FAQs

Is Cuong Nhu good for fitness?
Absolutely. Cuong Nhu practice greatly increases flexibility, balance, strength, speed, and endurance. In addition to our practice of self-defense techniques, every class includes stretching, strengthening and endurance exercises. Most students shed pounds and gain muscle tone as they progress.

What is the appropriate age to begin?
Children may enroll for the Grasshoppers class once they have reached 4.5 years.

How long does is take to get a black belt in Cuong Nhu?
As with any style, there are a number of factors that may speed up or slow down the journey to a Cuong Nhu black belt: attendance, exertion, spirit and leadership, physical ability, and previous experience in martial arts.

Our black belts (senseis) are the teachers, mentors, and leaders of our close-knit community. On average, it takes about six years to earn a Cuong Nhu black belt for students who apply themselves and attend about three times per week. Becoming a sensei implies not only accomplishment, but responsibility and the trust of senior senseis in Cuong Nhu. It is unwise to rush toward black belt too quickly. There is plenty to learn along the path to black belt, and an inordinate focus on that rank can cause students to lose sight of the important material right in front of them.

I’ve taken another martial art and have rank in it. Can I wear my rank in Cuong Nhu?
When teachers and masters visit our schools to train us or to study alongside us, they and all of their students are welcome to wear their rank and will be recognized. However, if a student, teacher or master of another style begins training in Cuong Nhu, he or she will wear a white belt to indicate unfamiliarity with the Cuong Nhu curriculum. Students with prior experience in a martial art that has principles in common Cuong Nhu generally move faster through the ranks.

How much is tuition?
We don't use long-term contracts, and we offer two options for tuition.
1) The Unlimited Monthly Plan
Great for individuals excited about progress and skill retention in the martial arts.
Great for families looking for an encouraging, stable extracurricular community for kids

Access to Unlimited Classes in your age group/rank
Free first Uniform
Free and discounted access to seminars taught by visiting instructors
Discount on bi-monthly Kids’ Night Out
Discount on Camps
Discount on Birthday Parties

1st family household member $145, 2nd member $110, 3rd member $90, 4th member $75, all others FREE.
Monthly tuition paid via Auto-Pay using a credit or banking account of your choice. Discontinuation available with one week’s notice before next bill date.

2) Bundle Plan
Nice for individuals who have a lot going on but want to fit in self-defense and fitness training.
Each student can purchase 12 Sessions for $180. Pay up front by cash, check or credit and use sessions within a year. Uniform ($35) and event discounts not included.

How often do you test?

In the first year, most students take two or three tests, but testing slows down after that as the curriculum becomes more challenging.

Do I have to purchase a lot of gear?

No. As you start out, we provide all equipment for you to train with. After you have progressed several ranks, you will need protective gear for sparring. Advanced adults will need a long wood stick (bo) and a short wood stick (tambo). You can pay very little or a whole lot for these items and get the same effect.

Is personal training available?
Yes. You can book private lessons for development within the curriculum, fitness, or self-defense training. Individual sessions are purchased by the month. Sessions are purchased in advance with discounts offered for multiple sessions purchased in a single month.

Do students spar in Cuong Nhu? What about kids?
Putting beginners in competitive sparring situations reinforces bad habits. Adults begin partner drills that improve their sparring skills almost immediately but do not engage in free-sparring until they reach green belt. Kids begin controlled sparring drills once they advance to purple belt. Before they are allowed to spar, they must consistently demonstrate proper respect for their instructors and classmates and controlled techniques that will not injure a partner. Then, sparring becomes one of his or her best developmental drills.

Cuong Nhu seems complicated. How does it work as straight-forward self defense?
Cuong Nhu exposes students to many martial strategies so they can discover the approaches that suit them best. Beginners to Cuong Nhu are taught a basic three-part self defense system that is simple and effective. During the first year, this system is practiced rigorously. Even if students only train for a year, they can master the basic self-defense.

Will Cuong Nhu conflict with my religious beliefs?
Our code of ethics echoes the call for self-control and service to others found in religion, but religion is not taught in Cuong Nhu. Participants of many faiths find that Cuong Nhu complements their spiritual practice. The brief period of silent meditation at the start of each session serves to mentally signal a transition into the training period. This time may be appropriated as a prayer or simply a clearing of the mind.