Here is a list of some Frequently Asked Questions that you might have:
Do I need any prior experience or training?
Can I attend a trial class prior to signing up?
Are there any registration fees and/or contracts?
Do I have to pay by the month?
Can I pay by credit card?
Do I need any special clothing and/or equipment?
Am I  required to attend a certain number of classes a week?
Do women train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Can I get injured while training at RPFS?
What is the general attitude of RPFS staff and students to new members?
Can parents watch their children train?

Q:  Do I need any prior experience or training?

A: No.  At RPFS we have many members, including men, women and children, who began their training with no prior experience (marital arts or otherwise) what so ever.  Also all RPFS instructors make an effort to structure their classes and curriculum based upon the abilities and experience of the individuals in attendance.  That being said, RPFS also prides itself on the fact that, if a member does have prior experience or knowledge in the combative arts, that member is afforded the opportunity to share his/her unique talents and/or experience with the membership at large.  In short, the training offered at RPFS is open to everyone, REGARDLESS OF EXPERIENCE!

Q:  Can I attend a trial class prior to signing up?

A:  Absolutely.  At RPFS we offer every prospective member the opportunity to participate in two classes free of charge and without obligation.  The only requirement is the signing of a waiver and release by the participant and/or parent if they are under 18 years of age.

Q: Are there any registration fees and/or contracts?

A: No. Memberships at RPFS are charged on a monthly basis (see the Rate schedule elsewhere on this site) and there are no minimum contracts and/or registration fees required. However discount membership rates are offered to members who pay 3 or more months dues in advance and/or to members who sign a 6 month or 1 year commitment with an automatic method of payment. For details please contact RPFS directly.

Q:  Do I have to pay by the month?

A:  No.  We also offer per class rates for each discipline.  However most members find that, in the long run, it is more cost effective to pay by the month if one intends to attend more than 1 class per week.

 Q: Can I pay by credit card?

A:  Yes. As of June 1, 2007, Rat Pack is pleased to offer it's members the option of paying dues, merchandise purchases and/or equipment orders via major credit card. We currently accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Q:  Do I need any special clothing and/or equipment?

A:  No.  Initially RPFS members are not asked and/or required to purchase any special clothing and/or equipment.  However after the first few weeks of training most members have elected to purchase fight shorts, gloves, mouth pieces, etc, in order to further their Jiu Jitsu training and/or for striking/stand up training.  In order to accommodate these needs RPFS offers all such clothing and/or equipment for sale at our facility at discounted rates. 

Q:  Am I  required to attend a certain number of classes per week?

A: No.  While RPFS encourages its members to train as often and consistently as possible, in order to maximize the benefits of martial arts training, we recognize that our members schedules vary in regards to work, family, etc.  Accordingly how many times per week or month a member trains is solely up to the individual and/or his or her parents.

Q:  Do women train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

A:  Yes.  While at the present time, the majority of RPFS members training in BJJ are male, we do have several female members who attend classes on a regular basis.  The same holds true for our striking and Muay Thai/Kick boxing programs.  In fact, the only discipline offered at RPFS which is gender specific is our Women's Aero Boxing program which is, of course, for women only.

Q:  Can I get injured while training at RPFS?

A:  Unfortunately, the answer to that question is yes.  While we at RPFS emphasize safety in all of our classes and instruction, martial arts training is inherently dangerous and there is always the risk of injury.  If new members have a preexisting injury or condition which, in any way, limits their abilities or movement, they are encouraged to let the instructor know ahead of time.

Q:  What is the general attitude of RPFS staff and students towards new members?

A: At RPFS we pride ourselves on a friendly, family oriented atmosphere which stems from our "check your ego at the door" policy.  Make no mistakes, RPFS is a serious training facility which serves as home to many talented martial artists but which does so without the attitude and/or arrogance prevalent in some martial arts circles.  For further insight in to the Rat Pack Philosophy please click on the Philosophy section of this web site.

Q:  Can parents watch their children train?

A: Yes.  While parents are afforded the opportunity to observe the children's classes at RPFS, we do ask that they do so in a manner which does not detract from the learning experience and/or training of our members, children or otherwise.