Not at all. Beginners are not just welcome — they're expected. FMA is designed from the ground up for people with zero martial arts background. In fact, many students find it easier to start fresh, without habits from other systems to unlearn. What matters is that you show up ready to focus and learn. Scott will take care of the rest.

No. FMA is built on skill and understanding — not strength, speed, or athletic ability.

Regular workout clothes and tennis shoes. That's it. No uniform, no special gear, no bare feet. Wear what you'd wear to any workout, bring a water bottle, and you're set. We may occasionally wear an FMA school t-shirt, but it's never required.

Expect to be surprised — and not by what you think. Most new students arrive expecting something like kickboxing. What they find is far more interesting. FMA class is more mentally demanding than physically. You'll spend the hour in total focus — learning the why behind every movement, training your body awareness and reflexes, and developing real skill in real time. Students consistently say they walked out having completely forgotten about their day. That mental reset is one of FMA's most unexpected benefits.

Similar to learning a musical instrument or becoming conversational in a new language, real defense skill takes time — focused, intentional effort over time. FMA wasn't built as a style first and then adapted to fit real threats. It was built the other way around: real, dangerous threats on the street exist, and FMA was created to address them directly. That's a large subject, which means the training is extensive and your growth potential is substantial — built to prepare you for the vast range of attacks that can occur, especially in an urban environment. In a genuine life-or-death encounter, the possibilities are nearly endless. There are no shortcuts.

Think of it like an instrument: do you want to play one song, a few songs, or any song asked of you? From day one, you're learning skills and concepts that put your understanding far ahead of the average person. From there, you build steadily — more skill, more proficiency, over time.

We do offer a one-day workshop for those who genuinely can't attend regular classes. Some training is always better than none — but regular classes over time are what build real capability. Because the cost of being under-trained can be severe, we strongly recommend ongoing training.

FMA is not a sport and was never designed to be one. Sport martial arts operate within rules — weight classes, same-sex opponents, one attacker at a time, no weapons. The street cannot guarantee those generous conditions. FMA is built exclusively for street-applicable self-defense: multiple attackers, weapons, unpredictable scenarios. There's no bowing, no formality, and no techniques taught without absolute consideration of an unforgiving, life-or-death environment far beyond demonstration or competition.

FMA students develop genuine functional ability to manage and adapt to all types of attack. You'll train practical responses to:

• Being grabbed, choked, or held
• Defending against weapons
• Managing multiple attackers
• Creating distance and building the opportunity to escape
• Situational awareness and threat recognition
• And much more

Beyond physical technique, you'll be taught to understand the why behind every movement — because that understanding is what allows a skill to function effectively, and you to adapt as needed under the stress of a real encounter.

FMA does have a ranking system to help students understand their progress and organize productive training groups — but we don't wear belts in class. The focus is entirely on skill development, not rank display. Your progress is measured in capability — your proficiency and depth of understanding in the material you've been exposed to, and your performance compared to your personal potential.

FMA is designed primarily for adults, and there are no standard kids' group classes. However, options for younger students may be available:

• Private training (one-on-one with Scott, parent present)
• Semi-private training (2–4 participants)
• Custom group sessions (5–10 participants)
• Team or group kid/teen workshops

Serious teens are welcome in adult classes at Scott's discretion. Call (928) 925-2642 for details and availability.

Group classes are separated by gender — a dedicated Women's Group Class and a Men's Group Class. Private and semi-private training options are also available for individuals who prefer one-on-one instruction.

Private training may be on a waitlist — contact Scott for availability.

Women's Group Class — Multiple options each week so you can flex your schedule as needed:

• Thursdays 5:30–6:30pm (Wednesdays during June, July & August)
• Fridays 12:00–1:00pm
• Saturdays 8:00–9:00am
• Saturdays 11:00am–12:00pm

Men's Group Class

• Saturdays 9:15–10:30am

All group classes are held at our downtown Prescott location near the courthouse square. Private and semi-private sessions are available by appointment — call or text (928) 925-2642 for availability.

Once a week is the foundation of the FMA program — and it's intentional. Scott has structured the curriculum to be both highly effective and genuinely manageable for busy adults. Choose one class per week, flex between options as your schedule requires, and build from there. Consistency over time is what creates real skill. You don't need to clear your calendar — you just need to show up.

A student may do drop-ins once they become an established student (after three months of consecutive training), or if they've completed an FMA workshop in the last 90 days — both still at Sifu's discretion. We want you taking classes so you actually improve your capabilities. People sometimes say they "just want to come to a class and learn the basics." Please refer to the FAQ: How long does it take to learn? FMA trains for serious threats — it simply is not realistic to learn the basics in a single class.

Please don't come to class with sick symptoms, or if you've been exposed to someone who is sick. A person can be contagious for 1–3 days before they personally show any symptoms, so when in doubt, stay home. We appreciate your understanding — it protects the whole training group.

Contact us for current pricing on group classes and private lessons. Students consistently say FMA is one of the highest-value investments they've made.

"Price is only an issue if value is absent."

Reach us at (928) 925-2642 or scott@fmadefense.com.

We're located in downtown Prescott, near the courthouse square:

107 N. Cortez, Suite 405 (4th Floor)
Prescott, AZ 86301

Call or text: (928) 925-2642
Email: scott@fmadefense.com

Please do not interrupt private or group classes in session. Make an appointment before visiting.

Yes. FMA offers online courses for students nationwide — including programs focused on women's self-defense, professional safety (particularly for realtors and working professionals), and college safety. Scott also speaks at conferences and professional events. Contact us to learn about current online course availability or to inquire about speaking and workshop opportunities.