Frequently Asked Questions

How will Martial Arts training help me?

Regardless of who you are, training in the martial arts are vast and help you get more out of life! Here are some of the most common benefits:

  • Stress Relief
  • Balance (both physical and emotional)
  • Physical fitness
  • Personal empowerment
  • A sense of direction and progress
  • A fun and welcoming community
  • You will gain a confidence you didn’t have before
  • Heightened awareness of your surroundings
  • Better reaction time
  • Quicker reflexes
  • Greater hand-eye and bodily coordination
  • Superior balance
  • The ability to regularly enter into a “flow-state”
  • Better health in general
Should I start Martial Arts training if I feel out of shape, or should I wait until I’m in shape?

It’s a myth that you need to be in shape before training in the Martial Arts! Practicing Martial Arts is one of the best ways to get in shape. Jeet Kune Do and Kali are designed for everyone, regardless of fitness level or age. Our class format is created to push students but also allow them to progress and reach their goals at a pace they feel comfortable with. If you are cleared for exercise by your doctor, then you are ready to get in shape gradually with martial arts.

Do I need prior martial arts experience to train at Synthesis Martial Arts?

You do not need any martial arts experience to start Jeet Kune Do training. It’s OUR job to train you in the techniques and practices in the Martial Arts. Our classes are designed to take people with no previous experience and bring them to a level of proficiency, confidence and self-knowledge.

Am I too old to start Martial Arts training?

You should ask your doctor if you are able to participate in martial arts classes. However, we’ve had students in their 60’s and 70’s who continue to benefit from our classes every week. At Synthesis, you are given space and help to modify any aspect of the training that feels unhealthy.

Is the training safe?

Safety is our top priority so not only is our facility safe, we also help you build a strong foundation before progressing to more advanced material. You decide when and how far you want to progress and what intensity you want. Everyone here is very supportive and helpful in training.

Which program is right for me?

We offer two martial arts programs. Your best bet is to try out a few different classes during your Intro Program and find the perfect fit. Jeet Kune Do is more focused on empty hand training but has some weapons techniques included. Kali is more focused on weapons training but has some empty-hand techniques included. They are excellent compliments of one another.

Will I learn to defend myself?

All of the martial arts that we teach at Synthesis are founded in real self-defense principles and techniques. It’s important to remember, “Self-defense” is never a sure thing, and the ability to protect oneself from violence is largely dependent on circumstances and luck. Good martial arts training will certainly improve your odds. Keep in mind that the arts we practice can be effective at neutralizing violent attacks. They are to be used for defense only, and not for starting fights, or assault. We hope that most of our students will never need these skills for survival, we advocate training for personal growth, for health, and for fun.

What is the difference between combat sports, self-defense and martial arts?

It’s important to know what kind of training you are getting into and that it will be a good fit. The following is a quote from a great Martial Artist and friend of mine, Sifu Collin Leiberman.

“Here is a brief comparison between three common types of training:

Combat Sports (MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) – Expect a high-intensity and competitive training environment. Students practice a style that is shaped by competition rules and is designed to be extremely effective in a fair fight. You will train to defeat an opponent of similar size and skill level in a controlled environment (cage or ring) and a controlled time [timed rounds]. A referee is present to keep things safe and to ensure that there are no “cheap shots” that could negate the strength and skill of the other opponent.

  • Pros: Everything is proven and pressure tested, and thus things that don’t work are quickly and unceremoniously discarded. This training helps develop an elite level of physical fitness.
  • Cons: These styles are geared towards younger athletes. Students are more prone to injuries (many of them minor and undiagnosed) which can be a bother later in life. The competitive environment may not be for everyone.

Self Defense (Combatives, Military Training, etc.) – Typically adapted from military or police training, classes focus on preparing you as quickly as possible for the first few seconds of a violent encounter. In contrast to combat sports, the expectation is that the fight will be unfair and short, with no referee and no time to prepare. The odds will be stacked against you, which could mean facing multiple opponents, weapons, uneven terrain, and/or poor lighting.

  • Pros: You will rapidly prepare to survive a violent encounter.
  • Cons: It’s hard to realistically test the techniques without injury, or to simulate the chaos and adrenaline of real violence. There is little investment in long term skill cultivation or training for health later in life (beyond being alive to enjoy it).

Martial Arts (Kung Fu, Karate, etc.) – With so many different styles out there, you can expect a wide range of learning environments at different schools. However, training is typically well-rounded, covering all ranges of combat and often covering weapons. Martial Arts are meant to be mastered, practiced into old age and then passed on to the next generation. There is an appreciation for the art of movement and understanding martial principles, as well as an emphasis on helping you become a stronger person, both inside and out.

  • Pros: You will be on a path to strength inside and out, gradually unlocking powerful self defense abilities. Martial arts offer a lifetime of progress, fitness & movement skills.
  • Cons: Like with self defense, it can be hard to “pressure test” techniques without injury. There is a tendency to be overconfident in one’s style and abilities.”
Are Jeet Kune Do and Kali considered combat sports, self-defense or Martial Arts?

The answer depends on who you ask. These arts really fit in all three categories in different ways. There have been some who have said Jeet Kune Do is the original MMA and there have been practitioners who have fought in many MMA ring fights. Also many don’t know this, but much of modern day boxing is based on Filipino Martial Arts! JKD and Kali are regularly taught to the military and law enforcement through the defensive tactics taught in the academy, so it is truly defensive and tactically useful! Lastly, They are truly comprehensive Martial Arts with deep meaning and tradition. You be the judge. With either art, you will be learning all three.

How much does Membership cost?

Check out our current membership options (including free & low-cost intros), on our Membership Page. And don’t forget – your first lesson is FREE!

I’m interested in private lessons. How do I get started?

Just fill out our Personal Training Inquiry form, and one of our highly trained staff will reach out to set up a FREE in-person consultation.

How often should I train?

To achieve your best results, try to train as many sessions per week as possible, but also listen to your body when it needs to rest. After heavier training sessions, your body may be sore and may need a little longer to recover, which is perfectly okay. To maximize muscle recovery and optimize your gains, it’s good to have rest days between classes and supplement your training with plenty of stretching, water, sleep, and a balanced nutritional diet.