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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Taekwondo?
2. What should you look for when trying to find a good martial art school?
3. What are the benefits of learning the art of Taekwondo?
4. How young is too young and how old is too old to begin taking Taekwondo?
5. Can I do Taekwondo with my family?
6. What is the difference between Taekwondo and other martial arts like Karate?
7. Is it safe to learn Taekwondo?
8. Will Taekwondo increase my child's aggressiveness?
9. How long does it take to become a Black Belt?

Question 1:

What is Taekwondo?

Answer:

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae (태) means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon (권) means "to strike or break with fist"; and do (도) means "way," "method," or "art." Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as "the art of the foot and fist" or "the art of kicking and punching."

As many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. In 1989, Taekwondo was claimed as the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners. Gyeorugi, a type of sparring, has been an Official Olympic event since 2000.

There are two branches of taekwondo development:

* "Traditional Taekwondo" typically refers to the martial art as it was practised in the 1950s and 1960s in the South Korean military; in particular, the names and symbolism of the traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean history.

* "Sport Taekwondo" has evolved in the decades since then and has a somewhat different focus, especially in terms of its emphasis on speed and competition (as in Olympic sparring) and which is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

The art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, employing the leg's greater reach and power (compared to the arm). Taekwondo training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks.

Some taekwondo instructors also incorporate the use of pressure points, known as jiapsul, as well as grabbing self-defense techniques borrowed from other martial arts, such as hapkido and judo.

Question 2:

What should you look for when trying to find a good martial art school?

Answer:

When choosing a martial arts school you are investing in the quality of the curriculum and instructors. You are also choosing the facility, class schedule and atmosphere that you feel best suits your needs.

At Fire Dragon Taekwondo we are confident that you will enjoy the sincerity, professionalism and excellence of our schools. Our schools have been serving our members for over 30 years, and are the ONLY school's in Town with Master Level Instructors!

Question 3:

What are the benefits of learning the art of Taekwondo?

Answer:

There are many benefits to the practice of Taekwondo however the ones most often quoted include: self-confidence, physical fitness, mental agility, personal security, improved concentration at work or at school and an overall feeling of well-being.

Question 4:

How young is too young and how old is too old to begin taking Taekwondo?

Answer:

Children as young as 5 can benefit from Taekwondo by learning to develop focus and attention as well as courtesy and respect for their instructors. At the same time their senior citizen grandparents can begin Taekwondo in order to assist with balance, strength and general physical fitness improvements. Master Pellerin has guided students in their 70's — including the physically challenged — to the level of Black Belt and beyond.

Question 5:

Can I do Taekwondo with my family?

Answer:

Definitely! In fact many families are finding Taekwondo to be the perfect family activity, combining an exciting workout with a new learning experience. At Fire Dragon Taekwondo you have your choice of separately attending Family or Adult Classes. Either way you'll have a great time and create a special family bond.

Question 6:

What is the difference between Taekwondo and other martial arts like Karate?

Answer:

The different martial arts all originated in different countries thousands of years ago, as forms of self-defense. Karate comes from Japan and Kung Fu from China. Taekwondo is native to Korea. In terms of techniques, Taekwondo is known as the kicking art and emphasizes kicks more than other martial arts. it is ideal for improving balance, flexibility, coordination and endurance. Besides the physical benefits many people practice Taekwondo to improve self-confidence and to gain valuable discipline. In addition, Taekwondo is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is the only of these martial arts that is a sport in the Olympic Games. Currently more people study the art of Taekwondo than all other forms of martial arts combined.

Question 7:

Is it safe to learn Taekwondo?

Answer:

Taekwondo is safe and fun for students of all ages and physical abilities. Classes are supervised by expert instructors. All students are taught techniques in a step by step manner and at their own pace.

Separating classes by belt levels, a thorough stretching routine, matted flooring and the use of protective safety equipment are all part of our commitment to ensuring student safety.

Question 8:

Will Taekwondo increase my child's aggressiveness?

Answer:

Throughout their training students are reminded that being physically and mentally tough doesn't allow one to be tough with others. Instead, Taekwondo students are expected to be humble, courteous, respectful and careful about when and where they practice their skills. The instructors at Fire Dragon Taekwondo continuously remind students that Taekwondo is a form of exercise and self improvement not a tool for bullying.

Question 9:

How long does it take to become a Black Belt?

Answer:

The Black Belt in Taekwondo is symbolic of an advanced level of skill as well as above average physical, mental and emotional strength. The length of study necessary to attain a Black Belt varies depending on one's effort and dedication. On average, our students train for a period of four to five years to attain 1st Dan (Degree) Black Belt status.

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