Club Tae Kwon Do

Welcome to Club Tae Kwon Do! Tae Kwon Do is an ancient Korean martial art, which means "The Art of Hands and Feet (or Kicking and Punching)" in Korean. Through your practice of Tae Kwon Do, you'll find that you'll not only learn how to defend yourself and gain proficiency in this martial art but also develop increased physical and mental strength. Specifically, Tae Kwon Do stresses the importance of integrity, self-discipline, and perseverance. We try to make (keep) our classes fun though, while keeping in mind some of these central tenets of Tae Kwon Do.

Who Are the Students?

Students who come to Tae Kwon Do can expect quite a few things. First, expect a physical challenge - our classes, while not unbearable at the beginning by any stretch of the imagination, are certainly a work out. If you're interested in not just getting in better shape, but Very good shape, come to class. Come regularly. You will be in Much better shape by the end, even if you start in good shape - our class definitely demonstrated that last semester (you guys and gals were impressive, good job).

Second, expect to learn self-defense. While the emphasis isn't on pure street self-defense, we do take time every few classes to go over / introduce the basics of self-defense, and include it as part of our tests for belts. Later students are introduced to free-sparring (that crazy fighting-like (though NOT the same as fighting) you see in movies). Sorry about the nested parentheses...You will learn how to defend yourself.

Attitude. Yes, attitude. After getting into the swing of things, classes move at a fast pace, and there's no socializing or yammering, though questions are Always OK and encouraged. One and a half hours of concentration and physical exercise (or more, depending on you), two to three times a week, developes a very powerful mind. I happen to also work better when I'm working and practicing regularly during the week as well.

Finally, you'll learn Tae Kwon Do. We teach the traditional Tae Kwon Do forms, kicking and punching techniques, as well as some more street-wise self-defense. Come to class regularly, and you'll begin to resemble a real, respectable martial artist, and should you go to any other school anywhere else, you will have a steady, like-wise respectable foundation to learn at that school.

Tests & Curriculum

Tests for advancement in rank will be held periodically throughout the semester. All novices start out with no belt and must test for white belt. Those with previous experience in Tae Kwon Do may assume their rank, and we will discuss testing (particularly of advanced belts) on an individual basis. Like most Tae Kwon Do schools, we will require class attendance requirements and the mastering of certain skills and terminology before advancement to a higher belt. There will be nominal testing fees to cover the cost of a new belt and other costs associated with testing. We make no money on testing! Our goal is to teach you to become a good martial artist. Mastering a technique means more than simply knowing how to do it; even black belts are forever students who are always looking for ways to improve. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that ultimately it is your skill and knowledge, not the color belt you wear around your waist, that makes you a good or bad martial artist.

Practice Times & Schedule

TBA

Weekend Class - TBA. For fun things like quad sparring to music, visiting playgrounds of Durham to work out. (ad hoc class - get on the email list to hear announcements about Weekend class)

Questions? Ping the instructor!

Dues & Liability

All students must sign a waiver form at the first practice and pay dues at the beginning of the second practice. This is a direct mandate from above, namely the Sports Club Council. Dues are $30 ($32 on Flex because of the 5% fee of collection) for the year. These dues will be used toward purchases of uniforms for all students. Those who already have uniforms may pay $20 for the year.