Question 1

What is U.K.G.A.?

Accepted Answer

True  Strength Martial Arts is proud to be a representative of the United  Kempo & Gung-Fu Academies. The United Kempo & Gung-Fu Academies  is the result of a lifetime of martial arts training by Grandmaster  Monty L. Atchley. He has spent the majority of his life learning  numerous martial arts on his quest to create the most effective system  of self-defense he could imagine. This incredible art has been pressure  tested by Grandmaster Atchley and hundreds of his students over the  years. It has been used and proven effective in many real life  self-defense situations including armed robberies, assaults, and even  attempted murders. It has even proven itself valuable in MMA matches,  though sport combatives are not the main focus of our classes. We have  had many students come back and tell us stories over the years of how  the lessons they learned with us had literally saved their lives.

U.K.G.A. has several different martial arts disciplines under its  banner. The fighting systems are rooted in traditional arts, but is  trained with modern concepts and training methods. This combination of  the fighting styles has created an all-inclusive combat system covering  all ranges of fighting, be it from a self-defense stand-point, or even  on the battlefield. The fighting systems cover the use of traditional,  modern, and even improvised weaponry; ground fighting, standing  grappling, joint-locks, control tactics, striking, throwing, and even  conflict de-escalation. Use of force can be scaled from low level  violence to high level violence to properly address whatever the  situation calls for.

Even though it is an amazing starting point for the beginner, it takes a  veteran martial artist to fully appreciate the depth and scope that the  U.K.G.A. martial arts systems provide. The systems are adaptable enough  to go against any style, while also staying open-minded and  incorporating any new techniques or tactics needed to stay relevant in  an ever-changing world. Since it was created, it has never stopped  evolving and it never will.

Question 2

Do I have to be in good shape before I start?

Accepted Answer

No, you will get into shape as you train. We have a series of exercises that you will learn as you progress through the ranking system which will enable you to perform the self defense techniques.

Question 3

I am 31 years old, am I too old to start martial arts?"

Accepted Answer

No, you are not too old to begin martial arts training. Kenpo regularly has students start from adolecense through their 50's and older. Kenpo is a practical and effective martial art that does not incorporate gymnastics.

Question 4

How does the ranking system work?

Accepted Answer

All ranks and certifications are awarded after finishing testing requirements including not just technical knowledge and performance, but also proper character development. We offer many different programs and each has its own structure.
 
You can find a complete listing of the structures here.

Question 5

What is the difference between Taekwondo and Kempo?

Accepted Answer

Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art that focuses primarily on kicking techniques. Some Taekwondo schools also teach Olympic style fighting. Kempo is a practical self-defense system which trains the student for modern day self defense encounters. Kempo students are taught a more well rounded method of self-defense which includes strikes with knees, hands, elbows, feet; throws, jointlocks, chokes, ground grappling, and weapons defenses.

Question 6

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Accepted Answer

In the Kempo & Gung-Fu system, it takes approximately 4 -6 years to reach black belt. However, the curriculum is self-paced, so the time will vary student to student.

Question 7

What sort of things should I consider when choosing a school?

Accepted Answer

Advice on choosing the right school varies widely depending on what the student is looking for. We recommend that beginners look for a place where they feel comfortable and safe. The second priority should be if you enjoy what is being taught. In order to become truly great at something, you need to be able to find enjoyment from it. If you are enjoying the art, you are more likely to train consistently and develop real skill. The third priority should be price and availability. You should consider what are you comfortable spending and if you can work the classes in with your personal life schedule.

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