FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I try martial arts/self defense?

Sure! If you are wondering, give it a try. There is no better way to decide.

Which martial art should I try?

There are many martial arts styles, and many schools from which to choose. As long as the
technique is properly taught, the best style to study depends on what you want. Some hard
styles emphasize direct, powerful punches and kicks, while other soft styles emphasize
flowing motions. Different schools may teach self defense, meditation, balance, flexibility,
sparring, and personal growth, to varying degrees and with distinct approaches. If you want
to know which style suits you best, check out several. Remember, the attitude of the
instructor and the atmosphere of the class are as important as the style itself.

What is Taekwon Do?

Taekwon Do is a modern, hard style Korean martial art whose name means foot-hand- way.
The name was coined in 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi, who founded the style and is now
grand master and president of the International Taekwon Do Federation (ITF). Through
international seminars, and the writing of a remarkable encyclopedia of Taekwon Do, General
Choi has standardized many aspects of our art. Thus a practitioner in our style may train
throughout the world and immediately recognize the techniques, exercises, and sparring
rules. This standardization is nicely balanced by the individual teaching methods of each
instructor. Taekwon Do is a refinement of many centuries of martial arts, particularly
Japanese and Korean styles. Techniques include a wide array of foot, hand, elbow, and knee
strikes, as well as throws and joint locks. Taekwon Do is distinguished from other arts
largely by its wide arsenal of spectacular and effective kicking techniques. Much training time
is devoted to learning the fast and powerful kicks that are possible through biomechanically
correct body positioning. This allows the practitioner to train safely for many years,
developing strength, balance, and flexibility.

Are there any age limits?

Anyone over the age of 4 1/2 is welcome to join. Young children may train in special peewee
classes, and may also train with the older students. There is no upper age limit. As many
senior citizen black belts have shown, it is never too late to start.

Will I learn useful self defense?

Absolutely. Alongside striking techniques, practical self defense is an important facet of the
art. How to roll, fall, release techniques and how to defend against weapons are some of the
aspects of self defense taught for real life situations.

Do I have to be an athlete to train?

No. Everyone trains at his or her own level. If you are not used to hard physical training,
that's fine. You will find that your strength, endurance, and flexibility increase steadily as
you work out. If you are a conditioned athlete, don't worry, you will get a good workout. We
welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities. People who are physically challenged are
encouraged to join. Taekwon Do can be rewarding for anyone who wants to train.

Do I need any experience?

No previous experience in the martial arts is required. All you need is the desire to learn.
However, we welcome students of other martial arts who want to learn Taekwon Do.

What is a typical class like?

Class includes traditional eastern and western elements. The lessons of individual classes
vary, and might include punching and kicking drills, practice of targeting and focus with other
students, self defense techniques, and choreographed sequences of movements. Sparring
with protective pads is practiced regularly, with emphasis on extremely light, safe contact
and precise focus of one's attacks. A number of tournaments are sponsored by various
schools in the area, and are available for all students. Competition in sparring, performance
of patterns and board breaking is an important part of each student's development.