I understand that students of Taekwondo or their parents have many questions about Taekwondo, especially when students first start to learn this Korean martial art.
Many who are thinking about enrolling their children or themselves into a program, will do some research, and learn that Taekwondo, a hard martial art, will also promote character development and with that, the ideal that students of the art will learn to live the tenets of Taekwondo (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit) in their daily lives.
Yet, many questions remain for the students and also their parents …
We hope that this Frequently Asked Questions guide will provide some valuable answers to you.
General Questions
Q: How is Taekwondo good for character development when you teach students to fight?
A: Most Taekwondo instructors have been practicing the art for years and continue to learn the art as they move on in their own Taekwondo development. Yes, I teach students how to kick and punch, however, the mantra is, “not to be there,” when a fight occurs and only to get involved when every other option is gone. Most instructors live the tenets of Taekwondo (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit) wherever they practice the art and try to do the same in their daily lives. As an instructor, I understand that I am also a leader, and with that, a transformational leader who role models values that are learned and later lived by my students. I encourage individual development at each individual student’s own pace, yet foster cooperation and leadership, which means, that higher ranking students are helping to teach junior ranking students with empathy and compassion as they already had the experience of being a white belt. I encourage students to step out of their respective comfort zones to help them reach their goals, at their pace.
Q: Why do you bow all the time?
A: Bowing is a sign of respect, and yes, it seems we do bow all the time: when we enter or leave the dojang, before we step on the mat, after each partner exercise or sparring, even before taking a break or when class ends.
Q: What type of Taekwondo do you teach?
A: I teach Taekwondo in accordance with the guidelines of World Taekwondo / )/Kukkiwon based in Seoul, South Korea. This is Olympic Style Taekwondo.
Q: How many times should I or my child train per week?
A: You or your child(ren) can train as little or as much as you want, as Taekwondo or progress in Taekwondo is really truly self-paced, meaning, progress depends on time and effort in class. I recommend that you train at least two times per week for maximum benefit for you.
Q: How long will it take me to get a black belt?
A: If you train and meet the requirements set forth by the World Taekwondo, it will take you a minimum of aabout 3.5 to 4 years to earn your black belt. It all depends on you, how often you train and whether you are able to test on regular belt promotion events. While it is important that you master the skills required for each belt rank, it is also important that your attitude reflects the values of Taekwondo.
Q: Is Taekwondo safe?
A: Like any other sport, there is always a risk of injury. In Taekwondo, there are many safe- guards to protect from injury, such as proper warm-ups and stretching and we wear protective gear for sparring exercises.
Q: Do I have to go to tournaments?
A: No, you do not have to go to tournaments. However, I do offer and encourage participation in tournaments so students can demonstrate their skills, confidence and show the results of their hard work and have their moment to shine.
Q: What are your expectations for students?
A: I expect our students to follow the guidelines in my handbook, that they train hard and always give their best, which will also help their positive character development. We expect our students to encourage and help other students, and do so in a positive and polite way. Most importantly, I expect that students who a positive attitude, that they go with the flow, trust the instructor and not ask to learn skills that are not appropriate for their belt level or skills that they are not ready for.
Questions from Parents
Q: Does Taekwondo teach life lessons? What are really the benefits?
A: Taekwondo promotes discipline, a sense of motivation, perseverance and indomitable spirit to progess, manners, courtesy and respect, self control (physical and mental, mentorship and leadership, cooperation and teamwork, individual development, living a healthy life-style (fitness, strength and stress reduction), and most of all, Taekwondo enforces the values of the art (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit) and the ideal that students of all ages should live these and other values in their daily lives.
Q: I don’t want to be a spectator of my child’s sports anymore, can I practice with my child? Can our entire family practice together?
A: Yes, of course you can and I encourage this for many reasons: you practice and learn together, it shows that you are a great role model for motivation and achievement and most of all, practicing Taekwondo together will allow for bonding creating great memories.
Q: At what age can my child start to practice Taekwondo and will my child participate in belt tests?
A: We believe that the best age for children to start their Teakwondo practice is five years old. However, they are younger students who enjoy learning martial arts as well, it all depends on the developmental level of your child. With regard to belt testing for younger ages, if they are able to master the skills required then there is no reason for them not to test and advance.
Q: My child can’t focus, can Taekwondo help?
A: Yes, it can. Taekwondo practice requires focus and to learn the skills to advance to a higher belt rank because of the focus on repletion of skill that leads to mastery of skills. Students will focus on working hard to advance in belt rand, which are skills that students can transfer into school and work.
Q: My child has very little confidence, can Taekwondo change that?
A: Taekwondo promotes self-confidence in students of all ages. Over time, students will learn to master skills that are becoming increasingly difficult as they progress in belt rank. While new skills and techniques might be intimidating in the beginning, through repetition and positive enforcement and immediate feedback from instructors, students will improve their skill level, which makes them more confident to tackle new tasks, be those tasks inside our outside the dojang. .
Q: My child wants to learn a sport that he/she can be good at. Is Taekwondo good for him and will he/she be in a group?
A: Our instructors teach their students according to their skill level and students learn over time to be “good” to perform skills and techniques in order to advance to another belt level. Yes, your child(ren) will be practicing in a group with many different exercises, but our instructors will also get to know your child and you to be able to focus on the individual development of each student.
Questions from Adults / Seniors and Women
Q: I have no balance and like to do something about it, can Taekwondo help?
A: Yes, absolutely, Taekwondo can help. Teakwondo uses movements that require different stances and stepping distances that increase balance and a firmer step and better and safer walking. Additionally, Taekwondo teaches skills that require the whole body to be involved, which also improve balance.
Q: I am getting older and I am not flexible anymore, what can Taekwondo do for me?
A: In short, a lot. In the beginning you will take “baby” with regard to your flexibility, but our stretching and exercises will loosen you up and you will see changes and improvements soon. As with gaining better balance, the movements that you will perform will also improve your overall flexibilty.
Q: I am really not very fit at all, can I still practice Taekwondo?
A: Yes, you can. Students who start to learn Taekwondo come in all shapes and sizes and all kinds of fitness levels. Even though you might not feel that fit anymore, Taekwondo practice will increase your fitness level, overall strength and decrease your stress level.
Q: Am I too old to learn Taekwondo?
A: No, you are not too old. There is no age-limit that prevents you from learning this martial art, and students begin their practice at different age-levels.
Q: I would like to work out to get into better shape, but as I woman, I feel uncomfortable doing so around men. Do you have classes that are just for women?
A: Yes, we do, for that reason especially. In our women’s class you find like-minded practitioners and the environment is non-judgmental and encouraging.
Q: Sometimes I don’t feel safe, what can Taekwondo do to help with that?
A: Taekwondo improves confidence and even the way your walk and your posture, and it teaches powerful kicks and punches as well as self-defense techniques, that will improve your sense of safety.