Frequently-Asked Questions

What is Tae Kwon Do?

When do beginner classes start?

Is prior martial arts experience necessary?

At what age do you accept children as students?

How old is "too old" to participate in Tae Kwon Do training?

What is Tae Kwon Do?    ^ top

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean Martial Art of Self-Defense. TKD is a relatively new martial art having been given it's name in 1955 by the late General Choi Hong Hi, past President and Founder of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation. Technically, TKD is really a combination of techniques derived from certain Japanese and Chinese martial arts, as well as earlier Korean martial arts. From the Japanese martial arts like Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do gets most of it's linear hand techniques. From the Chinese martial arts like Kung Fu, it gets it's circular hand techniques. From earlier Korean martial arts like Tae Kyon, Tae Kwon Do gets it's overpowering and highly destructive kicking techniques. Tae Kwon Do was "created" in order to assist the Koreans to restore their identity and national pride after the end of World War II when Korea was under Japanese military rule and also the Korean War. Tae Kwon Do is practiced throughout the world as either a martial art or a sport. Today, TKD is the national sport of Korea and was officially introduced into the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Many schools though choose to practice the Art of Tae Kwon Do focusing on developing the student's character and self-discipline as opposed to constant training for tournament competition.

When do beginner classes start?   ^ top

 It is highly recommended that a beginner begin their classes at the beginning of the month. Tae Kwon Do is not a seasonal activity like football, baseball, basketball, or soccer. It is year-round so the beginner can begin taking classes whenever their own schedule allows them to. It is also recommended that the potential student come to GTKDA and observe the class in which they will be involved. Then, after observing the class if they still wish to begin, they will be scheduled to attend their Introductory, or 30-minute Orientation class which will be held on the first Monday of the month. The instructor will coordinate with the beginner as to when they are to attend their Introductory class.

Is prior martial arts experience necessary?   ^ top

Not at all. As a matter of fact, 98% of all new students to GTKDA have no prior martial arts experience. Most are kids who want to add a special activity to their lives besides the usual seasonal football, baseball, basketball, and soccer leagues offered in the area and adults who wish to learn self-defense and to gain flexibility and all around better health due to Tae Kwon Do's physical nature. Occasionally a new student will come to GTKDA to continue their martial arts training because they have just moved to the area because of a change in occupation for themselves or for someone in their own family.

At what age do you accept children as students?   ^ top

Right now the preferred age is 8 years old. 7 year olds, and occasionally 6 year olds, will be accepted if they can demonstrate a reasonable attention span and the willingness to listen and obey all commands of the Head Instructor. A separate "Pee Wee" class is necessary for students any younger than 6 years old. At this time in GTKDA's growth, time and other constraints do not allow for such a class. This is just one of the areas that GTKDA would like to expand to in the future.

How old is "too old" to participate in Tae Kwon Do training?   ^ top

You are only as old as you think you are. There is no "age limit" in learning. Tae Kwon Do training can benefit a student by improving their self-confidence, respect for others, flexibility, and self-defense skills no matter if you are 8 years old or 88 years old. GTKDA instructors take age, physical limitations, and background into consideration when teaching Tae Kwon Do.