What Is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is the modern name given to the ancient Korean art of self-defense. Taekwondo, which has been practiced in Korea for 2000 years, emphasizes foot and leg techniques as well as hand skills.

Why Learn Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a great way of achieving physical and mental fitness.  The benefits of training are many: increased power, speed, flexibility, strength and coordination.  Taekwondo can also aid in weight control, and both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.  Taekwondo’s additional benefits include the development of patience, determination, leadership skills and respect.  With consistent, regular training, Taekwondo can also be an extremely effective form of self-defense.

Who Can Learn Taekwondo?

People of all ages can learn Taekwondo, children, teenagers and adults.  Taekwondo is not restricted to the young athlete.  In fact, each student develops within his or her physical abilities and regular participation brings very noticeable progress.  Taekwondo can also be a family activity.  Many of our students are family members who practice Taekwondo as a common interest.  In our experience, we have found that students aged 6 years and older benefit most immediately from training.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Taekwondo?

Within the first month you will learn the basic stances, blocks, kicks and punches. With steady training, you will advance from white belt to yellow, green, blue, red and eventually first degree black belt. Black belt can be achieved in approximately three to four years with hard, consistent training. Most black belts will agree that colour belt training is simply a good foundation on which to develop, train and learn as a black belt. To see good results, you should attend classes and tournaments consistently.

How Much Does It Cost?

There are two payment options: monthly or semester.  Those paying monthly must submit post-dated cheques for the semester at the beginning of each semester.  Monthly dues are $40 per student along with a grading test fee of $30 per grading.

Costs for a semester are $150 per student and $120 for all other immediate family members.  The grading test fee is waived for semestered students.  The only other fee involved for new students is a uniform, which costs either $35 or $50, depending on the style and size.

Participation in tournaments is strongly encouraged and registration fees are the responsibility of each student.  After the first semester, students will need to begin purchasing sparring equipment, which is all available for purchase through the school.

When Are Classes?

Classes run all year and from September through June classes run every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, except for statutory holidays and special events.  Beginner Children’s classes run from 5:15-6:00 PM, and all Intermediate and Advanced Children and Youth classes run from 6:00-7:00 PM.

What Do I Need In Order To Start?

If you have any health concerns which may be affected by physical activity or limit your level of physical exertion, medical clearance from your physician is required.  Once you are medically cleared and you are registered, you will receive a uniform which includes a white belt and all three required crests which must be sewn on to the uniform.  No other equipment is required.  Protective sparring gear is available in class and can be borrowed when needed until equipment is purchased.