The time it takes to become proficient varies upon your own abilities. At the Academy you will have learned techniques for almost all situations in only three months and after six months most students are amazed with their own ability and accomplishments. In most self defense situations you should feel that you could defend yourself fairly well after six months. To reach Black Belt, the same variables are at play, but somewhere between three and five years is about right.
Most Instructors recommend two classes per week, plus some practice time in between classes.
You should match your involvement with your fitness level. At the Martial Arts Academy, the students are grouped by age and rank. This means that you will be in a class with other people of similar skill and age. At the Academy, children learn that the martial arts is not an act of violence, but the art of how to handle themselves in a problematic situation. Aggresive behavior is channelled into assertiveness to increase a child's self esteem and build discipline and character.