
Plano Family YMCA
Contact:
Ysabel Merhout
Head Instructor
214.563.9174
ymerhout@tx.rr.com
www.akato.org
American Tae Kwon Do or American Karate contributes to increased physical strength, flexibility, balance, control, discipline, and spirituality. Students train with others at their own skill level progressing from basic stances, punches, blocks, and kicks to the study of more advanced Katas (patterns of movement) and defense objectives.
Session Dates and Times: Sessions are sold on a Monthly Basis with classes taking place every Monday and Wednesday night from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for the beginner class and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM for the intermediate/advanced class. Unless otherwise noted on the calendar, you can expect that this schedule will remain consistent on a month to month basis. Adults and parents are encouraged to participate as well!
Ages: 6 and Up
Location: Plano Y Gym
Cost: $50 Member Rate per month - $80 Non Member Rate per month
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a uniform?
No you don’t - we don’t require a uniform until you have obtained your first colored belt (normally after one or two months).
2. Where can I get a uniform?
You can order them through us at the cost of $31 which includes the Beginner’s book or just the uniform for $27. They are also available for purchase at any Martial arts supply store. Closest one would be World Martial Arts Supplies at Nantucket and Campbell or Academy sometimes has them.
We wear a uniform with a white belt to start.
3. My child has taken classes somewhere else, where will they fit in?
Please come a little early and discuss this with the head instructor. Normally Grand Master Yates allows the student to continue to wear the belt they earned and then as they learn our material, they are tested into our system. They will be required to start with the white belts unless they are coming from a school that does our curriculum.
4. When do classes start?
We run on a month by month schedule at the Plano Y, the front desk has a current calendar and it is posted on our website.
We accept new students only during the first week of the month. After that you should wait until the next month starts. The only exception to this is if you are a returning A-KaTO student.
5. What are the costs of the classes?
Please check our website or contact the Plano Y front desk for this information. 972-705-9459
Note that the Y does NOT pro-rate fees if you start after the first class.
6. I can only come one day a week, will my child miss anything?
No. Although missing 50% of the classes could cause your child to progress slower.
Note that the Y does NOT pro-rate fees if you attend only one day of class per week.
7. What if I have to miss a class, do you offer make-ups?
No. Classes are sold on a monthly basis only.
8. What are the belt colors for the regular class?
White, Yellow, Orange, Purple – Beginner levels
Green, Blue – Intermediate levels
Brown, Black – Advanced levels
9. How do you do testing?
We have a belt exam at the end of each session, but not all students are eligible to test each month. There are both time and class attendance requirements at all ranks, and the student must be invited by the instructor.
It is bad form to ask to test - if you wish to check your time eligibility, please ask your instructor.
10. How long does it take to get your black belt?
The minimum time from White to Black is 4 years. You must be at least 12 1/2 years old. Black Belt testing is invitation only and is a very rigorous exam. It typically takes 5 to 6 years.
All Refund Requests must be made in writing at the branch. Submission of the Refund Request Form does not guarantee a refund of any amount. All forms are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the YMCA Sports Director and Executive Director.
Refund Request Date | Refund Amount |
Prior to 1st Class | $25 processing fee |
After 1st Class | No refunds issued |
Insufficient Funds
All returned checks, bank drafts, credit card charges will be billed a service fee of $25.
Late Registration Fee
Late registrations will be assessed an additional $10 fee.
Payment is due at the start of the 1st Class of each Session