FAQs

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Frequently

ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQ

Which class is right for me?
At BETA Academy, we have many different classes to fit a variety of needs. Do you want to get in shape? Fight competitively? Learn to defend yourself better? Join a community? We can help you do any or all of those things. Visit our Programs section to learn more about the different classes we offer. Still unsure about which classes to try? Come in today to try a FREE class. One of our team members will meet with you to figure out which classes best suit your needs.

What should I wear on my first day?
Wear clothes that you can work out in and that are comfortable.If you are trying our Muay Thai program we can provide you with boxing gloves on your first day.

What should I bring with me to class?
You can bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at one of BETA’s water fountains. We also have bottled water for sale. Although BETA provides lockers, you should bring a combination lock to ensure that your stuff is protected. Make sure you bring your belongings home with you after class.  If you sweat a lot, like most of us do during class, it’s not a bad idea to bring a small towel to wipe up with afterward. To make sure that you are fully prepared, BETA’s pro shop is always stocked with professional equipment for your convenience.

PRO TIP: A lot of martial arts gear looks very similar, so it’s a good idea to write your name on your personal equipment and shirts/gis.

Is there parking?
There is plenty of street parking available around the Academy.

How many times a week should I train?
If you are a beginner, we recommend attending classes two times a week.

How much does it cost?
We offer a wide variety of classes and can work with you to find the best schedule that fits your needs and budget.

MUAY THAI FAQ

What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is a martial art from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This combat sport is also known as “the art of eight limbs” because it uses fists, elbows, knees, and feet.

What is the difference between Muay Thai, Thai Kickboxing and Thai Boxing?
There is no difference between Muay Thai, Thai Kickboxing and Thai Boxing. Thai Boxing is the English translation for Muay Thai, and both terms are used interchangeably.

Does Thai Boxing require a uniform?
Our uniform consists of shorts and a BETA T-shirt. It’s important to wear your uniform to class so that instructors can identify your level and track your progress. If you need additional uniforms, they can be purchased at the pro shop.

If I become a member of the Muay Thai Competition Team, do I need to fight?
Members of the Muay Thai Competition Team are not required to fight. You do not have to enter the Muay Thai ring in order to train like a fighter.

Do I need to buy my own Thai Boxing equipment?
Equipment including punching bags, focus mitts, and Thai pads are all supplied at BETA Academy. Students are required to purchase their own boxing gloves. Once you have a green belt or higher, you are expected to have your own shin guards, mouth piece, and protective cup (if applicable). To purchase Thai Boxing equipment, visit the pro shop.

Does Muay Thai have a belt system?
Traditionally, Muay Thai does not have belt ranks. At BETA Academy, we have developed a unique progression system that allows students to track their advancement in the art. Our curriculum is designed to take a student with no knowledge of Thai Boxing to a level where he or she can proficiently execute techniques in all aspects of Muay Thai.

What if I have trained Thai Boxing before?
All students are encouraged to start at the beginner level where one of instructors will assess your skill level. Students with prior experience in Thai Boxing will be placed in the appropriate class level.

How often should I train Thai Boxing?
Thai Boxing is a complex art and students are encouraged to train a minimum of two hours per week.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU FAQ

Do I need a uniform to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
For your first few classes, you’ll only need to wear comfortable clothes such as a T-shirt and sweatpants. Eventually you will need to purchase a BJJ uniform, also known as a gi. BETA Academy offers uniforms for sale at the pro shop and can help you find the right one.

Do you teach no-gi grappling?
We do teach no-gi grappling (aka submission grappling) and encourage our students to learn techniques both with and without the gi. Once our students learn the basics using the BJJ gi, we transition to techniques that do not require the use of a uniform.
Are there belt ranks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
We follow the traditional BJJ ranking system that has five belt ranks: white, blue, purple, brown, and black.

How long does it take to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not easy and the length of time depends on the student. Although achieving the rank of black belt is a great accomplishment, we really encourage students to focus on learning the art.

What if I have practiced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and students of all martial arts backgrounds are welcome to join our academy. If you have prior grappling experience, an instructor will assess your level and place you in the appropriate class.

How often should I practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a challenging art and students are encouraged to train a minimum of two hours per week. Sparring is key to effectively applying the techniques learned in class so it is recommended that our students spar as much as possible and are welcome to practice what they’ve learned during our open mat sessions.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FAQ

What are the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) classes?
Before our students start training in MMA we make sure that they have a strong foundation built on effective striking, through Muay Thai, as well as grappling, through BJJ. A thorough understanding of both styles is necessary to become a complete martial artist. This may take a few months depending on the student but once this milestone has been achieved, students can begin to train in our Mixed Martial Arts classes.

How do I join the BETA Academy MMA Competition Team?
Students are given invitations to tryout for the MMA Competition Team by the Head Instructor, Khun Kru Nakapan.

When do you hold MMA training sessions?
MMA training schedules are distributed directly to competition team members. Training sessions are generally held in the late evenings.

KIDS MARTIAL ARTS FAQ

How do I sign my child up for the BETA Academy Kids Program?
Schedule a free trial class for your child today! This will allow you to assess if the Kids Martial Arts Program is right for your child and your family. There is no cost or obligation during this trial.
A parent or legal guardian is required to be at the academy during classes throughout this trial period so that our instructors can get to know you and your child. This will also provide you the chance to tour our facility, meet our instructors, learn about our programs, and ask any questions that you may have.

When can my child start classes?
Whenever is best for you! We offer open enrollment so kids can join our program year-round. Our rotating curriculum is designed so that your child is able to learn the material easily no matter when he or she starts.

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ADDRESSBETA ACADEMY
1353 FLORIDA AVE, NW
Washington, DC 20009
HOURSMON-THURS: 6AM-10PM
FRI: 12PM-8PM
SAT-SUN: 9AM-1PM
CONTACT INFO
(202) 538-0422
info@betaacademy.com
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Success

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At BETA, our success is completely and entirely tied to yours. We depend on our students for honest referrals earned by us delivering real results – it’s simply the one and only way we grow our academy – NOT from never-ending subscriptions.  Our singular purpose is to help our students, through martial arts, achieve the very best version of themselves, and we take immense pride in seeing this to completion.

We fully expect, and plan for, the day when students no longer need our training.

When you’ve met your goals, learned proper habits that work for you, and have established a proven path to continued physical and mental well-being, then we’ve both succeeded.

To that end, if you’re a prior or current student and wouldn’t mind sharing your experience at BETA with others, we’d greatly appreciate it! We’re immensely thankful for your support and wish you all the very best in your martial arts journey.

Please contact us via community@betaacademy.com to share your story with us!

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