Frequently Asked Questions

  What style do you teach? 
We Teach Tae Kwon Do and Combat Hapkido Martial Arts!

What is different about the Academy of Martial Arts
We have been in the training in the Ankeny area for over 15 years and started our own school in May of 2004. The school is run by a husband and wife team who are both Certified Instructors.
Master Kevin Deaver is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Combat Hapkido.
Master Janice Deaver is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Our family Friendly environment is a safe haven for positive energy for all who enter.  Our educational programs have been highly rated here in Ankeny by families, the Ankeny Parks and Recreation Department and the Ankeny Family YMCA.
Rather than simply dividing classes according to belt rank, we teach all of our classes - children through adults - in a way that is developmentally appropriate and age specific. While most schools are run by Black Belts, there is a big difference between knowing Martial Arts and knowing how to teach Martial Arts. We combine both at the highest levels.
We also are known for training students who have received their black belts from our school and used their results as a tool on their applications for scholarships, resumes, & military advancement. Using us as a reference has made the difference between students getting the better job and being accepted into many colleges!

Master Deaver has personally teaches 16 of 24 classes a week. I do not know of any other school in town or instructor, who teaches as much as well as maintain a family and a full time job outside the martial arts. Many instructors either teach full time or have others teaching for them. This way you get personal instruction from Master Deaver himself.

Can I keep my current rank from another style/school?
Some skills will definitely be transferable and other skills will have to be picked up here.  When you come in to the academy we can evaluate you over the course of a few classes and rank you according to where you fit into our curriculum.

Do you spar at your school?
Sparring is something that some students want to do and other students do not.  For those who want to spar, we have sparring available in many of the classes. We practice NO CONTACT sparring and Head gear is required.  For those who do not wish to spar it is offered in classes with no contact, and a student can become quite adept at both physical and mental self-defense.

How long does it take to become a black belt? 
For a student 7 years old and above who never misses a belt promotion, it would take about 2 1/2 - 3 years.  However, on average it take about 2 1/2 - 3 years.  For a student below the age of 7, it may take a little longer.

Is participation in the martial arts  going to make my child more violent?
On the contrary! Children who have a postive outlet for their energy, and who participate in activities that boost their confidence and self esteem. Have proven to be less violent and more easily able to resolve conflict without fighting.
The reason is that feelings of anger and inadequacy are really what is behind most violent outbursts in children.  Martial Arts gives them both a release valve in a controlled environment, and the confidence to overcome any lack of self esteem.  School principals have told us that students who train at our academy are more likely to keep a cool head in conflict than many other students in their schools.