Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Taekwon-Do?
- What is the difference between Taekwon-Do and the other martial arts?
- What does Taekwon-Do have to offer mentally and physically?
- Are you affiliated with any particular federation?
- What age groups can participate?
- Do you have to wear a uniform?
- How long does it take to obtain a black belt?
- What if I already have a black belt from another school or a different martial art?
- What if I have a handicap?
- Does your school participate in many competitions?
- Do I have to participate in the competitions?
- How often do I get tested?
- What are the different belt levels?
What is Taekwon-Do?
"Tae" stands for jumping or flying to kick or hit with the foot. "Kwon" denotes the fist - chiefly to punch or block with the hand or fist. "Do" means an art or way. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training.
What is the difference between Taekwon-Do and the other martial arts?
Taekwon-Do is a self-defence martial art where you use your hands and feet to defend and if necessary to attack. You are always on your feet. Other martial arts combine the hands and feet with either throws to the floor, trips or weapons. You can practice Taekwon-Do while using very little body contact with you partner.
What does Taekwon-Do have to offer mentally and physically?
It helps develop self-confidence, self-discipline, self-defence, co-ordination and provides good physical fitness; strength and flexibility.
Are you affiliated with any particular federation?
Yes, Ontario Taekwon-Do Federation (OTF), Canadian Taekwon-Do Federation International (CTFI), North American Taekwon-Do Federation (NATF) and finally the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).
What age groups can participate?
5 years of age and up. Boys and girls, women and men.
Do you have to wear a uniform?
Yes, all students must wear the official Taekwon-do uniform: "dobook". This signifies uniformity amongst the students as well as respect for the school, instructor and the art. Uniforms can be obtained through the school.
How long does it take to obtain a black belt?
Anywhere from 3 to 5 years... it all depends of the amount of time you devote to training and if you feel you are ready to be tested.
What if I already have a black from another school or a different martial art?
You have to learn all the basic skills in Taekwon-Do; patterns, theory, hand and feet techniques and moral culture. Then, you must be re-tested to ensure that you fully understand the skills required for that level. If you are of a lower level, you do not necessarily have to be re-tested for your current level, but you will for subsequent levels.
What if I have a handicap?
It depends on the degree of the handicap and the amount of determination you have. Almost anything is possible if you have your heart in it.
Does your school participate in many competitions?
We compete in Friendship tournaments and Regional, Provincial, National and International Taekwon-Do Championships.
Do I have to participate in the competitions?
No, but for a good learning experience, I recommend that my students participate in patterns and/or sparring. If they do not wish to participate, I encourage then to come and cheer on their school mates and to volunteer their services if help is required.
How often do I get tested?
It depends on the level of the belts. Usually 2 to 4 months for lower levels and 5 to 12 months for higher ones. There are 9 tests before you can obtain your black belt.
What are the different belt levels?
You start off with a white belt followed by yellow stripe, yellow belt, green stripe, green belt, blue stripe, blue belt, red stripe, red belt, black stripe and then black belt. Once at the black belt level, you can then obtain degrees; from 1 to 9... but that one belong to the Father of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi.