Frequently Asked Questions

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art with a history spanning centuries. The name translates to "the way of the China hand" — a reference to its ancient roots. It is a complete martial arts system that develops striking, kicking, blocking, forms (called hyungs), weapons, and self-defense. Unlike arts focused purely on competition, Tang Soo Do is designed to develop the whole person — building discipline, focus, and confidence alongside physical skill.

Three years old is the youngest we enroll. Children ages 3–4 join our Little Tigers program, which is designed specifically for very young learners. Ages 5–7 join Little Dragons. Our main Tang Soo Do program starts at age 8 and continues through teens and into adulthood.

Membership pricing depends on the program and membership type you choose. We prefer to walk through options with you directly so we can find the right fit for your family. Text or email us at info@prospectma.com and we'll get you all the details — no pressure, no sales pitch.

For the free trial class, comfortable athletic clothes are all you need — shorts and a t-shirt work great. No special gear or equipment is required to start. If your child decides to enroll, a uniform (dobok) will be provided or purchased as part of the membership they choose.

For a student who trains consistently, earning a black belt realistically takes about four years. This varies depending on how often a student attends and how quickly they progress — but the belt system is designed to reward real skill and character development, not just time in class. The journey is the point.

Yes. Safety is our top priority. All PMA instructors are First Aid trained, and multiple instructors are present on the floor at all times. Classes are structured by rank so students are always training with others at an appropriate level. Sparring is introduced gradually and always done with proper gear and instructor supervision.

None whatsoever. Our adult program welcomes complete beginners. If you have never set foot on a martial arts mat, that's perfectly fine — our instructors will meet you exactly where you are and build from there. Many of our adult students start from zero and go on to earn their black belts.

Yes. Our instructors have experience training children with ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other special needs. Martial arts is often an excellent fit for these students — the structured environment, clear expectations, and physical outlet can be genuinely transformative. If you have specific questions about how we work with your child, text or email us and we'll talk it through.

We run classes Monday through Thursday evenings, with Little Tigers and Little Dragons starting at 4:30 PM and the main program running through the evening. Saturday classes are also available depending on instructor availability. You can see the full schedule on our home page or contact us directly.

Yes — our Adult Tang Soo Do program is for students ages 17 and up. It runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings starting at 7:00 PM. We are currently enrolling Founding Members who lock in a special rate for as long as they hold an active membership. See our Founders page for details.

Little Tigers (ages 3–4) is designed for our youngest students — short classes focused on listening, coordination, and fun. Little Dragons (ages 5–7) builds on that foundation with more structure, belt progressions, and age-appropriate technique. The main Tang Soo Do program (ages 8+) is a full curriculum with forms, self-defense, sparring, and a belt system that goes all the way to black belt and beyond.

Yes! Birthday parties are available on Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 PM. It's a fun, active, memorable experience for kids of all ages. Contact us for details on what's included and how to book.

Private lessons are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at $30 per 30-minute session. Private lessons are a great way to accelerate progress, work on specific techniques, or give a student one-on-one attention. Contact us or check with an instructor to schedule.

The easiest way is to book a free trial class. Come in, try a class, and see if it's the right fit — no commitment, no pressure. You can book directly on our website or text us at (203) 441-5358. We'll handle the rest.