Questions & Answers

Welcome to Snow Herons! We know that new members often have questions, so we've compiled answers to the most frequently asked ones to help you out!

Avenue Primary Academy

Access for Vehicles and Parking

Vehicle access to SHMA is allowed only after 6 PM from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays starting at 8:30 AM. Parents are required to drop off and pick up their children in designated areas and must adhere to the posted speed limit at all times. Vehicles are not allowed to enter the lower car park, even for turning around. This area is designated as a safe zone for children and adults to meet, enter, and exit. We have implemented strict compliance with this; individuals who do not follow these guidelines will be denied vehicle access for the remainder of the school year.

Jewlery & Religious Threads

For the safety of all, students are prohibited from wearing any jewelry during, with the exception of wedding rings. Stud earrings are permitted if covered by a bandage, and red religious threads must be hidden with a tennis-style wristband once a student starts Hapkido or Dagger Defense in their curriculum (8th Gup and 11 Yrs/2nd Gup, respectively).

Essential Medications

Parents are required to provide any essential life-saving medications, such as daily asthma inhalers, auto-injectors, and antihistamine syrup. Students who attend immediate afterschool classes will have their necessary medications available in the school office or medical area. Please be aware that SHMA does not have access to any medications stored at the school after 6 PM from Monday to Friday or at any time on weekends. It is vital to bring these medications in a labeled ziplock bag to every class, including holiday camps, as we cannot access medications during these sessions. SHMA reserves the right to deny a student entry to class if the instructor assesses that the absence of these medications poses too great a risk.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phone use by parents is not allowed in any area of SHMA's venue unless you are DBS certified and have submitted a copy of your DBS certificate to our administration team. We kindly ask that parents keep their phones stored in a pocket or bag throughout the lesson. Students must place their mobile phones on the class administration table for the duration of their class.

Late Collection Fees

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can cause delays; however, please note that a late fee will apply if you arrive more than 5 minutes late. This must be paid within 14 days, and SHMA reserves the right to suspend further classes without a refund until the late fees are settled. We have two types of charges: one for late students while a class is in session and another for late students when no class is operation. Our fees are as follows: 1-10 minutes *£2/**£5, 11-20 minutes *£5/**£10, 21-30 minutes *£8/**£15, 31-40 minutes *£10/**£20, 41-50 minutes *£13/**£25, 51-60 minutes *£15/**£30, and for every 10 minutes after 61 minutes, it's *£3/**£5. To avoid late fees, we recommend designating a class buddy parent to look after your child until you arrive. Please remember that we require a text or email to authorize the release of your child to anyone not listed on your booking form.

Trial Lessons

Free trial lessons are offered for the following age groups: students aged 4 to 10/11 years on Fridays from 5:30 to 6:45 pm or Saturdays from 9 to 10:15 am, and students aged 10/11 years and older on Fridays from 6:45 to 8 pm or Saturdays from 10 to 11:15 am. To schedule a class, please complete our contact form. Parents are required to stay during the trial class, and please be aware that vehicle access is not available for trial lessons. We kindly request that students wear their school PE kit or similar clothing (joggers and t-shirt) and bring water.

Class Absence / Make-Up Session

Please inform us if your child will not be attending their regular class. We ask that notify us on the day of abcence by texting SHMA on 07714 425883. This helps us avoid unnecessary searches for a missing student in direct afterschool classes and addresses potential safeguarding concerns related to the school. Missed classes can be made up during the booked term if we are informed in advance. However, missed classes cannot be carried over to a new term unless SHMA has canceled a class, in which case you have 6 months to catch up on the canceled class. To request a make-up class, please use the contact us page and specify the class and date you'd like to attend. Ensure the make-up class is appropriate (age, grade etc.), and this information is available on the classes information page.

Uniform/Protective Kit

We aim to outline the requirements and costs for the necessary uniform, badges, protective headgear, and sparring pads. In the second term, students are required to have an SHMA Uniform and a Protective Headguard, both of which can be acquired anytime after training starts. Our SHMA uniforms range from £32 to £36 based size, while the protective headguard is priced at £26. Upon attaining the 10thup (yellow belt), students will need a TEMAS uniform badge for £7 and dipped foam shin guards, which cost around £26. Additionally, 9th Gup (Yellow Tag Belt) students are expected to purchase the remaining sparring gear, including Foot Guards, Hand Guards and a Groin Guard for males. Full kit prices can be found in our website shop, and we advise purchasing the complete sparring kit at 10th Gup to participate in free sparring.

Late to Class

Students arriving late to class may enter and get ready for the lesson. Once prepared, they should wait the side until the instructor permits them to join the group. While we recognize that traffic can cause delays, frequent tardiness demonstrates a lack of respect for both the instructor and fellow students. Those who are consistently late may be withdrawn from grading, as higher belt ranks entail greater responsibility and leadership. However, students inform us in advance about regular lateness due to school bus schedules are exempt from the lateness rule.

Members Section

This login area will provide our members with important information, including booking, grading details, and video links for syllabus techniques, among other resources. Our members section will be accessible starting in September.

Belt Grading

Students will be notified once they are ready to take the belt grading exam. The student handbook contains important information about the belt process and the requirements for participation. the members section, you’ll find all necessary details, including grading fees, new equipment (such as Bo Staff and Tanto), grading dates and times, instructions for completing the belt grading booking form, payment options, and alternatives for those unable to attend the main scheduled grading (like Semi Private grading, Private Grading, and Holiday Camps).

Trial Lesson

We provide a free trial lesson the following age groups: students aged 4 to 10/11 years on Fridays from 5:30 to 6:45 pm or Saturdays from 9 to 10:15 am, and students aged 10/11 years and older on Fridays from 6:45 to 8 pm or Saturdays from 10 to 11:15 am. To book a class, please fill out our contact us form. Parents are required to remain during the trial class, and please note that we cannot provide vehicle access for trial lessons. We kindly ask that students wear their school PE kit or similar attire (joggers and t-shirt) and bring water.