Taekwondo Classes Near Me

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FAQs:

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art involving punching and kicking techniques, with emphasis on head-height kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast kicking techniques. The literal translation for tae kwon do is "kicking", "punching", and "the art or way of". They are a kind of martial arts in which one attacks or defends with hands and feet anytime or anywhere, with occasional use of weapons. The physical training undertaken in Taekwondo is purposeful and fosters strength of mind through mental armament.

Why is Taekwondo a Sport?

Taekwondo can be both a martial art and a sport. Taekwondo at its core is the art of self-defense that has many forms and styles.  But Taekwondo has also been promoted as a sport when the World Taekwondo(WT) organization was established as the international governing body for sports competitions internationally. Taekwondo is a martial art that is a very popular sport. The initial forms of the art, better known as “traditional Taekwondo”, have all put a lot of emphasis on self-defense, and these forms are still present. Students learn how to use all limbs as weapons to punch, kick and execute some basic throws.

But over the years, Taekwondo grew into a national sport in South Korea, and in other parts of the world as well. In order to promote TKD competitions internationally, the World Taekwondo(WT) organization was created to oversee the sports aspects of TKD. The sport grew so fast that the entire emphasis of the art moved from self-defense to competition and fighting under the rules. The biggest moment came in 2000 when Taekwondo was finally confirmed by IOC Executive Board to include the Olympic program of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

This is the reason why, nowadays, most schools teach you how to fight under the rules. Taekwondo as a sport has become so big that you will rarely find a gym that will teach you traditional skills.

Is Taekwondo Dangerous?

In short, yes. Taekwondo is a safe sport, but like any other martial art where you have kicks and punches, it carries a risk of injuries. It’s fair to say that it is much safer than some other arts like boxing because it includes far fewer strikes to the head. This means that training in Taekwondo could lead to various joint injuries and even fractures, but the risk of serious, long-term injuries like brain damage is very low. The most common injuries are joint and muscle strains and small fractures. The top five locations of injury are the foot, knee, ankle, thigh, and head.  

Students are throwing hundreds of hard kicks per class which is the reason why there are so many leg injuries. If you are on the receiving end, a strong kick might break your rib, which to be fair, is a common injury in all martial arts. But overall, we are not talking about the injuries that could have an impact on your life or health in the long run. These injuries also do not take much time to heal and are a part of many other sports out there like soccer or football. The rate of injuries is really low in Taekwondo because most schools put a lot of emphasis on safety. All students, no matter how skilled they are, must wear full safety gear when doing any live drills or sparring.

What is the Importance of the Basic Taekwondo Forms in Martial Arts?

Taekwondo forms are a series of standardized movements students practice in order to practice defensive or offensive techniques, develop their physical conditioning, and improve balance. These Taekwondo forms are done without a partner. Trainees who intend to advance to the next belt level must perform forms correctly.

Taekwondo forms are beneficial for improving eye, hand, and foot coordination since students combine a range of kicks, punches, and stances. Flexibility is also enhanced when martial arts practitioners train to master difficult forms and advanced techniques. Students gain stamina by practicing forms.

How Old Should You Be to Start Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is often promoted as a great activity for all ages, and it is true that practicing any activity throughout childhood and the teenage years often leads to a high degree of accomplishment. But as an exercise, martial arts does require some degree of physical capability and discipline to get the most out of it, leading many parents to wonder at what age they should enroll their children in Taekwondo.

The right age for starting Taekwondo often depends on the individual kid. Children all develop at different rates and for some, 4 years old is old enough while others are ready to start at 8. Many of the greatest names in Taekwondo did not begin their training until their early teens, so becoming the best is less about age and more about motivation once training begins.

Why Take a Taekwondo Class?

People take Taekwondo classes for a wide variety of reasons. Kids and teens love it because it’s exciting and fun to learn but it can also help instill discipline and improve confidence which obviously appeals to parents. Adults will either take a Taekwondo class to try it out because they’re looking for something different or they want to master a difficult skill or learn how to protect themselves. Others want to get fit and find martial arts like Taekwondo more engaging and fun than things like aerobics or popping to the gym. It’s also true that there’s a great community that has grown up around martial arts and you’ll meet people from all walks of life.

How Much Do Taekwondo Classes Cost?

The cost of Taekwondo training varies depending on what part of the United States you are, and if you are in a major city, but you can expect pricing to be in the $100-$250 range. The number of times you are allowed to practice per week, as well as how many martial arts you want to practice will be a factor in the price.

What to Wear to Taekwondo Class?

On your first day of Taekwondo, you will not have a Gi like everyone else, and that's okay. You can simply wear an athletic T-shirt and running shorts with no pockets. The reason that you want to avoid pockets is due to the risk of the pocket catching someone's toes when they kick. If you've ever accidentally kicked or thrown a hand strike where you become stuck inside the pocket, you'll know it's extremely painful.

As a Taekwondo student you are expected to wear your Taekwondo uniform, also referred to as the Gi. The belt must be tied around the waist and around the top portion of the gi. Undershirts are allowed under the gi. Your arm and pant sleeves should not be rolled up in any capacity (Unless the uniform is too large and you were instructed to do so by the instructor).

How Long is a Taekwondo Class?

Learning martial arts is a great way to make your life more exciting. It can also help keep your health in check. This is especially true now that classes have become more accessible and comprehensive.

The typical martial arts class was originally taught for an hour and a half. Today, it’s common to see multiple variations in the length of classes. This is great news for many students who are time-poor from working longer hours and keeping themselves busy with other activities.

Nowadays, the common timeframe for martial arts classes for adults is 60 minutes. This is prevalent in many martial arts schools. However, institutions like Northstar now offer 45- and 50-minute classes. They are easier to teach, despite being more condensed and intense compared to longer sessions.

The standard class for children usually lasts for 60 minutes. But in recent years, many institutions have taken into consideration the limited attention span of the average three-, four- and five-year-olds. Keeping these children in a class that lasts more than an hour can be very difficult. So the time frame now considered ideal is more or less 30 minutes.

Of course, some parents believe that 30 minutes is a very short amount of time for a comprehensive class. However, even though some schools and dojos offer classes that are longer than one hour, a shorter class is undoubtedly much better as learning is more concentrated. After all, it is rare to see toddlers doing 60-minute gymnastics or swimming classes since they usually find it too difficult to focus that long.

For children between the ages of nine and twelve, self-defense classes can last a lot longer. Pre-teens don’t have a problem with sessions that last for 45 or 50 minutes. Their longer attention span allows them to absorb new information and continue their training without being easily distracted.

For the average person who wants to learn and train in martial art for the first time, a 60-minute session is ideal. Martial arts students, instructors, and enthusiasts who prefer longer sessions can attend seminars and workshops. These comprehensive gatherings can last for as long as two hours.

What Do You Do in Taekwondo Class?

Your first Taekwondo lessons will teach you the basic moves and get you used to some of the protocols such as bowing on or off the training floor. You’ll also find a lot of stretching and strength conditioning that can really improve your fitness levels.

The basic moves or drills will normally be performed as a group and are all about developing your form that will benefit your practice. You’ll learn to stand properly, make a fist, and a few different techniques. If you like your first Taekwondo lesson, you can opt to sign up and carry on.

Over time, you’ll learn different moves, punching techniques, and kicking as well as explore the philosophy behind Taekwondo. Once you’ve progressed in your technique, you can start taking part in sparring. How you progress will largely depend on your fitness levels and your commitment. Along the way, you’ll get plenty of support from the instructing team.

If this is your first time trying out a martial art like Taekwondo you may be a little nervous. Most people are but there’s nothing to worry about. Beginner classes are designed to be fun and give you a workout and taster of what Taekwondo is all about. You’ll be amazed at the diverse range of people who are in the class with you.

How to Prepare for a Taekwondo Class?

Below are a few tips to help you out and make sure you’re getting the most out of the experience. 

Invest in a Quality Gym Bag

If you’re attending your classes after work, you’ll need to bring a suitable change of clothes with you. This is where a quality gym bag will be useful, one that is big enough for you to keep your gym wear, and water bottle, and to put your keys, wallet, etc., all in one place. Backpacks are a good style of gym bag as they are easy to carry, so why not treat yourself to one of these backpacks for sports people?  

Fuel Up

Your first Taekwondo session might not be too strenuous as it will be a chance for you to go over the basics, but that doesn’t mean you won’t still need energy. Just like any form of exercise, it’s sensible to fuel up on smart foods to give you an energy boost beforehand. Don’t eat straight before your class, but about an hour before so you’re not moving around on a full stomach. A healthy snack would work well, and then eat a nutritious meal afterward to help your body recover. You must remember to bring water with you as well, as staying hydrated is key.

Be Punctual

Many things could make you late for your class but try to be punctual. Your instructor has other students to teach, and it is better for everyone if they are not interrupted by you arriving late. You’ll also benefit from the full session if you arrive on time rather than having to try and catch up when you have missed the introduction. Aim to be at your class at least ten minutes before it starts, and if you are late for whatever reason, slip in quietly at the back to minimize disruption to the rest of the class.

Be Prepared for a Few Bruises

Martial arts can get rough at times, but it’s important to remember that you are in a safe space. You should be prepared to perhaps walk away from your first session with a few bumps and bruises, but provided you follow the safety guidance from your instructor, you shouldn’t come away with any serious injury. You will be going over the basics at first so you can build up your confidence and get used to sparing with your classmates during your sessions moving forward.

The Origin of Taekwondo

The origin of Taekwondo in Korea can be traced back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded 37B.C. since mural paintings found in the ruins of the royal tombs built by that dynasty show scenes of Taekwondo practice. Taekwondo was also practiced during the Silla dynasty. Korean culture and martial arts of the period were strongly influenced and enriched by the Hwarangdo, a military, educational and social organization and noble youths of the Silla dynasty. The code of honor on which the Hwarang was based was loyalty to the nation, respect, and obedience to one's 'parents, faithfulness to one's friends, courage in battle, and avoidance of unnecessary violence and killing.

In the history of Koryo, Taekwondo which was then termed "Subak" was practiced not only as a skill to improve health and as a sports activity but was also encouraged as a martial art of considerably high value. Subak is believed to have gained its highest popularity during the reign of King Uijong, between 1,147 and 1,170 A.D. This period roughly corresponds to the era that includes part of the Chinese Song and Ming dynasties, during which the Chinese "Kungfu" became widely popular. What is very important about Subak in the Yi dynasty is that there was a book published to teach the game as a martial art and that it became more popular among the general public.

5 Tenets of Taekwondo

Taekwondo teaches the foundation of good sportsmanship by teaching the five core tenets.

1. Courtesy: Politeness and respect for others, behaving in a well-mannered and civil fashion.

2. Integrity: Showing good character, honesty, prudence, and decency. Behaving ethically and morally.

3. Perseverance: Purposefully pursuing a course of action despite difficulty, resistance, or discouragement.

4. Self-Control: Keeping one's emotions, desires, and impulses in check, and exercising control in their expression.

5. Indomitable Spirit: The spirit that can’t be broken or conquered, the strength of spirit that comes from knowing one’s self.

How to Do Taekwondo

To practice Taekwondo, you must apply traditional Korean martial arts values and practices. These practices include.

- Loyalty to your country

- Obeying your parents

- Honoring your friends

- Perseverance

- Integrity 

You must also practice courtesy, wisdom, and the concepts of goodness, which include mercy, virtue, and compassion. To be a true master of Taekwondo, it’s important to aim to be the best version of yourself. 

In general, Taekwondo training will consist of practicing offensive and defensive forms in order to harden the body. This can involve forms of kicking, punching, jumping, blocking, dodging, and sparring practices. Another important factor involved in Taekwondo is mastering your breathing and developing jiptjung, or power gathering.

General Rules of Taekwondo

The rules of Taekwondo may vary between the forms and styles, but most of the major rules are very much the same. Here is all you need to know about the general rules of Taekwondo, the scoring of the matches, and the equipment. 

1. The main goal in a Taekwondo match is to outscore or knock the opponent out by landing kicks and punches in the allowed target areas. 

2. Each bout lasts three rounds with each round being two minutes. A rest period between the rounds is one minute.

3. Each bout includes one referee and three judges scoring the contest.

4. Athletes compete on the 10m square mats.

Taekwondo Equipment and Uniform

The equipment you need for Taekwondo will depend on the type of Taekwondo you’re doing and if you’re performing in a competition. It’s important to note that no tape is allowed on any part of the Taekwondo uniform. 

Sparring contestants must wear a white Taekwondo V-neck uniform approved by WTF (the World Taekwondo Federation) and in good condition. Black belts are required to wear uniforms sporting black collars. 

Poomsae contestants must wear Y-neck competition Poomsae uniforms that are designated by WTF. These uniforms must comply with the guidelines set forth by the WTF, including rank designations.

In addition, Taekwondo contestants must wear protective gear such as: 

- Approved trunk protector

- Headgear 

- Groin guard 

- Gloves

- Forearm protectors

- Shin protectors

- Sensing socks

- Mouth guard

Top 3 Strongest Kicks in Taekwondo

The emphasis of Taekwondo is on kicks and its fighters are masters in executing them fast and with a lot of power. They spend each class learning how to throw various spinning and jumping kicks. But, which Taekwondo kicks generate the most power and do the most damage? Here are the top 3 strongest kicks in Taekwondo:

1. Back leg roundhouse kick — this is a regular type of roundhouse kick that we can also see in other arts like Muay Thai and MMA. To throw it with a lot of power, be sure to pivot both your lead leg and your hips in the direction of the kick. The power behind this kick lies in the rotation of the hips.

2. Tornado kick — this is a very powerful kick because you need to rotate the body 360 degrees. This rotation generates a lot of momentum and can easily break the opponent’s ribs or knock them out. There are even variations of this kick where they rotate their bodies up to 540 degrees.

3. Turning back/side kick– this is the most popular kick in Taekwondo which MMA fighters often use in fights. The key is to pivot away from the target and throw a kick straight backward and land it with your heel.

Taekwondo Belts

In Taekwondo, there are a total of eight belts with various levels attached to each. The Taekwondo belts are as follows: 

- White belt 

- Yellow

- Blue

- Red

- Red/black 

- Cho Dan Bo

- Black/white

- Black

You receive the white belt when you begin training and the black belt when you have advanced. However, even if you have received a black belt, your training isn’t over. Each belt color, including black, comes with stripes – green stripes for children under 15 and white stripes for those who are older – that signify the level of your belt. There are nine black belt Taekwondo levels, known as Dan’s, that take several years to earn. From a beginner black belt to a master's level, it can take a student 10 years to achieve.

Benefits of Taekwondo

Learn what makes the benefits of this Korean martial art unique when compared to other martial arts. 

1. IMPROVED MUSCLE TONING

Starting with one of the most obvious observations you’ll likely experience, Taekwondo focuses a lot on performing different sets of kicks and strikes. After drills have been repeated over and over to get a good understanding of how to perform a move, you’ll likely notice that you will have lost some weight and maybe even put on some muscle mass.

2. INCREASED STAMINA

Going along with muscular changes, rigorous training in Taekwondo can help improve your stamina as well. When practicing Taekwondo, it’s important to consider how long you will be able to perform different kicks, blocks, strikes, and other moves. At first, you might find yourself trying to catch your breath after just a few moves or a few minutes of sparring practice, but this feeling will reduce with enough practice over time. 

3. MORE CONFIDENCE

They say that part of getting what you want comes from having a positive attitude, and a positive outlook about yourself. When it comes to Taekwondo, this also holds true. Being able to perform some of the most advanced kicks, for example, requires having enough confidence in yourself so that you remain balanced and don’t fall over. Let’s also say that your self-esteem will also become enhanced over time as well, meaning that you will be more committed to continue practicing Taekwondo – even if it gets hard sometimes. 

4. GREATER FLEXIBILITY

You’ve probably noticed that kicks have been mentioned several times already. Yes, they are a big part of Taekwondo (we even wrote a whole article about it here), and performing these moves frequently and properly builds flexibility. Greater flexibility is somewhat unique to Taekwondo, as some martial arts are more focused on strength or endurance. In Taekwondo though, flexibility is just as important. 

5. INCREDIBLE CONCENTRATION

Martial arts, including Taekwondo, is first and foremost a practice of building discipline. Whether you are learning a move for the first time, sparring with a classmate, or even in a self-defense situation, a high degree of concentration is going to be required to get through. A lot of people who go through numerous years of Taekwondo are often surprised when they reflect on the amount of focus they can quickly reach when compared to when they first started learning. 

6. REFLEXES YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD IN YOU

Have you ever experienced that feeling where time almost feels slower around you? That feeling where you are able to quickly handle something that would normally be too fast for you to handle is something you can actually train yourself to control and use. This is common in many martial arts and competitive sports, but Taekwondo provides another method to reach that level of reflexes. 

7. MORE PREPARED TO HANDLE STRESS

Being able to react and overcome different opponents when sparring, for example, is an excellent case of proper stress management taking place. Practicing Taekwondo helps the student overcome the different mental stresses that are created and observed in both everyday life and during training sessions. Stress management and stress reduction result from the student overcoming and directly challenging fears, from practiced mental focus, and from understanding the sources of stress and how they impact us. 

8. ENHANCED COGNITIVE ABILITIES

In recent years, science has discovered the relationship between physical activity and cognitive functionality. Essentially, staying physically active and working towards a dedicated discipline often carries a positive impact on our cognitive abilities as well. If you have a child who enrolls in Taekwondo, for instance, don’t be surprised to see that they will be performing better in school later on!

9. RESPECT

Taekwondo is built on a set of traditions and philosophies that are still practiced to this very day. Starting from the very first class, the student is being trained to show respect to their peers, their instructors, and anyone else they encounter outside of their classes too.

10. BETTER SOCIALIZATION SKILLS

This one is not mentioned often enough in martial arts, but it deserves attention. This topic is multi-faceted, as there are different variables to consider, but here are a couple. Firstly, Taekwondo is not a solo activity. You will be dealing with other people, be it with your fellow classmates and your instructors. Each member of the class is working towards a common goal, but the road to reaching that goal requires a certain amount of communication with your peers. Secondly, as you interact with more people, both in your Taekwondo classes and outside of class, it isn’t uncommon to develop a better understanding of how other people behave and act in certain situations. These abilities and others can greatly help those who might find it hard to socialize with others. 

11. LEADERSHIP ABILITIES

All of the characteristics of a discipline like Taekwondo help form good leadership abilities. From communication, to mental endurance, to integrity, and many other things, you will have a better capability of working with others and leading them toward a common goal. 

12. ACCEPTING AND RECOVERING FROM FAILURE

Being the best at Taekwondo, or any martial art for that matter, isn’t about always winning. In many philosophies behind martial arts, it’s imperative to understand that sometimes you will experience failure. The real lesson is in how to recover when you experience failure, and to understand that humility and a sense of humbleness is not only a tool but an essential component for overcoming that failure. 

13. IMPROVED ABILITY TO PLAN AND FOLLOW-THROUGH

Taekwondo is a discipline that takes time to learn and become proficient at. As new student enters a class for the first time, they are also entering into a long-term plan that they have knowingly or unknowingly envisioned for themselves. That plan is on attaining new skills and devoting time to practicing a discipline. Each step of the way has specific goals, is measurable, is achievable and realistic, and can be looked at over time. You may have heard of SMART goals before, and you’ll notice that Taekwondo not only has SMART goals but also teaches you how to create and follow through on any SMART goal you set out to do.

What Happens in a Beginner’s Taekwondo Class

First of all, you won’t be expected to find the money for a uniform or anything else. Beginner’s trial classes are simply for you to try out. It’s only if you think this is the right activity for you that you need to think about any payment. In the meantime, all you need to do is make sure you are wearing loose, comfortable clothing. The class will cover the basics and things like warm-ups, how to stand properly, make a fist, or deliver a punch. The instructor will try to keep it as interesting as possible without stretching you too far. Don’t worry, it’s not likely to be static or boring and you should still get a good workout but you need to get the basics right before you move on to more complicated activities and physical contact with an opponent.

How to Practice Taekwondo at Home

First, you have to find an open space you will be comfortable training. Just like in class, you should start every training session with stretches and warm-ups. Then you want to follow that with some conditioning exercises. Now you are ready to practice your kicks and your Poomsae forms.  Finally, you will also need the proper motivation. Most people do not have the discipline to practice on a daily basis. If you are one of those people, it is up to you to find a proper source of motivation to continue your training. All training can be done without buying any additional equipment or products. There are, however, certain supplemental equipment you can buy that will greatly help you in your training but they are not necessary.

How to Find a Good Martial Arts School

This page focuses on how to find a good martial arts school. It was designed to help parents with young “future martial artists” and adult beginners. These questions should be answered to your satisfaction. Talk to instructors, students, and parents of the students attending the martial arts school in order to learn the pros & cons of a specific martial arts school.

1. Pick a school based on your martial arts “goals” – Do you want to concentrate on self-defense instruction? Do you want to learn more about a foreign culture? Do you want only a good cardio workout? You need to decide on your personal martial arts goals and find a school that best matches those goals.

2. Examine several schools – Check out several schools, rather than just going to the closest martial arts school. The teaching style of schools can vary significantly (from very regimented to overly loose).

3. Research the expertise and background of the instructor – Watch out for fake 8th-degree black belts. Those tend to be 80 years old, not 25!

4. Watch the instructors carefully – You want to find instructors that teach well and make the class enjoyable.

5. Ask questions – Talk to other students, parents & children at the school in order to find out their likes and dislikes about the school and instructors.

6. Visit different classes – After you have found an interesting school, visit different classes (versus just the basic introductory class). Visit the black belt classes, sparring classes, and even the belt tests. See if the school’s attitude changes as the children advance. You don’t want to find a school that changes in a negative way (i.e. becomes too harsh) as your child progresses to higher belts.

7. Focus on safety – Is there enough stretching? What happens if a child is hurt? What level of supervision is given during sparring classes?

8. Always get an introductory trial – See if your child enjoys martial arts training before committing to any long-term contract. Ask if the school has a short introductory trial offer that covers a few weeks and use that time to see if your child enjoys the school and is mature enough to handle the instruction. Also, be wary of a “cheaper” multi-year contract. Try the “more expensive” monthly programs until you feel certain that your child likes the martial arts school. Many kids do not last multiple years in martial arts as they have other commitments (i.e. school sports) or lose interest.

9. What is the “real” cost? – Make sure to find out the real cost of the class. Beyond the monthly/annual fee, what additional costs will you pay? Be aware that you are likely to pay for items such as uniforms, sparring gear, and belt tests.

10. Consider the location of the school – If it is too far away, you might find it hard to go frequently and thus quit or fall behind the other students.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Martial Arts Insider

Northstar Martial Arts

Pacific International Taekwondo

Iceni Taekwondo

Taekwondo World

MMA Channel

WebMD

Wuyi Taekwondo

Spirit Taekwondo

Master S.H Yu

Master P’s

Sports Engine

Black Belt Wiki

 

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