A trial class is a regular class, where a prospective student is allowed to participate. It is the best way to know what it is like to be a student (and parent) of CMAC Dapo. We hope that this guide helps you prepare and have the best experience possible, no matter where your first class may be.You can also read the version for youth-adults: What happens in a martial arts trial class for youth/adults.
Notes
- At the Dapo, a trial class is also referred to as an assessment class, since we assess the prospective student’s performance as part of their admissions requirement.
- Keep in mind, this guide is based on how a trial session happens at CMAC Dapo. Other establishments will have different protocols.
It’s the big day your children (or you, the parents) have been waiting for—their very first martial arts class! We hope that this guide helps you prepare and have the best experience possible, no matter where your first class may be.
1. What is a trial class?
A trial class is a regular class, where a prospective student is allowed to participate. It is the best way to know what it is like to be a student (and parent) of CMAC Dapo. Think of it like sitting in at a university lecture, to get a good feel of the class and school environment.
A trial class is also a student assessment
- During the trial class at the Dapo, we assess the prospective student’s aptitude for martial arts study.
- Since spaces are limited, an assessment is an important step for student admission. We are looking for students and parents who agree with our core values, and we hope to match yours as well!
2. Before the trial class
We recommend completing forms and waivers prior to class—all of these are available electronically and sent via SMS or email. You may arrive 5 minutes prior to class time as well, to take care of any details and settle in.
What to bring
- Your phone or device to complete any forms or waivers
- Credit card (for credit card payments) or banking info (for direct debit payments)—if you wish to enrol at the end of class
- One piece of government ID for security verification
If you brought a friend to try the class with your child
They can train together in class as partners, and another pair of students will be working closely together with them. Bringing a friend is a quick way to get children comfortable in a new environment, so we encourage friends to try their first class together.
Book your free trial class!
Try a free class at CMAC Dapo—spaces are limited, so slots are not guaranteed until confirmed by our staff.
3. Meeting our staff and instructors
A staff member and instructor will meet you right away and get you comfortable. You will most likely have already spoken with them, and it’s great to finally meet in-person. The instructor will select a suitable training partner for your child, to be their companion during class.
Who you are tomorrow, begins with what you do today.
4. In-class training
Your child will participate in the class as if a full student, completing all the warm up, fitness exercises, drills, basics, and whatever the class plan for that day is. As in academic school, there are no spectators when students are learning. We have a large viewing window at the front where you will be able to see the class.
Why children train without an audience watching
- Students need to be able to focus without distractions
- Students need to learn to trust the authority in the martial arts class—the instructor—without being confused by another authority (the parent)
- Martial arts class is for training, versus performing. We are not displaying for an audience; rather, we are working on ourselves.
- When students are in elementary school, they learn with their peers and teachers, without being watched.
- How would you feel, trying to learn, while many are watching you? Same for your child. They need an environment conducive for learning.
There will be opportunities to see your child in action!
We understand that you would like to see your child’s progress and performance. You will get a chance to be there with them during a grading (promotional exam), where they also get the chance to show you what they have learned so far. Read about gradings below.
5. During class
If it is your first time in-person at our school, we give you a tour of our facility, and the original art and photographs on our wall. We encourage parents to view our history and take in the artwork—we are very proud of these qualities unique to the Dapo.
If you have other questions not yet answered during our correspondences prior to the trial class, now would be the perfect time to ask. Most parents have all the information prior to the trial class, so the trial class serves as the confirmation that “Yes, this is a good decision!”
Online Information Sessions on Wednesdays
We hold online information sessions for prospective parents and students on Wednesday evenings at 7:10pm. Register for the next one to get your questions answered prior to your trial!
6. End of class—chat with the instructor
When class has ended, the instructor will provide your child’s final assessment and eligibility for admission. If your child’s assessment was successful, you may proceed to administration to complete enrolment.
Possible questions to ask the instructor about your child’s assessment
- How was my child’s behaviour and listening?
- Was my child working well with the other students?
- Was my child engaged and following instructions?
7. In case your child’s admission needs to be postponed
There are some cases when we do not recommend admission yet. Although martial arts can help many children, not all are ready to receive its lessons here at our school, at this time.
Some reasons for postponing admission
- Age and maturity—usually waiting a few months makes a difference, especially with younger children
- Poor assessment results
- A more suitable establishment fits your needs
8. Uniform fitting and enrolment can happen at the end of class
While you take care of payment with administration, your child can get fitted for the right keikogi (martial arts training gear) at the same time. We will also take an official photo for ID purposes, and of course you can take a photo to mark your child’s first day.
Your first day of training is memorable! All the instructors still remember our very first class, too!
If you prefer to decide at home, that is okay too. We will not chase you or try to convince you to sign up with sales gimmicks. If you like the program, and believe this is a good decision for your child, then let’s work together in achieving the goals you have set out.