Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I get started? You don't have session start and end dates so doesn't everyone else know what they are doing?

A. We offer those that are interested in our programs an Introductory Membership which gives them a uniform and certain time period to get in there and try the classes out. We integrate new students into the programs all the time. For children, they attend classes which include the white belts and at their appropriate age group. For teens and adults, the beginning students line up in the back and are able to follow more experienced students. We then split the class by belt rank so students can focus on their belt requirements.

Q. What can I expect from a typical class?

A. The beginning section of class is devoted to warm-ups, flexibility drills, and cardiovascular training. This will frequently utilize some of the basic Tae Kwon Do movements. Children will sometimes have an obstacle course as a part of their initial warm-up drills. Time is then spent on the specific techniques of Tae Kwon Do- time spent learning or reviewing belt forms or poomses, kicking combinations either with targets or individually, board breaks, sparring practice or drills, and some self defense techniques. Some class time may be spent in belt rank groups and then in whole group instruction.

Q. How do you advance from one belt level to the next? Do you have to compete against other students?

A. The belt advancement is based on individual mastery of the skills at each belt level. Students are not compared to others, each student is evaluated with their own performance of the skills at each level. Students earn a black stripe on their belt to show they have their belt form, a red stripe to show they have their kicks, and a yellow stripe to show they have their board break. Earning all three stripes indicates a student is ready to participate in the belt promotion test which is offered here at the school every three months.

Q. If I enroll my child in a martial arts program will he/she turn into a bully or make them more aggressive?

A. A basic part of martial arts training is learning self control and respect of others. Students are taught responsibility with their martial arts skills- that they should only use them if in an actual dangerous situation requiring self defense skills. If someone is teasing them or trying to start a fight, they learn to walk away and not bother with that person who clearly has some problems. With their training, children feel pride about their skills. They walk a few inches taller after experiencing the inner strength you find when they break that first board. With this inner pride and confidence, other kids tend to pick on or bother them less.

Q. My child is already involved in a couple other activities. Can you convince us to add martial arts training to the mix?

A. Training in the martial arts can become a life long activity for your child! They will experience increased focus, concentration, and self confidence which will carry over into their school work. Breaking down a long term goal and accomplishing it step-by-step is a valuable tool and a wonderful way to empower your child. The physical skills they learn will help give them an edge in any other sport they may participate in. It is also a great tool to learn how to stand up for yourself and to defend yourself if ever faced with danger. Involving your child in martial arts will give them many tools to succeed in life!

Q. I am an adult interested in starting martial arts training, do I need to lose those extra pounds first and be in good shape before I start?

A. Martial arts training can help you lose those pounds and get in shape! It can be a powerful part of your fitness plan! Each student is encouraged to work at their own level. As a beginner you may not be able to keep up with all of the exercises. If you try as many as you can with each class you will notice over time that they become easier and that you are able to do more over time. Earning the next belt rank is a very motivating tool to help you stay motivated and active in working to that very concrete and tangible goal. The belt rank system can be the tool that works for you even if have not been able to stick with traditional exercise programs in the past.

Q. Is one martial arts style better than any other? How do I choose?

A. All martial arts styles off great benefits to their students. No one stands out as better than the others. The important component in finding a martial arts school where you feel comfortable about your training. A place where you can see yourself staying involved for years to come. Try out a class, try it for yourself and talk to other students and parents. We would like to earn your trust and to be the school you choose to guide you along the powerful journey of martial arts training!!