What age can my child start karate? Is there an age limit?
We welcome students as young as 3 years old. At this age, classes focus on building focus, gross motor skills, balance, and learning basic class structure — all taught in a fun, positive, and age-appropriate way.

There is no upper age limit for our karate program. Traditional Okinawan Karate is well known for having some of the oldest active training students in the martial arts world. Karate is a lifelong practice, and we are happy to modify training as needed to ensure it is safe, effective, and appropriate for each individual, regardless of age or experience.

Do you focus on tournaments or practical self-defense?

At Mad Rock Martial Arts, our primary focus is practical self-defense and personal development.

While we offer students the opportunity to participate in tournaments if they choose, competition is completely optional and is never the primary goal of our training.

Our curriculum is built around developing skills that have real-world application, including:

• Situational awareness and conflict avoidance
• Effective striking, grappling, and self-defense techniques
• Building confidence under pressure
• Improving physical fitness, discipline, and resilience
• Developing character, respect, and leadership

We believe martial arts should prepare you for life—not just for competition.

For those who enjoy testing their skills in a sporting environment, we are affiliated with recognized competition organizations and offer optional tournament training throughout the year. Competition can be a fun way to challenge yourself, build confidence, and meet martial artists from other schools, but no student is ever required to compete.

Whether your goal is to gain confidence, learn to protect yourself and your family, improve your fitness, or simply become the best version of yourself, our programs are designed to help you succeed in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

My child has ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Can they participate?

Absolutely.

Many children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other learning differences thrive in martial arts. Every child is unique, and we work closely with families to provide a supportive environment whenever possible.

Membership Holds

We understand that situations occasionally arise where a temporary break from training is necessary.

Members may request to place their membership on hold under the following conditions:

• A minimum of 30 days' written notice is required.
• Membership holds may be approved for a maximum of two (2) consecutive months.
• Memberships may not remain on hold indefinitely.

If a member requires a break longer than two months, the membership will instead be treated as a cancellation and the standard cancellation policy will apply.

Our Standard Membership is structured as a yearly membership, designed to provide consistency in training and value for our members. However, it is not a locked-in contract.

Members may cancel their membership at any time by providing two (2) months’ written notice.

To make membership accessible and flexible, we offer several payment options:

• Monthly payments

• Quarterly payments

• Semi-annual payments

Regardless of the payment option chosen, the membership pricing is calculated annually. This pricing already accounts for:

• All scheduled holidays

• Planned dojo closures

• Breaks throughout the year

Because these closures are factored into the annual rate, there are no monthly price adjustments, refunds, or credits for holidays or scheduled closures.

This structure allows us to maintain consistent programming, staffing, and facilities while offering members fair and predictable pricing throughout the year.

Am I too old to start martial arts?

Not at all! We have students ranging from preschoolers to adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. It's never too late to begin your martial arts journey.

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable athletic clothing is perfect for your first class. If you decide to continue, we'll help you get fitted for the appropriate uniform.

Can I start at any time during the year?

Absolutely! We accept new student registrations year-round.

Unlike many sports or seasonal activities, there's no need to wait for a new session to begin. Our instructors are experienced in helping new students join classes at any time and will ensure you or your child feels welcome and comfortable from day one.

Whether you're looking to start this week, next month, or later in the year, we'd love to welcome you to the Mad Rock Martial Arts family.

Are your instructors and staff background checked?

Yes. The safety of our students is one of our highest priorities.

All Mad Rock Martial Arts instructors and staff who work with children have successfully completed a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) as part of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and professional environment for every family.

In addition to background screening, our instructors are committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism, respect, and student safety both on and off the training floor.

I have experience in another martial art. Will I have to start over?

Not necessarily.

We recognize and respect the time, effort, and dedication that students have invested in their previous martial arts training. Every transfer student is evaluated individually, as different martial arts styles, organizations, and grading standards can vary significantly.

For students coming from a similar style or system, we generally offer one of two options:

Option 1 – Start Fresh
Students may choose to begin as a white belt. In many cases, their previous experience allows them to progress more quickly, and time-in-grade requirements may be reduced or waived as they demonstrate the required knowledge and skills.

Option 2 – Retain Your Current Rank
Students may continue wearing their current belt while following a customized training plan to learn our curriculum. A reasonable timeframe will be established to become familiar with the techniques, kata, terminology, and standards of our dojo. At the end of that period, an evaluation will be conducted, and the student will be placed at the rank that best reflects their proficiency within our system.

Our goal is to respect your previous training while ensuring that every student meets the technical standards and expectations of Mad Rock Martial Arts.

Who teaches the programs at Mad Rock Martial Arts?

At Mad Rock Martial Arts, our programs are taught and overseen by highly experienced and qualified instructors. We believe students deserve knowledgeable, consistent instruction from people with the experience to teach safely and effectively.

Our primary instructional team includes:

Michael Mullett
Michael is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do with more than 35 years of martial arts training experience, along with over 25 years of experience in Japanese Jujutsu. Michael also serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Matsubayashi Karate Association (CMKA), where he helps oversee and support instructor development and the continued standards of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do in Canada.

Jessica Mullett
Jessica is a Level 2 Certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE). Her professional education and experience in child development are especially valuable within our children's programs, helping us provide an environment that is structured, age-appropriate, encouraging, and focused on the development of the whole child.

Alex Foley
Alex is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with nearly 20 years of BJJ experience, as well as more than 30 years of experience in Karate. His extensive background across both striking and grappling arts brings a tremendous amount of practical knowledge and experience to our students.

What about Brown and Grey Belt students?

You may occasionally see experienced Brown and Grey Belt students assisting with classes. Learning leadership and teaching skills is an important part of advanced martial arts development, and we believe senior students should have opportunities to develop these skills under the guidance of our instructors.

In the event of an unexpected illness or emergency, a qualified senior student may occasionally be asked to help cover a class.

However, Brown and Grey Belts are not the primary instructors responsible for running our programs.

When you register yourself or your child at Mad Rock Martial Arts, you can be confident that our programs, curriculum, and day-to-day instruction are led and overseen by experienced, qualified instructors.