There is more to Taekwon-Do than just kicks, blocks and strikes.  General Choi devotes a substantial part of his Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do at the very beginning to Taekwon-Do Moral Culture (Jungshin Sooyang 중ㅅ힌 소오양) and the Five Tenets of Taekwon-Do.  This is an important part of our training and the core of our School.

"This moral culture is uniquely tied in with Taekwon-Do, not only for the eventual attainment of the highest goals in Taekwon-Do and the promotion of power, technique, and self-confidence, but also for the cultivation of character. Without this, the instructor would be guilty of imparting a devastating force to those who could eventually become so enamoured of their newly found techniques they might very easily become bullies or use this knowledge as a means to achieve their personal ambitions." - General Choi Hong Hi

FAQ's

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do (TKD) is a hard-style Korean martial art that's known for its real and powerful hand and foot techniques. It is a well-designed system for conditioning both the body and the mind.

Where did it come from?

General Choi Hong Hi created Taekwon-Do in 1955, basing it on earlier Korean and Japanese styles.

So it's not an ancient art then?

Well, yes and no. The techniques were incorporated from ancient martial arts. However, the system of training is modern and therefore in general better designed and safer than most.

What can I get out of TKD?

Self-defense, self-confidence, fitness, poise and much more. Taekwon-Do is excellent all-around training for both body and mind.

Why should I do TKD rather than Tae-Bo?

Tae-Bo makes you sweat and gets you fit. TKD does this and a great deal more.

Is TKD better than other martial arts?

There is no "best" martial art. Some styles suit certain body types and personalities better than others. The most important thing is that you are comfortable in the environment, enjoy yourself, and find the training challenging, interesting, and engrossing. The only way to find out if TKD is for you, is to come along and try it out!

When can I start?

You can come in and start at any time. You're also welcome to come in, try a class, and talk to people about the school. Check our Specials Page for new student offers.

How do I start?

Just come to class in a T-shirt and sweat pants and we'll get you going!

I've never done anything like this before. What will happen?

If you are brand new to martial arts, we will typically have a senior student spend a class or two teaching you the basics, and then you can start training in the main class. There is a lot to cover in the first couple of classes, so just remember as much as you can, and then you'll get plenty of practice while training in the main class.

I've actually done some martial arts before. Can I train with you?

Of course! We have people from all kinds of backgrounds training with us. We'll try and slot you into class at an appropriate level.

Do I need a uniform as a beginner?

You just need comfortable clothes that you can move and work out in, such as a T-shirt and sweatpants. Uniforms are provided at no additional charge as part of your registration fee.

What are classes like?

We start with warm-ups and stretching, and then training usually includes some combination of the following: line drills and partner training (hand and foot techniques), patterns or forms, free sparring, self-defense techniques (releases, joint locks, throws, falling and so on) and step sparring.

How much does it cost?

Class tuition depends on which program you want to join, see an Instructor for exact class fees. We never employ contracts, our class fees are on a month-to-month basis.

Why all the bowing / "sirs" and "ma'ams" / etiquette?

Etiquette, courtesy and respect for others is a fundamental and important part of Taekwon-Do, and other martial arts. Bowing and addressing your seniors and fellow students properly is part of learning this. If you're new, don't worry about learning all the etiquette right away - you'll pick it up along with everything else.

Is Taekwon-Do safe?

People in our school may get minor bumps and bruises from time to time, but more often than not the injuries are from other activities (e.g. snowboarding, running, basketball, etc.). Injuries that occur in class are generally infrequent and minor.

What if I have to miss a class?

We know that people can be busy with classes, work, and other things. If you have to miss a class, that's not a problem; you can make it up at anytime. Please keep in mind that your eligibility to test for rank promotion depends on your attendance