Korean Karate ( Tae Kwon Do ) [ 2 - Adult]
Tae Kwon Do, literally translated to 'hand foot way(art)', is sometimes referred to as 'Korean Karate' because it is based on ancient Korean methods of self-defense. The techniques practiced in Tae Kwon Do are hundred of years old but were first introduced to the Korean population in the mid 1940's. Introduced to the Olympic games in Seoul, Korea in 1988, most people are familiar with Tae Kwon Do as a spectacle of high and flying kicks and quick punching techniques. However, at Mission Martial Arts, Chung Do Kwan is the school of Tae Kwon Do practiced. Introduced to the United States in 1963 by Grandmaster Duk Sung Son, Chung Do Kwon puts an emphasis on solid ground based kicking and highly effective self-defense techniques.
What do you mean 'schools' of Tae Kwon Do?
In 1944 there was only one Tae Kwon Do school in Korea, but as the years went by, more schools or 'Kwans' began opening up. Although there were 8 main Kwans by 1953, the largest was the Chung Do Kwan institute. This is why, if you have watched or practiced Tae Kwon Do in the past, this school may seem very different. Because the basics, forms and class structure vary from school to school, unless you have studied Chung Do Kwan before, you must start as at the beginner level regardless of your previous martial arts experience.
How can Tae Kwon Do help me?
Besides being one of the most intense cardiovascular workouts you can get, Tae Kwon Do teaches effective self-defense techniques that could save your life. By practicing even once or twice a week you will learn to utilize your body more efficiently and develop speed, power, balance, focus, accuracy and much more.
So, is Tae Kwon Do good for Kids?
Tae Kwon Do is great for kids, especially if they possess the ability to stay even moderately focused on the teacher and the lesson at hand. The pacing of the children's class is intended to motivate the students to concentrate, work hard and practice respect, while building their dexterity and coordination. The skills learned in Tae Kwon Do class have been proven to extend to all aspects of life including school and home life. Some children, especially young children, find it hard to understand that, although Tae Kwon Do is fun, it is not playtime. If a child is unwilling to learn, or becomes a disruption to the development of the class, he may be not ready for Tae Kwon Do.
Class Breakdown
Toddler Martial Movement (2 - 4)
New to the Mission Martial Arts Schedule, this toddler class engages children too young for strictly organized applicable martial arts in activities, games and exercises designed to develop balance, strength and coordination. Children will touch upon the basics of martial arts principles and have a blast doing it.
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An introduction to discipline/ positioning/ posturing / stances
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Stretching and breathing
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Athletic and acrobatic exercises such as running, jumping, squats, tumbling
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Basic martial arts movements including fists, knife hands, blocks, front kick etc.
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Lessons through stories and books
'K is for Karate' Tae Kwon Do (4 - 6)
This class is for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old and lasts approximately 45 Minutes. Students younger than 5 years of age may participate by invitation only. This short Tae Kwon Do class incorporates the fundamental parts including basics, forms (kata), sparring, agility exercises and bag work. Students in this class only practice a portion of the exercises at the beginner level (white belt) until they pass a preliminary promotion test known as the 'First Form Test'. Upon promotion to the next official colored rank of yellow belt, the student may be invited to attend the Youth Class.
Tae Kwon Do Youth (7 - 12) - A youth Tae Kwon Do class is for all students 7 to 12 years old and is taught at a moderate pace . Students younger than 7 years of age may participate by invitation only. This traditional Tae Kwon Do class incorporates all of the fundamental parts including basics, forms (kata), freestyle sparring, three-step sparring, agility exercises and bag work. It is for all belt levels and lasts for approximately 1 hour. Students in this class conform to the official Tae Kwon Do belt system.
Tae Kwon Do Adult (13+) - An adult Tae Kwon Do class is for any student 13 years old and above and is paced for mature students. Students younger than 13 years of age may participate by invitation only. This traditional Tae Kwon Do class incorporates all of the fundamental parts including basics, forms (kata), freestyle sparring, three-step sparring, agility exercises and bag work. This class is for all belt levels and lasts for approximately 1 hour. Students in this class conform to the official Tae Kwon Do belt system.