 |
 |
|
United States International Taekwon-do Federation International Taekwon-do Federation
|
FAQ's Q: What is Tae Kwon Do? A: Tae Kwon Do is a modern Korean martial art. The word Tae Kwon Do literally means foot-fist-art. This style was created and introduced to the world by the late General Choi Hong Hi, Grand Master and President of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (a/k/a ITF). Tae Kwon Do (TKD) is known for its arsenal of impressive and effective kicking techniques, along with a wide array of foot, hand, elbow, and knee strikes or blocks. It exercises and strengthens the entire body and also improves cardiovascular fitness. Board breaking, patterns, and sparring are facets of the training. TKD is also known to build character through the practice of its five tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. Q: What is special about this particular organization? A: Our classes are known for our structured, high quality, teaching techniques that focus on improving the student mentally, as well as, physically. Students that train together often become lifelong friends through their common interest and respect for each other’s efforts. Our Tae Kwon Do classes are one of the few opportunities where families are able to train together. In fact, our entire family holds black belt ranks. Q: What is the cost for Tae Kwon Do classes? A: There are several plans available, determined by how often you will be training per week. Our classes are reasonably priced so that anyone can train and there are no contracts to sign that commit you to long-term training or payments. The fee is paid monthly. The Community Center also offers scholarships for low-income students that qualify. Q: What happens if I am sick or going on vacation? A: Because we offer classes on several different days each week, you are able to make them up for no extra or lost cost. For example, if you normally train on Tuesday & Saturday and you miss one week, you are welcome to train on two other additional days after you return. Q: Do I have to purchase a uniform? A: In the beginning, a T-shirt and comfortable shorts or pants are acceptable. However, you will be required to purchase a uniform before your first formal test, which is in approximately three months. Q: Are there any additional costs involved in training? A: In addition to monthly training fees listed above there are testing fees of $30 for each test for students that want to achieve color belt rankings; a total of 9 up to black belt. There are reduced rates for family members testing at the same time. Black belt testing fees differ and are additional. You will also most likely want to purchase safety equipment, but it isn’t necessary right away. Q: Do I need any experience? A: No previous experience or athletic ability is required. All you need is the desire to learn. We do also welcome students of other martial arts who want to learn Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do students who have received ranking but are no longer training with that school are also welcome. Q: Am I too old or out of shape to begin Tae Kwon Do classes? A: You are never too old or out of shape. Your goal is self-improvement. Each student starts at their own place and progresses at their own pace. It is not a competition or race. We like to remind students to just enjoy the journey! At this time our oldest student is 72, but people in their 90’s have trained in Tae Kwon Do. Q: How young do you start children in Tae Kwon Do classes? A: It can depend on the child. Normally around age 6 or 7 when children begin first grade, they become more physiologically able to focus and follow directions. Occasionally a child is capable at age five. However, very young children can become discouraged if they are not ready. Beginning at a very young age does not usually help students achieve anything more or faster than those who begin later. A helpful home test is to see if the child is able to do jumping jacks and can follow directions involving the left and right hands or feet. The child must have the desire to train. Visiting a class may help determine that. Q: What type of contact is made during sparring? A: We stress no contact for low belts. Higher belts may be allowed to make very light, touch contact, if agreed on. Students learn sparring at a very gradual pace. The level of contact is appropriate for the age and ability of the student. The safety of our students comes first and foremost. Injury is actually very uncommon in this sport/art, likely due to the control of the techniques that is stressed. In our 37 years of teaching, our students have had very few injuries and those were more often been pulled muscles or strains that came about without a partner. Q: Do I need any special safety equipment when I spar? A: Sparring equipment is recommended both for your own safety, as well as that of your partner. Equipment is available for purchase through the instructor. We usually recommend that you get sparring gloves and shin pads first. Males should also wear an athletic cup. Mouthpieces can also be a wise early purchase. Safety kicks for your feet are especially important if you make any contact at all. Q: What if I only want to learn self-defense rather than traditional Tae Kwon Do? A: Self-defense classes are offered periodically through the Midland Community Center or through small private seminars with Master Terry Batch and/or Chief Instructor Emily Batch. |
