Frequently Asked Questions

 Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on high, fast kicks, spinning and jumping kicks, and quick footwork. It combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, as well as elements of philosophy and discipline.

Improved Strength and Flexibility: Kicking and striking drills develop leg and core strength, while stretching routines boost flexibility.
 

Better Balance and Coordination: Regular practice improves body control and spatial awareness.
 

Cardiovascular Fitness: Intense drills and sparring raise heart rate and build stamina.
 

Weight Management: It burns calories and helps tone muscles, supporting healthy body weight.
 

Injury Prevention: Training enhances joint mobility and muscle balance, reducing injury risk.
 

Discipline and Focus: Structured training helps improve concentration and the ability to stay committed to goals.
 

Stress Relief: Physical activity and breathing techniques help manage stress and anxiety.
 

Confidence: Mastery of skills and progression through belt ranks build self-esteem.
 

Improved Reaction Time: Practicing forms and sparring hones reflexes and decision-making speed.
 

Self-Control and Respect: Core values of Taekwondo include respect for self and others, taught through etiquette and tradition.
 

Goal Setting: Advancing through the belt system encourages persistence and achievement.
 

Community and Friendship: Training often happens in groups, fostering camaraderie and mutual support.

Yes, it is possible to get injured during practice.  Most injuries are minor, such as bruising, strains/sprains or a pulled muscle.  However, ATC operates with the highest regard to student safety.  Properly warming up and stretching, wearing protective gear, focusing on control and following our instructors' guidance are all ways to reduce and prevent injuries from happening.

Taekwondo is highly focused on high, fast, and powerful kicks — more than most other martial arts. Jumping, spinning, and head-level kicks are common.  It also h as a strong sport component (Olympic Taekwondo sparring via World Taekwondo) with a focus on point-scoring, speed, and agility.  To emphasize the art of Taekwondo, students practice poomsae (choreographed patterns of movements).  Also, as a whole, Taekwondo practices the following 5 tenets:  Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. 

To get every student started, we recommend participating in 1-2 trial classes.  These will give you a great introduction to taekwondo at ATC, and provide you with valuable information about whether ATC is a good fit for you.  Please call, text or email to schedule your first trial class.

Trial class students can wear comfortable athletic clothing during their trial classes.  Students take class barefoot on our soft training mats.  Any student participating in a trial class will need to complete (or have their parents complete) a trial class application/waiver form before starting.

For a better learning experience, students are not all in the same class.  Classes are divided into smaller groups, pairing students of similar age, rank and ability into the same classes.  At ATC, we have the following sessions:

Little Warriors (age 4-6)

Children (age 7-12)

Teen & Adult (age 13+)

However, there are exceptions from time to time, especailly when families (adults with children) want to practice together.  If you have a specific request for being placed in a certain class, please let us know so we can consider your request.

Not right away.  Students practice sparring right from the beginning, but in a no-contact format.  It isn't until after 5-6 months of practice that the student is then recommended to obtain sparring equipment.  This can be purchased through the ATC Pro Shop.  The sparring gear set includes:

• Duffel Bag
• Chest Guard
• Helmet with Face Shield
• Mouth Guard
• Forearm Guards
• Shin/Instep Guards
• Groin Cup (for males, not included in the set but is required)

Every belt at ATC is earned, not given.  Graduating to the next color belt rank takes at least 10 weeks of practice, while Black Belt takes significantly longer.  Generally the length of time to achieve a 1st Dan Black Belt is 3-4 years, although students who start at a younger age will take longer.

Our color belt system consists of 11 levels before 1st Dan Black Belt.  The Little Warriors program has its own 10 belt level system, with students who graduate from Little Warriors transitioning to our regular belt level system.