United Sports Tae kwon do FAQ's

Q:    What is Tae Kwon Do?
A:    Tae Kwon Do is both a traditional Korean martial art and a modern day Olympic sport.  It is known primarily for the precision, speed, and power of its kicking techniques.

Q:    What makes Tae Kwon Do so popular?
A:    Tae Kwon Do is the world's most popular martial art, with over 70 million practitioners around the world.  It is not a passing fad made popular by television.  It has withstood the test of time because its principles are based on sound techniques and philosophies that improve both mind and body. 

Q:     What are the benefits of learning Tae Kwon Do?
A:    That depends.  We will ask you what you hope to achieve.  Some students want to focus on physical conditioning.  For others, self-defense training is important.  Parents appreciate that their children learn self-confidence, self-control, and respect for others.  Lupo TKD programs, such as United Sports Tae Kwon Do, are family-focused.  Therefore a benefit to our program is that it is something that families can enjoy together while making new friends.

Q:    What ages are appropriate for Tae Kwon Do?
A:    Children as young as four can benefit from and enjoy it.  Every child is different of course.  Try a few classes and see.  Seniors also benefit from Tae Kwon Do because it keeps them limber and fit.  Students of every age and physical and cognitive ability are asked to strive to be the best that they can be. 

Q:     What are classes like?
A:    Classes are designed to be both fun and challenging.  Most importantly, you will learn valuable life skills.  We have four kinds of classes.  Ages are guidelines only:
     1)  Age 4-8:  Early afternoon classes are for the youngest students where the focus is on having fun and developing good habits of exercising their bodies and minds.
     2)  Age 9-11:  Older children will spend more time learning specific skills such as poomse (forms) and techniques for which some of the youngest children may not be ready.
     3)  Adult / Family:  Our adult classes are for ages 12+.  However, we encourage parents to bring their children under age 12.  We will ensure that both parent and child receive the appropriate training so that everyone can learn and have          a good time while sharing a common experience.
     4) Sport Classes:  Our USAT coaches will work with those practitioners who wish to explore the athletic side of Tae Kwon Do.  These classes will train our competitors to ensure that United Sports Tae Kwon Do becomes a    
         well-respected program at local and national tournaments.  We will introduce these classes as our program grows.

Q:    How often can I come to class?
A:    Our philosophy is that you control your progress.   You can come as many times as you like during the week.  Two to three days per week will help to ensure steady progress. 

Q:    How do I earn new belts?
A:    If you attend classes regularly, most students will be ready to test each quarter.  You will never be asked to demonstrate anything you have not done in class.  The keys to advancement are the proper attitude and striving for your personal best?

Q:    How long does it take to earn a Black Belt?
A:    Earning a Black Belt is special because most people who begin martial arts will not reach that level.  It takes great commitment.  While every individual is different, with regular training, a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt can be attained in three to five years.  As you will discover, this is not the end of the journey, but an exciting new beginning.

Q:    Can I compete in tournaments?
A:    Yes.  We encourage it but do not require it.  Tournament competition does not need to include sparing.  Many people like to compete in "forms" which are non-contact.  Competition builds character.  Our affiliation with USA Taekwondo means that our tournaments are sanctioned by the National Governing Body of the U.S. Olympic Committee.  You will have the opportunity to compete in state, national, and perhaps international tournaments.   Our instructors are certified as coaches and referees and will help you and your children to reach your full potential as athletes. 

Q:    Do we have to spar (fight)?
A:    Tae Kwon Do is a martial art and thus physical contact is a part of it.  One of the things that make Tae Kwon Do different from other art forms is that participants are fully padded when full contact sparing is involved.  Tae Kwon Do does not allow kicks to the head for young children.  Punches to the face are never permitted, and no ground work (grappling) is involved.  These are some reasons why Tae Kwon Do is among the most kid-friendly art forms. 

Q:    What if I don't want my child to fight?
A:    We are parents too, and we understand that concern.  Our students recite before and after every class that we will never misuse Tae Kwon Do, and that we will build a more peaceful world.  Most martial artists avoid fights.  The confidence your children learn here will teach them that they have nothing to prove.  They will walk away from confrontation on their terms.  If they must defend themselves, they will do no more than is necessary to control the situation.

Q:    Why do we say some things in Korean?
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean art form and as such we acknowledge the heritage.  Learning Korean prepares students for competition where commands are given in Korean.  Students also enjoy learning words in other languages. 

Q:    Why do we bow?
A:    This too is part of the Korean culture.  It is similar to an American handshake, but it is more than that. It shows respect for the other person's knowledge and commitment to Tae Kwon Do, to the art form and its tradition, and to all the students who came before them.  This helps to strengthen a student's respect for authority within and outside the Tae Kwon Do world to help them to become the person we aspire for our children to become.

United Sports announces Tae Kwon Do for Special Needs Children Age 4-11.

Our instructors understand that team sports that require physical and verbal interaction with others can be difficult for some children.   We have seen how TKD can be the answer for many of these kids and their parents.  Tae Kwon Do meets every individual where they are to help them to reach their personal best.

Benefits Include:
* Self-confidence
* Self-control
* Improved focus
* Coordination
* Social skills
* Body control
* Core strength
* FUN

Tae Kwon Do for children on the Austistic Spectrum

Contact Info: Robert Fox • tkd@unitedsports.net • 610.466.7100 • unitedsports.net

Building Strong Minds One Kick at a Time
Courtesy • Integrity • Perseverance • Self-Control • Indomitable Spirit