Our Logo

In essence, the logo visually narrates the journey of a martial artist: guided by wisdom (moon), navigating challenges (black background), developing understanding, patience, and cunning (panther), and ultimately achieving mastery (standing on the peak, illuminated by the journey's guiding light). Here is a breakdown of the logo:

• The Pale Full Moon Filling the Backdrop: The large, luminous moon symbolizes enlightenment, wisdom, and a guiding light. Just as the moon illuminates the darkness, your dojo aims to empower individuals with the wisdom to understand the principles of martial arts and their potential. Its fullness represents the complete journey towards mastery.

• Panther Silhouette: The sleek, powerful panther embodies several key aspects of our mission:

  • Wisdom: Panthers are often associated with quiet intelligence and keen awareness of their surroundings. Their focused gaze (even as a silhouette) suggests a deep understanding.

  • Patience: As apex predators, panthers are known for their patient stalking and waiting for the opportune moment. This reflects the perseverance needed on the path to mastery.

  • Cunning: Their agility, stealth, and strategic hunting skills represent the adaptability and cleverness (cunning) required in martial arts.

• Fully Outlined by the Moon: The panther being silhouetted against the moon emphasizes the dojo as the guiding force in the student's journey. The moon's light illuminates the path to mastery, with the panther (representing the empowered individual) standing within that guiding light.

Our Staff:

FAQ

About the Club and Programs:

• What styles of martial arts are taught?

  • • Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) / Panatukan - Traditional Filipino Martial Arts encompass both armed and unarmed combat, but unarmed lessons are usually taught after all of the weapons. The system we teach has extracted the empty hand so that it can be taught alongside the weapon arts.

• What age groups are catered to?

  • • Anyone over the age of 10 can join the Panatukan class, but students must be over the age of 16 to join the FMA class.

• Are there classes for different skill levels? (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

  • • The classes will cater primarily to beginners for now, though intermediate and advanced classes may be added later.

• What can be expected in the first class?

  • • In the first Panatukan class, you can expect to be taught class etiquette, how to move, and how to properly punch, as well as experience several beginner training drills that you can practice outside of class. In your first FMA class you will be taught the basics on class etiquette, how to move, and how to hold and use sticks, as well as experience several beginner training drills that you can practice outside of class. 

• Are trial classes or introductory programs offered?

  • • We always offer one free class so that anyone can come and experience what we have to offer and see if it will be right for them. 

• Are private lessons offered?

  • • We may offer private lessons on request.

• What are the benefits of training at the club? (e.g., self-defense, fitness, discipline)

  • • Our focus is to share knowledge of the art and self-defense, but if practiced regularly, this can also have fitness benefits.

• How long will it take to get a black belt?

  • • We do not award rank based on how long you've attended but on your ability to retain and demonstrate the skills we teach at an acceptable level. Commitment to attendance and diligent practice outside of class can help speed up your ability to perform at expected levels. We do not encourage setting "getting a black belt" as a goal. Doing so will lead to an unsatisfactory result because mastery of the art comes well after receiving the black belt rank. We also do not want people to feel like being of higher rank demands more respect than any other student because this does nothing to cultivate the family atmosphere we want to provide. High-ranking members should always be respectful and willing to help those of lower rank improve and grow, just as lower-ranking members should be respectful in receiving this guidance from advanced students.

Schedule and Location:

• What are the class schedules and hours of operation?

  • • Currently, our schedule and hours of operation are Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. You can see more on our Location/Schedule page.

• Where is the club located?

  • • Spa 360, 1026 S. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin TX on Wednesdays. You can see more on our Location/Schedule page.

• Are there any branches or affiliated clubs?

  • • While not a branch we are affiliated with a larger organization.

• Are there special events, seminars, or workshops? 

  • • We may offer additional classes/times and hold events or seminars in the future, so please continue to watch our Location/Schedule page.

Membership and Costs:

• What are the membership options and pricing?

  • • Membership is a flat fee of $75 per member per month. 

• Are there any additional costs? (e.g., uniform, equipment, testing fees)

  • • We encourage students to obtain a set of their own equipment for practicing at home, and attending seminars.

• Are contracts required?

  • • No contracts! We accept month-to-month, regular payments.

• What forms of payment are accepted?

  • • We will be accepting cash, check, Venmo, and debit/credit card payments via Square in person. There is an additional 3% convenience fee for credit or debit card transactions.

• Are family discounts offered?

  • • If there is interest, we may be able to provide a family discount, please feel free to discuss this with us on your first visit if more than one family member will be signing up.

• Is there a cancellation or refund policy?

  • • Our refund policy is no refunds, however, we realize life brings unexpected circumstances. If you need a refund due to a reason such as a life-changing event, please speak with us and we may be able to work something out.

Training and Advancement:

• How are students promoted to higher belt ranks?

  • • Tests need to be performed at specific levels of skill and will be recorded and reviewed by a panel of instructors from around the world.

• What are the instructor's qualifications and experience?

  • • Ross has been practicing martial arts for many years and has achieved sufficient rank as well as received permission from the head of the organization to start training beginners as he continues to advance in the system. Ross's love of research, sharing information, and instructing others has also led to him obtaining two master's degrees including a Masters of Education Degree.

• Do students participate in competitions?

  • • Our focus is on mastery and self-defense, not sport. We do not plan on attending any competitions at this time. We may be able to make some concessions to help you reach your competitive goals, but coaching is outside of our experience.

• Is sparring part of the training?

  • • Most of the work will be performed in solo and partner drills, but as you advance, sparring will become a common part of the training to help provide a stressful environment to test your use of the skills we teach.

Safety and Other:

• Is there a risk of injury in martial arts training?

  • • There is always the risk of injury when training in a self-defense-oriented martial art. We will always work to minimize risk by providing safety equipment and recommending the purchase of additional protection gear. During sparring we will require certain protective gear to reduce the risk of injury.

• Is any specific equipment or attire needed to start?

  • • There is no equipment required to start, though gentlemen may want to obtain and wear a protective jock strap. We would prefer you come in tennis shoes and clothes similar to your everyday wear so that you will know how that clothing will affect your ability to respond in self-defense situations. We also have gear lists on our Other Information page, and recommend you speak with us before purchasing any equipment so that we can give you suggestions that meet our use and safety standards. We are investigating the possibility of negotiating discounts with our vendors as well. 

• Is there a waiver to be signed before joining?

  • • We have a liability waiver and a photographic image use waiver.

• How can the club be contacted for more questions? 

  • • We can be reached in person during class times, by phone or email, or if you would prefer, we even offer a form that will let you give us your information so that we can contact you. All of these options can be found on our Contact Us page