policy
Just a few things we want you to know about our school:
Snow Day Closings
Family Tree Karate will close for a snow day when the Bethlehem, Easton and Nazareth Area School Districts all close. If one or more close and others do not, please check the web site.
We will also post the notice on www.familytreekarate.com no later than 3 PM, as well as change our voicemail to reflect the closing. If there is any concern or misunderstanding, the web site, www.familytreekarate.com is the final authority.
Students involved in other activities
We have special programs for athletes, actors, band members, etc. in season if they have difficulty in making scheduled classes during that time frame. FTK offers private lessons to keep the student comfortable, confident, and maintaining a consistent growth in their martial arts training. In-season students who can only make one scheduled class per week are encouraged to utilize two free lessons per month while in-season to maintain their progress. Please contact the office to schedule a private lesson.
Private Lessons
There will be times when a student needs help to achieve the next belt level or a student simply wants to learn "hands on" with a Sempi. You can schedule private lesson with the office weekdays at 4 PM or 4:30 PM and Saturdays at 8:30 AM, 9:15 AM, 12:15 PM and 1:00 PM subject to Sempi availability. There are discounts for purchasing multiple lessons at one time.
Monthly Fees
We offer a month to month agreement because it is easier for you. Payment is expected within the first week of the month, unless you have made other arrangements with the management. It is your responsibility to advise management in advance in writing or via email if your family will be away for a month. Once the month has started, it is then your responsibility to pay the monthly fee, no matter how much or how little you attend classes.
Taking time off
FTK does not encourage taking random months off. This practice promotes inconsistency, is discouraging and the student loses confidence in their martial arts skills, many times wanting to quit. More importantly this practice, if allowed by parents, displays a lack of responsibility and commitment, which is contrary to one of the major lessons we teach at Family Tree Karate.
Competition
Family Tree Karate believes that there is plenty of competition in this world. We think it is important to have a place and an activity that is for you, without worrying about who you have to be better than.
Our style of martial arts promotes personal growth, focusing and improving you, not in competition with someone else, but it comparison only to how you were yesterday or the day before.
We request that parents do not compare their children on the mat to others, whether siblings or friends. Each student matures into martial arts on their time table. Be patient.
Your Child
We encourage you to let us know about your child's progress at school and at home. If there are areas of excellence, show us. We save all the report cards, pictures and miscellaneous cool things in their file, until they become a Black Belt. If there are areas of concern at school or at home, let us know. We may be able to address the class as a group and help, or maybe a one-on-one with one of our instructors may help.
We are a Family
We have established a scholarship program that enables students of families in need to train at Family Tree Karate. This includes not only new student families, but existing families, where there is a divorce or a loss of job. If you can contribute slightly more than your monthly fee, Family Tree Karate will match your donation. Think about it.
Sincerely,
Shihan, Sensei and all of the Sempi