FAQ

Taekwondo is a Korean art, while karate is a Japanese art. Taekwondo uses most of the same hand techniques as karate but emphasizes the kicks more. Taekwondo is well known for its flashy, high, aerial and/or spinning kicks. However, all martial arts have benefits. We believe that it is more important to be comfortable with the academy’s overall goals, the instructor’s teaching skills, and the learning atmosphere than to choose a school based only on the style of martial art, the location, or the price.

We teach a practical, responsible self defense program. Children learn that martial arts is not about violence but about developing skills they can use safely in a tough situation. Any aggression the child brings in to the program usually disappears with continued training and increased self-esteem. Also, we recite the Student Oath and Six Tenets at the end of every class and discuss their meanings and applications.

Bowing is a way to show respect. It is comparable to a Western handshake, not worship. There is no religion in taekwondo. You bow to your instructors and to other students to show that you respect them. They will also bow to you to show you the same respect.

We train students as young as 5 years old. You are never too old to start taekwondo, as long as you do not have existing joint or back problems. Properly taught, taekwondo does not usually create injuries, but it can exacerbate existing conditions.

No, most people wear shorts or sweats at first. You won’t need a uniform until your first testing. However, we try to keep all sizes in stock. The uniforms come with top, pants, and white belt. Denton Taekwondo Academy T-shirts are a popular option for workouts.

Taekwondo America students must pass a test to earn a higher rank. Promotional testing is an exciting event for us! We hold a testing every two months. Parents and friends are invited to come and watch. No classes are held on testing days. After a successful testing, the student is awarded a new rank and given a rank certificate in class.

This depends somewhat on your age (young children take longer), your abilities, and how much time you can devote to classes and personal workouts. It takes most students 90 – 120 hours, spread out over 15 – 18 months of in-class training under the supervision of a Certified Instructor to achieve the rank of Red Belt. At this point, self-defense should be automatic and instinctive. After Red Belt it takes another 10 – 14 months to earn the rank of First Degree Decided Black Belt. At this point you have mastered the basics. There is much, much more to learn.

Green belt level, and yes, you do. To learn how to defend yourself, it is important to practice against a moving opponent, similar to a real confrontation. Students develop enhanced reflexes, quick judgment, timing, and distancing. Our students begin learning to free spar at green belt, about 6 months into their training. It’s better to learn to block, punch, and kick without hurting ourselves before trying the techniques on moving targets. Then we learn how to spar using respect and good control. Sparring is always supervised closely by the instructor, and students are required to wear protective gear.

Sure! Some of our best martial artists, including instructors and assistants, are female. Because taekwondo is a kicking art, it is particularly effective as a practical self-defense program for women and children.