FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Tae Kwon Do?

A. Tae Kwon Do is a form of martial art training from Korea that is derived from ancient martial arts that are over 2000 years old. Tae Kwon Do's goal is to help the student grow and develop in the areas of: courtesy, integrity, self confidence, self control, perseverance, commitment, and unbreakable spirit. Tae Kwon Do is NOT a cult or religious sect nor is Tae Kwon Do, as the movies depict, a violent militant group that teaches students to beat up people. Tae Kwon Do is a very sensible method of consistent mental and physical training that is a year-round, life-time system of exercise and personal development.

Q. Do I have to be fit before I join?

No. Tae Kwon Do will improve your level of fitness regardless of your physical condition when you first join. We don't expect you to throw a hundred kicks on your first lesson and be graceful about it. All we ask is that you try your best. Please inform you instructors of any pre-existing medical conditions before training commences.

Q. Am I too old or my child too young to start?

We start children at the age of 3 years old. They are entered into a program that is age appropriate for them. The oldest Tae Kwon Do practitioner in the world is 102 years old. Age is just a number. You are training at "your" level not everyone elses. Ask yourself this, "How old would I be if I didn't know how old I am?"

Q. Do you compete in tournaments?

North Florida Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido participate in local, regional, and national competitions. We primarily compete at WTF/AAU style tournaments. Competition is not required for club members but it is an available option. For individuals interested in competition, we usually supplement the normal training with extra classes to prepare for tournaments.

Q. Am I required to spar?

Sparring is performed in a controlled enviroment with proper equipment to minimize injury. We encourage all students to attend sparring classes where they can put their skills to use. No excessive contact is allowed and techniques are performed in a manner that are conducive to your or your child's training.

Q. What is the difference between Tae Kwon Do and other Martial Arts?

Most practitioners are very loyal to their form of Martial Arts. The truth is, all forms of the arts have great benefits to the person training. Each art has health, fitness and mental benefits that can help every student to become better. The real difference is normally the staff and instructors and their view of how you should train. For example: instructor a was in the military and feels every student should act as if they are in the military; instructor b seeks to help children and works well with them; instructor c feels like every confrontation is a fighting situation and presents it as so to the students. These are just a few of the instructors you may fnd, the best bet is to observe a class and make sure it is the type of class you want for yourself and/or your child.

Q. How many class are required or how many can I take each week!

We recommend that you take a minimum of two classes per week. Three classes a week is the prime. A problem comes from coming to too few classes per week; the student does not recieve enough training to progress at the same level of other students. Too many classes; the student experiences a burn-out in which the recreation becomes more of a chore than a recreation! Either of these situations can be caustic to you or your childs success in Tae Kwon Do!