Taekwondo

Taekwondo (TKD) is an ancient Korean martial art comprised of approximately 80% kicking and 20% punching techniques.  The art of Taekwondo includes self-defense, sparring, forms, board breaking, and various drills.  TMA's style of taekwondo originated from one of the original art forms, Mudokwan. Although there has been a large portion of practitioners focused on the Olympic Sparring aspect of TKD, our academy is committed to a well-balanced curriculum that covers all parts of the dynamic art. Our classes are founded on an encouraging, friendly atmosphere.  Our instructors place safety for our members first. 

We currently offer three levels for our Taekwondo classes which include Little Tigers, Beginners, and Intermediate/Advanced. 

Meet Your Instructors

Bitty Tigers

Ages 4 & 5

Bitty Tigers is a beginner level martial arts class for ages 4 and 5. It is a half an hour class that covers basic fundamentals of kicks and punches, and allows students to learn the fundamentals.

Little Tigers

Ages 5-8

Little Tigers is a 45-minute class designed for children between the ages of 5 to 8 years old.  While your child will learn basic Tae Kwon Do technical skills, the instructional focus is to help them develop holistically.  This approach affords students the opportunity to increase their overall fitness, focus, self-control, social skills, confidence, and respect for others.  The environment is encouraging with a healthy balance of discipline and fun challenges. Our goal is to develop students in both character and skill. This course welcomes students of all fitness levels.

Class Structure

The instructor begins each class with an encouraging thought of the day followed by a few minutes of mindfulness practice. Students then complete a brief warm-up, participate in basic agility drills, and complete the lesson of the day. The class lesson follows a systematic rotating curriculum of self-defense, strikes, sparring, board breaking, and forms.  Students repeat their lessons until they are proficient with the required techniques and ready for belt promotion. 

Junior Tigers

Ages 9-12

Junior Tigers is a 45-minute class designed for children between the ages of 9 to 12 years old.  Students learn beginner and intermediate Tae Kwon Do techniques.  The class environment is fun, safe, and high-energy.  In addition, this course provides opportunities for students to increase their confidence, self-discipline, mental focus, and physical fitness. Our goal is to develop students in both character and skill. This course welcomes students of all fitness levels.

Class Structure

The instructor begins each class with an encouraging thought of the day followed by a few minutes of mindfulness practice. Students then complete a brief warm-up, participate in beginner to intermediate agility drills, and complete the lesson of the day. The class lesson follows a systematic rotating curriculum of self-defense, strikes, sparring, board breaking, and forms.  Students repeat their lessons until they are proficient with the techniques and ready for belt promotion. 

Teen & Adult Tigers

Ages 13+

Teen & Adult Tigers is a 1-hour class designed for teens and adults 13 and older.  Depending on the students experience and fitness level, they will learn beginner through advanced Tae Kwon Do techniques and skills.  The class environment is fun, safe, and high-energy.  In addition, this course provides opportunities for students to increase their confidence, self-discipline, mental focus, and physical fitness.  Our goal is to develop students in both character and skill.  This course welcomes students of all fitness levels.

Class Structure

This class focuses on improving physical fitness and mental toughness through Tae Kwon Do training.  Each class begins with an encouraging thought from the instructor, mindfulness training followed by a high-energy cardio session.  Next, students complete the lesson of the day. The class lesson follows a systematic rotating curriculum of self-defense, strikes, sparring, board breaking, and forms.  Students repeat their lessons until they are proficient with the techniques and ready for belt promotion.  The program is easy to follow and fun!   

FAQs

What order do the belt colors go from white belt to black belt?

Everyone who starts Taekwondo starts as a white belt.  The main colors of the belts may vary slightly from academy to academy; however, Tiger Martial Arts Fitness Academy is as follows:

White – Yellow – Orange – Green – Blue – Purple – Brown – Red – Red/Black - Black

What is the history of Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a martial art originating from the days of tribal communities on the Korean Peninsula. It was developed amongst the tribes as a means of preserving their own life and race as well as building both physical and mental strength.

Do I need any experience to start Taekwondo?

No.  In fact, most of our students had zero to little experience when they joined.  We pride ourselves on our learning atmosphere that welcomes beginners.

What is the difference between taekwondo and karate?
Taekwondo is a Korean art, while karate is a Japanese art. Taekwondo uses most of the same hand techniques as karate but emphasizes the kicks more. Taekwondo is well known for its flashy, high, aerial and/or spinning kicks. However, all martial arts have benefits. We believe that it is more important to be comfortable with the academy's overall goals, the instructor's teaching skills, and the learning atmosphere than to choose a school based only on the style of martial art or the price.

Does martial arts training make a child aggressive?
We teach a practical, responsible self defense program. Children learn that martial arts is not about violence but about developing skills they can use safely in a tough situation. Any aggression the child brings in to the program usually disappears with continued training and increased self-esteem.

Do I have to bow? Why?
Bowing is a way to show respect. It is comparable to a Western handshake, not worship. There is no religion in taekwondo. However, you must bow to your instructors and to other students to show that you respect them. They will also bow to you to show you the same respect.

At what age can my child start First Tae Kwon Do training?
All prospective members need to have at least a basic understanding of moral concepts and of the consequences of their actions. They also need to be able to understand and follow instructions, and be able to maintain reasonable focus over an hour-long class, otherwise they will not be able to benefit from the training. Starting children too early will be a frustrating exercise for them, and could well turn them off training, which would see them miss out on the many long term benefits. In general, most children should be ready to begin First Tae Kwon Do training from the age of five years. 

How do students earn a new belt?
Tiger Martial Arts Fitness Academy students must pass an exam to promote to the next rank. Promotional testing is an exciting event for us! Parents, family, and friends are invited to come and watch. After a successful testing, the student is awarded a new rank and awarded a certified Tiger Martial Arts Fitness Academy rank certificate.

What is sparring, and is it required?
Sparring is required to advance in rank.  Sparring allows students to develop enhanced reflexes, quick judgment, timing, and distant management tools needed for a live situation. Students begin learning sparring techniques and strategies as a white belt, however, do not participate in live sparring until they earn a minimum of a yellow belt rank and are approved by the head instructor.  Students spar in an instructor-supervised manner where respect and good control is mandatory. All students are required to wear protective gear.

Intersted in a Class?

If you or your child is interested in any of the classes we offer feel free to contact us with any questions.

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