Martial Arts Questions, Answered

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art with roots over 2,000 years old.  Taekwondo can be translated as “the way of the foot and fist,” “the art of kicking and punching,” or “the art of unarmed combat.”  Tae means to kick or strike with the foot.  Kwon means fist or to strike with the hand.  Do refers to a discipline or an art.

Taekwondo classes can improve your physical fitness, mental focus, self-defense skills, and overall well-being. They can also help you develop discipline, confidence, and respect.

Taekwondo classes are suitable for people of all ages, genders, and fitness levels. Akula Taekwondo offers classes for children (5 years old or older) and adults.

No, you do not need any prior experience to take Taekwondo classes. We welcome beginners and offer introductory classes.

Yes. We require all students to come for an Introductory Lesson before joining group classes. This prepares them for joining the group and creates the best experience for everyone. To schedule an appointment, please fill out our contact form. We will text you soon. 

The Introductory Lesson is a private appointment for specifically for you. If for any reason you cannot make it, please let us know that you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment.

Taekwondo can help children improve balance, flexibility, motor coordination, endurance, and strength. Regular activity for children is an essential component of healthy physical development.  Equally important is the development of mental skills such as focus, concentration, self-awareness, and self-control. Further, consistent training helps kids cultivate important traits such as being respectful, valuing goal-setting, patience, self-improvement, friendship, integrity, confidence, positive attitude, dedication, courtesy, self-discipline, perseverance, character, and commitment.

Comfortable athletic clothing. In summer, shorts and a t-shirt. If it’s cooler outside, leggings or track pants and a t-shirt.

Our students do not wear shoes on our training mat. Working barefoot is great for improving balance and movement and strengthens the ankles.

Karate refers to Japanese striking martial arts, while Taekwondo is a specific Korean martial art.  Both Taekwondo and Karate are open hand (weaponless) fighting styles.  The word “karate” has appeared more commonly in western cultures and is often used as a default name for martial arts.

Both Karate and Taekwondo classes offer are positive, healthy activity with many benefits. So why do we recommend a World Taekwondo school like Akula? Taekwondo is currently the most popular martial arts in the world. Forms (poomsae), strikes, and sparring rules are standardized. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to find World Taekwondo peers, clubs, and schools.

Yes! Our adult classes are designed for students ages 16 and up. We teach beginners, as well as students continuing with or returning to martial arts. Several of our students told us they “always wanted to learn martial arts” and are thrilled to finally have the opportunity.

In addition to fun and community, Taekwondo classes reduce the stress of daily life, teach self-defense strategies, and improve fitness, strength, flexibility, and focus.  Many of our students report that Taekwondo changes their outlook on life. 

Yes, Taekwondo classes can be an effective way to lose weight and improve your fitness level. They involve cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility.

The frequency of Taekwondo classes depends on your goals and schedule. We recommend attending classes two or three times per week to get the benefits of martial arts training. Students at upper belt ranks may choose to attend more frequently.

Yes. We wear traditional Taekwondo uniforms (called dobak) in our martial art classes. The uniform prepares the student mentally for class, keeps them focused, and instills pride.

Children ages 5 to 6 should attend Little Kickers classes. The curriculum is designed especially for their abilities and attention span.

New students ages 7 to 15 should attend our White and Yellow Belt classes. In these classes, we focus on the fundamental skills and techniques that lay a solid foundation for Taekwondo practice.

Children who are 7 to 10 years old and have earned an Orange Belt should attend Kids Classes for Ages 7 to 10.

Children who are 11 to 15 years old and have earned an Orange Belt should attend Kids Classes for Ages 11 – 15.

Why do we divide classes by age and belt rank?

How students are learning is just as important as what students are learning. Our classes are designed to meet the needs of various ages and skill levels. 

Four to six year olds learn very differently from seven to ten year olds. And older kids and adults also have their own learning styles and paces. Further, beginner students have different needs from students who have been training for a year–who have different needs and abilities from students who have been training for 5 years or more. By dividing classes by age and belt rank, we ensure that students are in the proper learning group based on their personal level of development.

Every student is different and learns (and progresses) at his or her own pace. The main factors that affect progression include:

• How often the student attends class
• The student’s age
• The student’s fitness level
• Natural talent

Though some schools promise a black belt in three years or less, this is never a good thing. At Akula Taekwondo, every student advances at their own pace, based on their own merits. It generally takes five to seven years to earn a Black Belt.

The length of time it takes to earn a black belt in Taekwondo depends on the age, dedication, and ability of the student, as well as the standards of the martial arts school issuing the black belt. At Akula Taekwondo, students are expected to dedicate five to seven years of consistent training on their journey to Black Belt.