FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any more questions, please call 940-387-0469 during regular business hours and an instructor will be happy to answer them.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
What is the difference between taekwondo
and karate?
Does martial arts training make a child aggressive?
Do I have to bow? Why?
How old do you have to be to train in Taekwondo?
Do I have to buy a uniform?
How do students earn a new belt?
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
When do we learn to spar?/Do I have to spar?
Do women and girls train in taekwondo?
Do students compete in tournaments?
What is the difference between
taekwondo and karate?
Taekwondo is a Korean art, while karate is a Japanese art. Taekwondo uses
most of the same hand techniques as karate but emphasizes the kicks more.
Taekwondo is well known for its flashy, high, aerial and/or spinning kicks.
However, all martial arts have benefits. We believe that it is more important
to be comfortable with the academy's overall goals, the instructor's teaching
skills, and the learning atmosphere than to choose a school based only
on the style of martial art or the price.
Does martial arts training make
a child aggressive?
We teach a practical, responsible self defense program. Children learn
that martial arts is not about violence but about developing skills they
can use safely in a tough situation. Any aggression the child brings in
to the program usually disappears with continued training and increased
self-esteem. Also, we recite the Student Oath and
Six Tenets at the end of every class and discuss their meanings and
applications.
Do I have to bow? Why?
Bowing is a way to show respect. It is comparable to a Western handshake,
not worship. There is no religion in taekwondo. However, you must
bow to your instructors and to other students to show that you respect
them. They will also bow to you to show you the same respect.
How old do you have to be to train
in Taekwondo?
We take students as young as 4 1/2 years old. You are never too old to
start taekwondo, as long as you do not have existing joint or back problems.
Properly taught, taekwondo does not usually create injuries, but it can
exacerbate existing conditions.
Do I have to buy a uniform?
No, most people wear shorts or sweats at first. You won’t need a uniform
until your first testing. However, we try to keep all sizes in stock.
The uniforms come with top, pants, and white belt. Taekwondo America T-shirts
are a popular option for workouts.
How do students earn a new belt?
Taekwondo America students must pass a test to earn a higher rank. Promotional
testing is an exciting event for us! We hold a testing every two months.
Parents and friends are invited to come and watch. No classes are held
on testing days. Usually, about a week after a successful testing, the
student is awarded a new rank and given a rank certificate.
How long does it take to earn a
black belt?
This depends somewhat on your age (young children take longer), your abilities,
and how much time you can devote to classes and personal workouts. It
takes most students 90 - 120 hours, spread out over 15 – 18 months of
in-class training under the supervision of a Certified Instructor to achieve
the rank of Red Belt. At this point, self-defense should be automatic
and instinctive. After Red Belt it takes another 10 – 14 months to earn
the rank of First Degree Decided Black Belt. At this point you have mastered
the basics. There is much, much more to learn.
When do we learn to spar?/Do I
have to spar?
To learn how to defend yourself, it is important to practice against a
moving opponent, similar to a real confrontation. Students develop enhanced
reflexes, quick judgment, timing, and distancing. Our students begin learning
to free spar at green belt, about 6 months into their training. It’s better
to learn to block, punch, and kick without hurting ourselves before trying
the techniques on moving targets. Then we learn how to spar using respect
and good control. Sparring is always supervised closely by the instructor,
and students are required to wear protective gear.
Do women and girls train in taekwondo?
You bet! Some of our best martial artists, including instructors and assistants,
are female. Because taekwondo is a kicking art, it is particularly effective
as a practical self-defense program for women and girls.
Do students compete in tournaments?
While completely optional, the next tournament is always much-anticipated!
Taekwondo America hosts two tournaments each year in Denton. We also travel
to other schools in the tri-state area to experience other methods and
styles. Our students always do exceptionally well at these events, taking
good sportsmanship with them and bringing home beautiful trophies!
Call (940) 387-0469 for more information!
Home | Children's
Program | Adult Program |
About Taekwondo America
FAQ | Denton
Taekwondo Academy
Copyright © 2001 - 2008 by Taekwondo America.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified 3/14/2008.
PO Box 2423 Denton TX 76202 | 940 387-0469 | info
at taekwondoamerica.com