World Tae Kwon Do Association of Castle Rock

The belt ranks and minimum time at rank before advancement are as follows, with times for young children in parentheses.

                                                                                                     

White                               3 months              (6-9 months)         

Yellow                             3-6 months           (9-12 months)

Green                               6-12 months         (1-2 years)                              

Purple                               6-12 months         (2 years)                

Brown                              1-2 years

 

Typically an adult can reach black belt in three years or so with hard work and excellent attendance.

 

It is not reasonable to expect to attain black belt before the teen years, as all black belt candidates are held to the same standard regardless of age.  Advancement for young children takes longer to accommodate this.  Special recognition in the form of ‘stripe rank’ is given to the continuing progress of younger students between color belts  as a means of encouragement.

Warm-up and stretching

Proper warm-up is necessary before performing vigorous movements. Flexibility stretching is important to proper technique and is also a benefit in itself.

 

Basics

Basic movements including blocks and attacks are practiced at every workout. The fundamental qualities of speed, power, balance, focus and accuracy are emphasized, with the goal of perfection.

 

Forms

Forms are stylized sequences of movements that increase with difficulty as the student advances. Forms are a teaching tool and a great means of conditioning, and they are also a way for students to practice away from class. Individual movements are performed with emphasis on speed, power, balance, proper technique and crispness. Forms practice cultivates concentration, and with much practice can function as a kind of moving

meditation.

 

Three Step and One Step Exercises

Three-steps and one-steps are paired exercises where students may practice blocking and attacking against an opponent.

 

Bag workout

As techniques are performed in the air during basics and forms, it is vital to do plenty of bag work in order to develop power.

 

Self Defense training

The practical application of Tae Kwon Do towards various self-defense situations. Self-defense is not sparring, and the goal is to prevent or quickly put an end to an assault. Effective self-defense relies on situational awareness and the ability to execute simple techniques with great speed, power, balance and accuracy.

 

Sparring

Sparring is the free exchange of blocks and attacks between partners. No offensive contact is allowed, and protective gear is not worn.  Defensive contact, as in blocking, is normal. Sparring is a friendly, cooperative exercise and an opportunity to put hard earned skills to the test.  There are certain techniques and tactics that may be suitable for self defense but are not allowed in sparring. For example, takedowns and destructive blocking are not allowed.

 

Warm-down

Classes always end with a series of active warm-down exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tae Kwon Do (Korean Karate) is a highly effective art of unarmed combat for life-threatening situations. In addition to the fighting skills involved, there is a strong emphasis on mental discipline and self-restraint to avoid combat that is not absolutely necessary.

 

Tae Kwon Do is also an excellent physical conditioning program. For those interested in getting into shape and managing their weight, the study of martial arts can be easier to stick with than other programs.

What is Tae Kwon Do, and why would anyone want to take it?

What kinds of activities may be performed during a typical class?

What about belt ranks and promotions?

Besides class dues, there will be additional fees for testing as the occasion arises, and these fees go directly to the World Tae Kwon Do Association. Colored belt test fees are currently around fifty dollars. Promotions are typically at least six months apart, so this should not be an excessive burden. Students may purchase their own uniform or buy one from the instructor. There is also a ten dollar annual membership fee for the World Tae Kwon Do Association after yellow belt.

Are there any additional fees or expenses?