Intermediate: Purple, Blue, Green (solid)  

Advanced: Green w/ Black stripe, Brown w/ White stripe,
Brown (solid), Brown w/ Black stripe

Masters:  Black Belt, 2^nd Degree, 3^rd Degree

Q:        I have trained at School X and have obtained belt Z.  If I join your school, can I keep my same rank?

A:         All students start at 4 Towers Martial Arts as a white belt.  The only exception to this is for Black Belts. 

You are required to wear a white belt for 1 month.  The instructors will utilize this month to evaluate your knowledge and skills and then decide what belt level you are in reference to our school.  Then, you may wear this belt to the DOJO.

Q:        Do you offer any Special Programs?

A:         4 Towers Martial Arts offers several programs such as:

Q:        Do you offer any enrollment specials?

A:         4 Towers Martial Arts offers several enrollment specials (Ask instructors for more information)

Q:        Does the student only get to train at this school?

A:         4 Towers Martial Arts is licensed under South Lake Karate Academy.  As a student of 4 Towers Martial Arts, the student can participate in programs offered by our other licensed schools and train at these locations at no additional charge. (Seminars and private lessons are not included)

Q:        How long have you been training?

A;         Sensei Butch Torres has been practicing Martial Arts for over 30 years.  He has studied Tae Kwon Do, Chinese Kempo Karate and U.S.A. Goju.

Sensei Debbie Torres has been practicing Martial Arts for over 6 years and has studied U.S.A. Goju.  Feel Free to ask our instructors for their personal credentials.

Q:        Do I have to sign a contract?

A:         No. 4 Towers Martial Arts does not require contracts.  We require a registration form and liability waiver that must be filled out for records and insurance purposes.  Registration only requires 1^st and last month payments.  Our billing is conducted via a billing agency and the billing is on a month to month basis.

Q:        What if I enroll and after awhile I want to quit, am I obligated to pay for the whole year?

A:         4 Towers Martial Arts offers a 30 day money back guarantee.  If within the first 30 days you are unhappy with us, your entire initial payment will be refunded.  If you desire to quit after this, we only ask for a 30 day notice.  This will allow us to contact the billing company and end your agreement.

Q:        What are your fees and terms and how do I sign up?

A:         Any one of our instructors will be happy to answer all fee and term questions as well as signing you up with our school.

Thank you once again for your interest in 4 Towers Martial Arts.  If there is anything we can do to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

4 Towers Martial Arts is a Family owned and operated business which implements Family Values in its Martial Arts curriculum.  At 4 Towers Martial Arts we believe “IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO HELP RAISE A CHILD” and we are here to do our part.

For more information contact us: