For your information, here are some Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the best martial art to practice?
First and foremost, training any art is better than training nothing. The next point to make is that the effectiveness of an art is almost entirely dependent on the practioner. In many cases, martial arts were developed for a specific purposes. Thus, some are better at certain combat ranges than others. Even so, it will still come down to the better martial artist as opposed to the style. Back to top
How long will it take to get my black belt?
You may never earn your black belt. It depends on your motivation to train. Bottom line, you cannot buy a black belt here! Back to top
Do you teach eastern religion(s) as part of your programs?
Martial arts originated in the Far East. Thus, their culture including various religions are part of their martial arts. We discuss some of the culture as is appropriate, but we do not teach any religion or worship of any particular god. We have students of many different beliefs/faiths training at our school. Back to top
Are martial arts appropriate for a child?
It depends on the art and the capabilites of the child. Obviously there are techniques that are age appropriate, but there are other physiological and psychological factors that play a role in the decision of whether to enroll a child in a particular program. Back to top
At what age can I start my kids in your program?
We have programs for children as young as four. The right program depends on your child. Thus, we would need to have them try out two trial classes for us to make a determination as to the appropriate class. Back to top
What martial art should I train?
This really depends on what your goals are. We have included a brief history of a variety of martial arts to give you an idea of what might fit you.You need to spend time researching with your end goals in mind, then pick a system and train it. Back to top
What program should I sign up for?
We have developed a questionnaire that should help you with this. Please take the questionnaire to find the best program for you. Back to top
Do you teach weapons?
We teach the following weapons: broad swords, staff, tai chi sword, three sectional staff, twin knives, nunchaku, single knife, single and double stick(s). Back to top
Are you affiliated with any organizations?
We are affiliated with the Internal Arts Association. Back to top
How did you come up with the name for your school?
After many years of training and teaching, Master Kelly came to realize that successful martial artists needed to pay as much attention to the health/healing side of the arts as well as the destructive aspects. Traditionally, martial artists learned the nurturing as well as the destructive elements of their arts. A practitioner who is healthy in mind and body is a more efficiently functioning martial artist. Master Kelly realized that in order for one to grow in skill over time a martial artisit needed to care for themselves so that they could continue practicing throughout their life. Thus he emphasizes balancing health development and maintenance with self-defense skill. Master Kelly shares his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics with students as he teaches the various movements and postures of the martial arts. You will benefit by learning more about yourself as well as how to handle yourself in a conflict situation. Self Care Arts can benefit one throughout one's lifetime as a means of health maintenance and self defense. Back to top
Do you teach self defense?
Yes, we do. Please see the seminar schedule. Back to top
What does the term MMA mean?
This term stands for Mixed Martial Arts. It generally refers to programs where a variety of martial arts techniques are combined into a single unifed training program. Back to top
So isn't your MMA program just like Bruce Lee's Jeet Kun Do (JKD)?
There are a couple of fine points that need to be made on this topic. Bruce Lee advocated "No way as the way," meaning pick what works for you, or perhaps don't be held back by the structure of a particular system. What almost everyone fails to realize or overlooks is that he had extensive formal training in a number of systems, enabling him to branch and graft from a solid foundation. So he did not pick a hodge-podge of different techniques and paste them randomly together. At SCA we train solid foundations in a variety of systems to enable you to become an accomplished martial artist at all ranges. Thus, you will be able to apply those techniques in a variety of self-defense situations. Back to top
Do you have sparring?
Once you have earned your first sash, we require sparring as part of the curriculum. The type of contact is dependent on your grade level and the particular skill you are trying to develop. Our senior students fight full-contact with either Koushu rules or rules similar to no holds barred. Back to top
What is the difference between internal and external martial arts?
Historically, the term "internal" referred to martial arts that were developed internal to China: Tai Chi Chuan, Baguazhang and Hsing-I Chuan. External styles were those that were brought in from outside China. Over time these terms have come to characterize two different types of training. With internal training the student begins working subtle internal muscular control, intent, and techniques. With external training the student works on gross motor coordination, kicking, punching, footwork, etc. Over time, external practitioners develop internal skill and vice-versa. Long-term training produces cross over effects by which characteristics of hard (yang), and soft (yin) are combined in a well-balanced martial artist. This person is neither a soft (internal) nor hard (external) practitioner, but a well-balanced practitioner of both. Back to top
Can you find high-quality Chinese martial arts in the United States?
Many highly skilled martial artisits left Communist China in the 1940's to avoid persecution and death. Many masters have immigrated to the United States as the land of opportunity. Their knowledge has been passed on to many highly skilled non-Asain masters and many of them still teach in the United States. So, yes, you can find high-quality Chinese martial arts in the United States. Back to top
What is the difference between kungfu and karate?
Kung fu has come to symbolize everything not Karate or Tae Kwon Do. Kungfu is not a style. It means, "skill acquired through hard work over time." Thus, the term could be applied to a chef or musician. Back to top
Do you have any material available for students with disabilities?
This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Back to top
Can I train martial arts if I have injuries?
Yes, but we evaluate the type of training you do on a case-by-case basis, in conjunction with a release from your physician. Back to top
What is the difference between soft and hard styles?
Soft or internal styles focus on development of the mind, breathing techniques, core muscle development and flexibility. External or hard styles focus on development of gross motor skills, punching and kicking techiques, and general self-defense skills. A good martial artist will end up developing both the hard and the soft if they train long enough with the right instruction. In general, external or hard styles are easier to learn. Back to top
How much do your classes cost?
This depends on the type of class, duration, and the frequency of training. We require that you sign up for two trial classes; the fee is $20.00. After the trial you can then review our fee schedule to best service your needs. Back to top
What other fees are there?
For each rank there is a testing fee. As you progress you will have to purchase protective gear, and as you begin to train weapons, you will need to buy those as well. Back to top
Do you or your students enter tournaments?
You are free to pick any tournament to train for, but the type of sparring that we normally engage in does not lend itself to most tournaments. We have had students enter full contact Karate tournaments and take first place, but our focus is not on sport training. Back to top
Why don't you offer free trial classes and/or incentives like free uniforms?
The reality is that nothing is free. If we give you a uniform or free trial classes, then those costs must be passed along to the school's student population. Schools that offer free uniforms and classes factor in those costs into higher monthly fees. Our trial fee provides liability protection for our school. This is due to the fact that our trials introduce physical contact, which so many in today's society are unaccustomed to. If you are interested in training you will show up and pay the trial class fee. Back to top