Class Description

Preschool: Children ages 4 to 6
A fun class for independent preschoolers. This class has an emphasis on developing balance, flexibility, and agility. Following a warm- up to music and stretching, children learn Tae Kwon Do basics. In this high-energy environment, students learn Tae Kwon Do basics while building concentration and attention.

Primary Children: Grades 1 to 3; Elementary Children: Grades 4 to 6 Children’s energy is channelled into a motivating and confidence-building environment where they learn proper Tae Kwon Do stances and the correct techniques for kicks, blocks, and punches. After learning the fundamentals, students will practice the Poomse (patterns) required for their belt test (promotion test). Students will also learn non-contact sparring, breathing and meditation exercises, as well as building flexibility, agility, and developing a good character, concentration and discipline.

Youth/Teen: Grades 6 to 12 Youth and teens learn to focus their energy on perfecting their techniques and patterns. The disciplined, structured atmosphere of Tae Kwon Do mixes with the enjoyable environment to create a class all about reaching your personal goals. Students will practice the Poomse (patterns) required for their promotion test. Students will also learn non-contact sparring, breathing and meditation exercises, as well as building flexibility, agility, and developing a good character, concentration and discipline.

Adult Class: ages 18 and older Check out a new approach to fitness and health. Beginners are welcome at any time. All ages and abilities welcomed!

Open class: All levels may attend, supervision by instructors, individual correction available

Family class: A chance for enrolled parents and children to practice together

Sparring Classes: Sparring classes are offered separately as an option, so students need not feel intimidated by full contact sparring as part of the regular lessons. Students are required to purchase the complete sparring equipment to join the sparring class, and will not be allowed to participate without it. Sparring gear includes headgear, chest protector, shin and arm guards, groin protector, and mouthpiece, and is available from the instructors. Enrollment in the sparring class is not a commitment to compete at tournaments; it is an opportunity for students to apply their skills and techniques.

Class Structure

Classes will include the following components on a rotation basis:

Stretching
Flexibility exercises are a key component of Tae Kwon Do.

Warm-up
Activities to promote blood flow and warm up the muscles.

Breathing and Concentration exercises
These meditative exercises help the students focus on control and concentration, and allow the student to develop self-discipline.

Conditioning
Basic aerobic activities to promote cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Poomse (pronounced Poom-say)
Poomse, also referred to as forms or patterns, are a series of choreographed movements that combine kicks, blocks, and punches learned at the particular belt level.

Non-contact sparring
Also called one-step sparring, or pre-arranged sparring. Involves partners learning a choreographed set of offensive and defensive actions, to apply class material without full body contact.

Self-defense (Hosinshul)
As Tae Kwon Do is a sport with origins as self-defense, all students learn self-defense training. At the higher belt levels, students will learn more advanced techniques.

Kyuk Pa (Breaking boards)
Students show off their Tae Kwon Do techniques, combined with concentration, focus, and physical fitness by breaking boards using kick, strikes, or punches. Once students complete a belt test, and if they desire, they will learn the step-by-step techniques involved in breaking boards