Some Questions and Answers
There is simply no way to list every question you might have, so please do not be afraid of asking if we did not put them on this page. We are here to help you in your journey and want to watch you succeed.
Ask our instructors, Call our phone, Email us or just come into the office and let us know that you have some questions.
What is Tae Kwon Do?
The word Tae Kwon Do is made up of three Chinese/Korean words.
“Tae” – meaning to kick or jump.
“Kwon” – meaning fist or hand.
“Do” – meaning “the way”.
Loosely it can be thought of “the way of the hand and foot”. While famous for its wide range of kicks. Tae Kwon Do also emphasizes breaking power such as splitting wood using only the bare hands and feet. Training involves a variety of techniques, including punching, kicking, dodging, jumping and blocking.
Tae Kwon Do also focuses on sparring and learning formal patterns of movements called “Forms”. These forms teach students increasingly complex martial art skills and techniques. Each belt level has its own Form that a student will learn when he or she passes testing, and receives that new belt level.
Sparring involves using controlled defense and attack techniques with light contact in short bouts with a partner in a safe enviroment. It helps students prepare to defend themselves in a real life situation. Sparring is introduced into a students training gradually – starting with the purple belts. For safety, all sparring level students are required to purchase and wear approved sparring gear.
What Age to Begin?
5 year olds who demonstrate the maturity to pay attention during the class and follow instructions well. It has less to do with physical ability and age then it does with the willingness to try hard and be respectful.
We expect all students to:
-Treat all instructors and other students with respect and courtesy
-Be able to focus and follow instructions
-Handle bathroom needs without instructors assistance
How many times a week should students participate in class?
We recommend 2-3 classes per week consistently, for best results.
How much does it cost?
Other than the monthly membership fee, some other costs are:
-Testing fees
-The cost to purchase sparring gear
-Replacement uniforms when needed
-Tournament entry fees
-Special interest seminars
-Black Belt USA Battleground MMA sponsored events
-Merchandise such as T-shirts, shorts, sweaters & curriculum books
How does a student get from white belt to black belt, and approximately how long does it take?
Black Belt USA Battleground MMA holds a formal belt testing approximately every two months, to determine if each student has learned the skills in class, that are expected of a student in their rank. If they perform successfully testing, they will be awarded the next belt up in rank. From white belt to black belt, mathematically, could be anywhere from 2 1/2 years to 5 years depending upon the students consistency of attendance. But remember, Black Belt is just the beginning, not the end of the martial arts journey. There are more levels of black belt than there are of color belts. A Black belt indicates that the martial artist has now become a dedicated student of Tae Kwon Do, ready to begin serious training.
What is Testing?
Testing is a process where the chief instructors evaluate the skills of the students to determine whether they are ready to progress to the next level of training. What is required to pass testing increases as the student increases in rank.
What are the belt ranks?
White
Yellow
Purple
Orange
Green
Green Stripe 1
Blue
Blue Stripe 1
Blue Stripe 2
Red
Red Stripe 1
Red Stripe 2
Black
Will participating in Tae Kwon Do teach children to be violent?
We find the opposite to be true, for a number of reasons. Our goals for the students of Black Belt USA Battleground MMA include:
Improving self discipline to help them make better choices to try to avoid conflict.
Developing the self-control to resolve problems as peacefully as possible.
Increase their self confidence.
Rules of the school for students & spectators:
NO shoes on the mats
NO profanity
NO smoking inside or outside the front doors near the entrance
NO loud talking during classes or out the dojong doors
NO gum chewing by students inside school
NO jewelry is to be worn during class
Students must bow before entering the mat area. If students are late, they are to ask permission from the instructor to enter class
All students must use the restroom before class starts – as to not be interruptive once class has started
Sparring Rules:
-Sparring gear must be worn at all times while sparring. Head gear, chest protector, padded shoes, gloves, shin guards, forearm guards, mouth guards and groin protectors for males.
-Sparring is only allowed when chief instructors are on the mat supervising
-No face punching is ever allowed
-No head kicks ever allowed for children of any belt color
-No head kicks allowed for adults purple thru blue belts
-No contact sparring allow for children or adult white & yellow belt
THIS SCHOOL TEACHES TECHNIQUE OVER POWER-AND WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR
What to expect:
-Your muscles will be sore. Expect that to lessen with consistent training
-Feeling awkward learning new movements, with constant training this builds muscle memory so in real life situations you will automatically react without thinking.
-Expect instructors to be firm to motivate you to do your best
-Expect to meet new friends
-Expect to feel more energetic & healthier
10 Reasons Martial Arts BENEFITS kids:
In a culture that seems to glorify violence in everything from music to video games and television shows, the idea of enrolling your child in martial arts training classes doesn’t always seem like a good one. While martial arts-centered action films seem to be filled to the brim with violent behavior and gory injuries, you may be surprised to learn that martial arts training is actually very beneficial to kids. Like so many other things that Hollywood doesn’t always get it right, martial arts isnt the brutal, vicious pastime that it seems. In fact, these are 10 of the reasons why you may want to consider martial arts training for your children.
1. Fostering Self-Discipline One of the central views of all forms of the martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Todays children are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren’t always easy to come by. Children with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded of how essential self-discipline is.
2. Boosting Socialization Skills Children who don’t always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when there in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. The children on the playground may not always have much common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven forms like Kempo Karate / Jiu Jitsu also foster camaraderie, as they force children to pair off and build their skills together.
3. Encouraging Physical Activity Limiting screen time is a great idea when it comes to getting children off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the sedentary lifestyle they are used to, but also gives them an enjoyable activity that inspires them to keep moving.
4. Learning to Set and Achieve Goals Most forms of martial arts are based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearers degree of skill. When children strive toward each new belt, they learn valuable lessons about setting and reaching goals.
5. Increased Self-Esteem Confidence comes with achievement, so children self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move they masters and every belt they earns. Children who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they are enrolled in a martial arts class.
6. Instilling a Sense of Respect Learning any martial arts style will require your child to show their instructor unflinching respect. Todays children culture doesnt always include respect for authority, adults or those in advanced positions. When your child goes to their Tae Kwon Do class, your child will be learning lessons in respect along with new moves.
7. Encouraging Non-Violent Conflict Resolution Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behavior is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach children peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation.
8. Improving Listening Skills In order to master the skills your child is being taught and as they advance through the belt ranks, your child will have to exercise superior listening skills. Children who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they are told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in her dojo.
9. Developing Teamwork Skills Whether they are breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new maneuver, there are few things that your child does in his martial arts classes that will be done on his own. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for children to learn, and instruction in the martial arts can help your child learn that lesson.
10. Improvement in Other Areas of Life The benefits of martial arts training don’t end in the dojo. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect his behavior at home and have an all-around good influence on him as he develops into an adult.