Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Can I try a trial class?

Yes!

We want to give you a chance to experience our classes, instruction and community because we think once you try it, you'll love it like we do.

You can sign up in advance or once you arrive. 

Sign Up For A Trial Class

Do I have to wait until the beginning of the month to start?

You can start any time! Our classes are adaptable to your level and abilities.

How do I sign up for classes or events?

To sign up for Enso Center membership or events please visit our Membership & Donations page for more information.

For a few more details on Enso Center Funding see the How Is Enso Center Funded FAQs section.

Classes

What types of classes are offered at Enso Center?

Enso Center offers classes in Hapkido, Weapons, Tai Chi, Archery and Yoga.

Other specialized classes, summer camps and private lessons are also offered.

To learn more about all Enso Center classes please visit Programs.

To learn more about Enso Center summer camps please visit Summer Camps.

How many classes can I attend?

Classes are offered on a set schedule every month. We invite you to come to as many classes as work in your schedule and lifestyle. Our classes are free of charge, however we do have suggested memberships for those who are interested in supporting our work.

To learn more about all Enso Center classes visit Programs.

For more information about our membership tiers please visit Memberships & Donations.

To see the current schedule of Enso Center classes please visit Class Schedule.

What are Enso Center’s martial arts instructors’ qualifications?

Jason Mix began teaching as the principal instructor of Enso Center - Redmond since 1986, making Enso Center one of the longest running schools in Redmond.

He is active in the martial arts community, sharing and training with students and instructors from many styles.

Jason Mix studied Hapkido with Grandmaster Kwang Sik Myung from the World Hapkido Federation. He currently holds an 9th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido.

Jason holds 6th Degree Black Belts in Taekwondo from the Korea Yonmookwan Taekwondo Association.

Master Jason Mix has studied Tai Chi for over 20 years, studying with Ying Hong Yang and Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso.

He is also certified as a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Aikido through Hombu Dojo in Japan.

He has taught thousands of students, bringing nearly 200 to the rank of black belt.

Our head instructor has over 25 years experience teaching martial arts.

For details on all Enso Center instructors please visit About Us.

What do I wear? Do I have to buy a uniform?

For all programs other than Hapkido, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can move freely in.

After attending Hapkido classes regularly and settling into training, you will need to buy a uniform. Our uniforms are available for purchase from our online store.

Purchase Uniform

Do you have any kids only classes?

At Enso Center, adults and kids train together.

This allows and encourages you to train with partners of various sizes, abilities and levels.

This also makes for a fun training environment, especially for families that want to train together.

What are the minimum and maximum ages to participate?

There is no maximum age - if you're interested, we can help you achieve your goals!

Hapkido is open to ages 6 - adult

Yoga is open to ages 10 - adult

Tai Chi is open to ages 12 - adult

Weapons is open to ages 12 - adult

Archery is open to ages 13 - adult (children ages 11 - 12 may attend with special permission and conditions specified by the instructor)

How Is Enso Center Funded

How do I pay for classes?

Enso Center provides classes free of charge to anyone who wants to join. There is no payment required to attend classes. We are funded primarily by donations which allow us to keep the programs running and cover our costs and we invite you to become a member.

Because we are a non-profit, membership, promotion tests, certifications and annual registration and insurance donations are tax deductible.

Membership is automatically paid monthly, via a credit / debit card on file, on the first of each month, until you tell us to stop. We have suggested monthly donation amounts, or you can come up with a custom amount. For more information visit Memberships & Donations.

You may cancel your donation at any time by giving notice before your next payment.

Classes & Other Activities NOT Funded By Donations

Archery, Private Lessons, Summer Camps and class registrations through Redmond Parks & Recreation, 6Crickets or participation through any other 3rd party are NOT tax-deductible donations.

Are there any other costs?

Enso Center has suggested donation amounts for Promotion Tests, Certifications and Annual Registration and Insurance. These help keep our programs running and cover our costs but are not required.

For more information visit Memberships & Donations.

Rank

What roles do promotion and certification play across all arts taught at Enso Center?

If you would like to learn more about the role that certification, promotion and connection play across all of our arts and how all of Enso Center's programs approach health and complement each other you can read more about that in Certification, Promotion & Connection.pdf

How often do people promote to the next colored belt level?

The length of time between promotions will vary depending on the length of time it takes each student to learn the required curriculum for each level. 

One of the things that we recognize at Enso Center is that people progress at their own speed. In general, this occurs every 3 months but varies from person to person and at different levels.

As your rank increases, so do the requirements and expectations and consequently the time between promotion tests will be longer. 

A key factor in the time taken is your diligence in practice and how often you are able to attend class.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

See the answer to the FAQ on how often people promote as it is relevant. 

A very general answer might be anywhere from 3 - 5 years to reach 1st Dan or 1st Degree Black Belt but this depends on attitude, discipline and attendance. 

At Enso Center, we like to focus on learning correct technique at all levels. 

The 1st Dan Black Belt is an important milestone in your journey within martial arts but it is also only just a milestone.

Can I transfer my rank from another school to Enso Center?

At Enso Center, we typically honor your existing rank from another school in the same martial arts.

But we also expect you to learn our curriculum, some of which will be very familiar due to your previous training.

Please contact Master Jason Mix directly for more information about your specific case.

Safety

Are martial arts dangerous? Do you use pads or body armor?

There is always some risk of being hurt in practicing marital arts. At Enso Center, we train with safety as our primary emphasis while focusing on effective, correct technique.

Only "tag" style sparring is practiced at Enso Center and as such body armor is not needed.

Does Enso Center compete in tournaments?

We do not compete in traditional tournaments because we believe that the sport of sparring does not emphasize the same goals as our school.

Instead, we offer our own Enso Games which better serves our goals of healthy competition and effective martial arts - and is FUN!

Other Questions

Why is Enso Center a Non-Profit?
How can I be notified about or check on upcoming events, center closures and other Enso Center updates of interest?

All upcoming events, center closures and other Enso Center updates are published on the Enso Center News page on our website.

We do our best to notify students of any upcoming events, center closures and other updates via email as well.

You can also be notified of these updates by liking or following us on Facebook. To be notified you will need to do the following:

Go to the Enso Center Facebook Page

Click the three dots "..." (near the top of the page).
Click Following
Click on the three dots "..." again and then Click on Follow Settings
Make sure the Newsfeed Setting is set to Favorites or Default
Make sure the Notifications Setting for Posts, Video and Live Video are set to Standard or All Notifications

When you turn on notifications, you'll get updates each time Enso Center posts something shared with you.