Tae Kwon Do at Plano Martial Arts
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is the traditional Korean martial art which literally means the "art of foot and hand fighting". Tae Kwon Do is considered to be one of the "hard" forms of the martial arts. Hard forms use direct and straight line techniques rather than those found in "sort" forms. Soft forms tend to move toward the flowing, circular movements depicted in the television series "kung Fu". The trademark of Tae Kwon Do is its devastating kicking techniques.
Although the name "Tae Kwon Do" is only about forty years old, the origins of the art reach far back into Korean history. During the 6th century AD, the Korean peninsula was divided into three kingdoms. Silla, the smallest was in constant peril of being overrun by her more powerful neighbors for the advanced wealth, technical skills and art forms that Silla was famous for. In response to this pressure, Silla assembled an elite fighting's corps of young member of the aristocracy which they called the "Hwarang Do" or "Flower of Youth". Legend has it that these warriors went into the mountains and along the seashore studying the fighting techniques of nature to use to their own advantage.
The ethical spirit of modern Tae Kwon Do may be traced directly to the five pointed code of Hwarang, which emphasized loyalty to the nation, respect of parents, faithfulness among friends, courage in battle and avoidance of unnecessary violence.
To consider Tae Kwon Do as simply a sport or just another way to get in shape is to deny the proud heritage of almost two thousand years. The combined thought and experience of centuries has produced out modern art form which continues to draw strength from the past.
Learning a Martial Art
There are 5 basic steps in learning a martial art. These steps are the same whether the art is karate, Kobudo, or Kung Fu. The steps, if properly followed will come together to form a circle or spiral pattern. One step leads to the next until ultimately, the pattern returns back to the first step. To memorize a movement or imitate a motion is not difficult, however, to make that imitated motion become a skill takes dedicated study. The quest to become skilled and proficient in any martial art is a never ending process, but by carefully following these steps, proficiency can be achieved. As previously stated, this process should be applied to any and all martial art styles. In truth, we should apply this process to most everything we do from day to day.
Step 1 - Patience
Due to the dedicated nature of martial arts techniques, patience with oneself is imperative, Learning is not a rapid "do it once and know it" process. Without patience, one can not accurately practice and learn.
Step 2 - Repetition
Repetition is most likely the most difficult step in the learning process. Without the over and over repetition of even the most basic of skills, movements will not become reactions.
Step 3 - Understanding
A martial artist should always strive to understand why a particular motion works the way it does and why it effects the attacker the way it does. Without this understanding, the student will be unable to gain a real insight into the art or make the connection between the similarities of different movements. The understanding of movement similarities is the corner stone to understanding the application of combinations.
Step 4 - Experimentation
This is the nest logical step. Take acquired knowledge and try different applications. Some of the application will work and others will fail, but the process will help to polish the students technique and lead to the development of a personal defense system. The experiment step can only be entered once the understanding step has been completed. Experimentation without technical understanding results in injury.
Step 5 - Evaluation
Evaluation is a very difficult step due to the fact it requires complete self honesty. The student must honestly evaluate whether a motion worked or not, did it have proper application, did the movement take too mush time, etc.. If the evaluation is positive then remember the motion, if the evaluation is negative, then admit error and reexamine the technique.
Class Schedule
Children's Classes- Mon-Fri 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Mon-Fri 5:00pm to 6:00pm (*Thursday class is reserved for advanced belts only*)
Sat. 9:00am to 10:00am
Adult Classes- Mon-Fri 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Mon & Thu 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Mon 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Tue 8:00pm to 9:00pm (*Advanced Belts Only*)
Sat. 10:00am to 11:00pm
Morning Classes (Adults only)- Mon-Fri 10:00am to 11:00am
TUITION IS $90 A MONTH
Family discounts available