“Is ACG for Me?”
Martial arts is unfamiliar to many people. The systems that we teach are so far from the mainstream that martial artists may not have even heard of them. If you’re giving some thought to beginning or continuing your training, you may have some questions about whether ACG is for you.
Q: What kind of people train at ACG?
A: ACG members come from all walks of life, including civilians, law enforcement, military, teachers, students, men, and women. We welcome anyone who has an interest in the arts and a desire to train. Some of our members are pursuing a deep understanding of the arts and the cultures that spawned them, others are only interested in enhancing their personal skills through training, and still others just like to train and work up a sweat. ACG caters to different personalities with varying interests.
Q: What sets ACG apart from other martial arts schools?
In short: SKILL DEVELOPMENT. Most schools “teach” martial arts techniques, but ACG focuses on the much more difficult and important goal of making sure that our students successfully develop the skills and attitudes necessary to control and survive violence.
True to our lineage and the teachings of our teacher’s teacher, Sigung Bruce Lee, our emphasis is on the student, not the system. We will help you use diverse skills to develop a personalized method that allows you to adapt to and overcome against most threats that you’re likely to encounter. This includes skills from Kali (e.g., weapon and counter-weapon proficiency, angulation), Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do (e.g., long-range striking, command of range), and Silat (e.g., close-quarter striking, leveraging, ground fighting), and other systems to which you have been exposed.
Q: What is a typical class like?
A: It is our goal is for ACG to have the relaxed feel of a private gym, not the formality of a traditional martial arts school. Classes are very relaxed and usually have 2-4 certified instructors present to provide individualized instruction through a technique- or concept-based syllabus. Certain students may have drills or techniques modified to as their skill and rank dictates.
Q: Does it matter how old I am?
A: ACG classes are for adults 18 years of age and older. We routinely train young adults and people in their mid-sixties in the same class!
Q: What if I’m not in very good shape?
A: Martial arts is a physical activity, so a basic level of health physical fitness is required. However, at ACG, our emphasis is technique, not physical conditioning, so people of all levels of fitness can train.
Q: What if I have health conditions or injuries?
A: You should ask your doctor before engaging in any physical activity, including martial arts training. If you do have medical conditions or injuries, discuss them with an ACG instructor before you begin your training.
Q: Is there sparring?
A: Sometimes. Due to the nature of our arts, which are designed to injure and incapacitate quickly, it is very difficult to free-form spar safely. If sparring occurs, it is typically limited to senior students and instructors. We do spar certain elements of our work, but under very specific circumstances and always under the supervision of a certified instructor.
Q: Does it matter if I have previous training?
A: We welcome students of all levels of experience and skill. It’s true that most people who train in these arts have previous training, but that’s mainly because of a lack of exposure of this work to non-martial artists. If you have previous training, you don’t have to “unlearn” what you’ve already learned—we specialize in helping you make this work your own.