FINKLE GREEN

Do I have to register my hands when I become a black belt?

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No, that is an urban myth. Martial Artists are not required to register their hands.

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Do I have to be in good shape before I start?

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No, you will get into shape as you train. We have a series of exercises that you will learn as you progress through the ranking system which will enable you to perform the self-defense techniques efficiently.

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I am 31 years old, am I too old to start martial arts?

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No, you are not too old to begin martial-arts training. Taekwondo regularly has students start from adolecense through their 50's and older.

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What is the difference between Taekwondo and Karate or other martial arts?

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Like Karate practitioners, Taekwondo students perform a lot of upper body techniques like punching, blocking and striking. What distinguishes Taekwondo from other martial-arts is it's superior kicking techniques. In Taekwondo students can learn to perform multiple kicks while flying and jumping in the air.

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I am very busy with my work schedule, how much time do I need to devote to Taekwondo classes?

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2 to 3 classes per week are recommended, as is practicing at home. As you progress through the ranks if you want more 1:1 attention we offer private lessons which can further help hone your skills.

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How long does it take to get a Black Belt?

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In Taekwondo, it takes between 3 to 5 years to reach black belt.

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What sort of things should I consider when choosing a school?

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SAFETY: Are the instructors attentive? Do they give clear directions? Are there a lot of injuries? Injuries can happen as they do in any sport, but excessive injuries can be a sign of a problem with the school or teacher. STRUCTURE: Is the class organized? Does it seem like there is some kind of plan? Are the students learning a specific skill or technique? Is there order in the class? Who is in control, the teacher or the students? TEACHER’S DEMEANOR: Is the teacher like a drill instructor, doling out punishments, or a milquetoast that never raises their voice? Somewhere in between is best. A good teacher will be no-nonsense, but not cruel. They will maintain control without being petty or too permissive. They should know when to step on the gas or brake. It is not easy to skirt that line, but that is what you are paying for. FUN: The students should be learning, following directions, and accomplishing tasks, but also having some fun. It shouldn’t be drudgery. There should be a good mixture of work, learning, and having fun. If your child learned something new and is sweaty with a smile on their face, that is probably a pretty good class. Observe the class.

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What does Taekwondo mean?

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"Tae" means "foot" or "to strike with the feet". "Kwon" means "hand", or "to strike with the hand". "Do" means discipline, art, or way. Hence TaeKwonDo (foot-hand-way) means literally "the art of the feet and the hands" or "the art of kicking and punching".

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TaeKwonDo Terminology: Essential Words To Know

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Gym for practice – DoJang

Thank you – Kam Sa Ham Me Da

Uniform – Dobok

Attention .- Chah-ryut

Bow – Kyung Nae

Ready – Joon-bee

Begin – Si-jak

Yell – Ki-Yahp

Sparring – Gyoroggi

Self-defense – Hosinsool

Forms, formal exercises – Poomse

Front Kick – Ap Chagi

Roundhouse or Turning Kick – Dollyo Chagi

Side Kick – Yeop Chagi

Back Kick – Dwi Chagi

Down Block – Ahre Maggi

Middle Block – Momtong Maggi

Outside Block – Backat Maggi

Walking Stance – Ahp Sogi

Front Stance – Ahp Gubi Sogi

Back Stance – Dwi Gibi Sogi

Korean Numbers 1 -10

1. Hana
2. Dul
3. Set
4. Net
5. Dasot
6. Yasot
7. Elgub
8. Yodol
9. Ahob
10. Yol

The other numbering system (which is of Chinese origin) is used in most other cases:

1: il

2: ee

3: sahm

4: sah

5: oh

6: ryook

7: chil

8: pal

9: koo

10: ship

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