Frequently Asked Questions

Several factors may affect classes at the WEST COAST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE. This list are some, but not all factors that could affect class schedules.

• Association events  such as tournaments, black belt exams, and training seminars. These events usually result in cancellation of classes for that day.
• Special in-house events such as seminars, celebrations or tournaments can result in classes being cancelled.
• National or state holidays may lead to a modified class schedule, or occasionally result in class cancellations.
• Natural disasters or other events which might render the building uninhabitable, unreachable or unsafe. 

Are you wondering when your student will test? At the WEST COAST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE, we award color stripes on belts throughout the year. These stripes indicate progress but do not guarantee testing dates. Our goal is for students to attend classes consistently, demonstrate positive behavior at home and school, and practice martial arts diligently outside of school.

To test on time, students must:

• Perform belt level curriculum at a level commiserate with their current rank.
• Demonstrate proper focus, concentration and effort in class.
• Show respect to instructors, staff and other students.
• Earn all required testing stripes for their current belt level. Brown through Red/Black belts must earn all white stripes to be eligible to pre-test.
  They will earn black stripes during pre-testing.
• Upon receiving a RED STRIPE (Instructor Evaluation Stripe), they will receive their testing application.
• Students who do not receive their red stripe and testing application by Monday before testing must wait until the following month or until they meet all testing requirements.

If your student misses their scheduled belt test at the  WEST COAST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE:

• Make-up testing is typically not available due to staffing limitations. 
• Missing a test will usually result in rescheduling for the following month's test. An instructor must discuss alternative arrangements to adjust the testing schedule beforehand.
• We do not offer make-up testing every month.

At WEST COAST MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE, students who miss one week or more due to illness or vacation can submit a Vacation Form at our front desk. We extend each student’s contract by up to 3 weeks per year to cover missed time. 
For longer vacations we ask for a copy of the planned itinerary be submitted with the request. Extended time is added to the END of the current contract and is not refundable. Please reference the policy document you signed when you
started for limitations on extensions. This policy applies to students in our BBC, XPT, and Master Club programs.

At West Coast Newark may change class schedule due to class sizes. As students progress into higher classes and programs each month, adjustments may be necessary based on class sizes. We strive to provide at least 2 weeks' notice before implementing new class times. While we endeavor to maintain consistency, we understand that schedules vary among our students and cannot accommodate everyone's preferences.

If you relocate more than 20 miles away from the ERNIE REYES WEST COAST WORLD MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE:

• Your WCWMA Contract can transfer to another school within our association.

If you move to an area without a nearby WCWMA school:

• You can cancel your contract without a termination fee by emailing a notice and providing proof of residency within 30 days of your next billing cycle.

When transferring to the ERNIE REYES WEST COAST WORLD MARTIAL ARTS INSTITUTE:

• Provide a letter of recommendation from your previous instructor detailing your current skill level, strengths, weaknesses, and learning style.
• We aim to ensure our school is the ideal fit for students joining us from another WCWMA location or an external martial arts organization before finalizing any contracts.