 Our school is stubborn about teaching
the complete system of Taekwon-do. This includes not only the kicks, punches and strikes
generally associated with the art, but also the sweeps, ho shin sool (self-defense
techniques), grappling techniques, integrated Taekwon-do sparring, and more. In this
sense, our school is quite different from most of the Taekwon-do schools in the United
States, which limit themselves to teaching only the sport version of Taekwon-do. 1. Specialized classes
We recognize that different people are interested in different facets of Taekwon-do.
Therefore, our approach is to provide specialized classes that address the various aspects
of the art. Students develop their training regimen based on their interests and
preference. They get a sound foundation in the fundamentals of the art, while being
encouraged to explore and determine the special areas of Taekwon-do they wish to focus on.
A good example of this approach is the way we conduct sparring classes at our school. We
offer three types of sparring classes which appeal to students with varying interests and
needs:
- Light Sparring: These sessions are quite light, designed to increase the
student’s endurance and speed without involving hard physical contact. Everyone is
well padded with protective equipment, and no contact to the face is allowed.
- Competition Sparring: This is Olympic-style sparring, which permits contact to targets
above the waist. Students who participate in these classes are interested in competing in
Taekwon-do tournaments. The classes are augmented with endurance training sessions to help
competitors reach and maintain their best physical condition. The experienced competitors
in this group compete about once per month in major tournaments around the country.
- Integrated Taekwon-do Sparring: The aim of this class is to develop one’s ability to use the
full range of techniques taught at our school. Students who are interested in the
practical use of Taekwon-do for self-defense love this class, as they are tested against
various types of attacks. It is like a laboratory for exploring and experimenting with
Taekwon-do applications. A simple way to explain integrated Taekwon-do sparring class is
that it is a “no rules” environment. However, the sessions are strictly
supervised and controlled to ensure everyone’s safety. We want to keep this a fun
learning experience where both men and women develop skill and confidence.
2. Expansive
Class Schedule
We understand that life is quite hectic, and that it is not always easy to get away for a
workout. That’s why we offer many classes throughout the day, seven days a week
– over 60 classes per week, in fact. Members may attend as many classes as they wish,
at any time.
Regularly scheduled classes include the following:
- All Levels: Any student can attend, but students will work on different techniques
according to their level.
- Advanced: Open to advanced students only. Higher-level combinations of techniques
and power techniques are practiced in this class.
- Beginner: New students start with a series of private introductory lessons,
after which they may attend these beginner classes.
 Beginner classes review all of the
fundamentals taught in the introductory lessons, helping new members to continue to
familiarize themselves with the basics before joining the All Levels class. Some beginners
choose to go directly into All Levels class after their introductory private lessons.
- Forms: This class focuses on learning and practicing traditional Taekwon-do forms.
- Stretching: A good way to slow the aging process is to keep your body flexible.
Our stretching classes teach proper stretching technique to develop and maintain a limber
body.
- Sparring Techniques: This class reviews sparring tactics and strategies in a
step-by-step format.
- Sparring Sessions: These are the light sparring, competition sparring and integrated
Taekwon-do sparring classes offered by the Institute.
- Children’s and Junior
Classes: We offer separate classes for kids at the
Jae H. Kim Taekwon-do Institute.
In addition to our regular classes, we offer
training clinics at the Institute. Our clinics include Ho Shin Sool (self-defense
techniques), Jumping Kicks, Women’s Self-Defense, Super Speed Techniques, Power Hand
Techniques, and more.
3. Balanced
Training
 The
cultivation of a healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand. We believe in the
balanced development of our students. Physically, this means exercising all of the muscles
and strengthening the body systematically, both internally and externally. Mentally, this
means developing self-control and self-discipline on a path to achieving inner harmony.
The end result is an improvement in the quality of life, both physically and mentally, for
Taekwon-do practitioners.
Taekwon-do, when practiced regularly and properly,
helps individuals to maintain fitness and general physical wellbeing. However, we do not
view it as a way of treating illnesses or diseases. Our aim is to impart wellness in our
students by showing them how to prevent illness, by maintaining a fit and able body and
mind that are better able to cope with the stresses and strains of daily life.
Our approach to attaining this benefit is through
active participation and experience in physical Taekwon-do training, rather than through
verbal discussions. It is through the experiential, not the hypothetical, that we
attain physical fitness. This is true of any well-structured physical-fitness or athletic
endeavor. |