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Common Questions |
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Table of Contents
Am I too old to start martial arts training?The wonderful thing about Martial Arts training is that it is an individual pursuit you can enjoy in the company of peers. That is to say, while we train as a group, each student is expected to progress at their own pace. This allows students of varying ages and priorities to focus upon aspects of training that are most pertinent to their particular age group. For instance, younger students are often most eager to learn and employ the physical aspects of training (Weh Gung)- jump kicks, free fighting, calisthenics, etc... Older students are most eager to learn and employ the internal aspects of training (Neh Gung)- stretching, breathing, Chi Gung, etc... As time progresses younger students who have now become proficient at the external techniques must begin to learn the internal techniques, and older students who have now increased their flexibility and conditioning through the internal techniques may begin to challenge themselves physically. When enough time has passed both of these groups of students will have learned the entire martial system of Tang Soo Do. My own Martial Arts journey illustrates this point. My father and I began training together when I was thirteen and he was thirty eight. I immediately developed an affinity for the difficult and effective kicking techniques which have made Tang Soo Do famous; my father, who had chronic knee problems and could not initially perform many of those kicks, focused more on the development of his forms and hand techniques. As time progressed I expanded my priorities to include a deeper understanding of Chi Gung, hand techniques, vital point striking, etc... My father's training also expanded as his knees strengthened, culminating in the successful performance at our 2nd Dan testing of a double jump front kick break. Today we are both 4th Dan Master Instructors, proving that although our journeys were different the end result was the same. Please refer to question two for information regarding how we separate our classes by age. Back to TopAre classes separated by age?We feel it is important for students to train in an environment that presents them with the best possible opportunity for growth. We understand that students of various age levels learn materials in different ways and at different speeds, and because of this, separate our classes into three age groups: Little Dragons (4-6yrs)- Students in this age group learn basic to intermediate level techniques in a fun yet disciplined atmosphere designed to promote confidence, increase physical fitness, and teach basic self defense skills. Children (7-12yrs)- Students in this age group learn basic to advanced techniques with a focus on self defense, physical fitness, and increased confidence- while introducing them to forms applications and weapons training. Adult (13+yrs)- Students in this age group have the opportunity to learn our entire curriculum with a greater emphasis being placed upon advanced fighting applications, the history of Tang Soo Do, and the philosophy behind Martial Arts training. Back to TopAre students required to compete at tournaments?Competing in tournaments is not a required part of training at our school. However, we do believe that it can be a rewarding aspect of training that builds confidence and promotes friendships throughout the Martial Arts community. Because of this we attend many tournaments throughout the year which we have found to be well organized and professional. Attendance at these events is the sole choice of the student. Back to TopHow often should I train?At our school the minimum required attendance per week is two classes with an optional third class being offered on Saturday. As with any other discipline or sport the more effort you put into your training the more you will gain. We encourage our students to practice what they have learned in class throughout the week in order to maintain consistent growth in their training. Back to TopI am out of shape. Should I be concerned about my ability to keep up with the rest of the class?When you train in Tang Soo Do the physical stress created from the workout is directly correlated to the amount of effort put into each movement. Students who are in better physical health will be able to exert more energy earlier in their training. Students who are not in great health will have to conserve more energy. For instance, when a class practices forms they do so to a count, which keeps the rhythm of the form consistent. Students who are in good health may be able to exert more energy in the execution of each movement, but they must do so while maintaining the same pace as the rest of the class. This holds true for every aspect of our training. If you are out of shape and looking for a program to help you loose weight Martial Arts training is an ideal choice; it provides a cardio workout, it tones your entire body, it promotes flexibility, it creates a mentally stimulating environment that guarantees freedom from monotonous treadmill boredom, and it does this while teaching invaluable self defense skills. Back to TopIs there a risk of injury when training in the Martial Arts?As with any sport or exercise program there is a risk of injury. There is not, however, a greater risk of injury when training in the Martial Arts. This is because we maintain a disciplined environment in which students are aware of those around them and must adhere to strict safety guidelines. These include, maintaining proper distance during partner exercises, being respectful to other students, never executing techniques in an angry disposition, and wearing the proper safety equipment during sparring. Back to TopWill training in the Martial Arts encourage my child to behave violently? Training in Tang Soo Do is not just a physical exercise, it is also a mental discipline. This discipline is based upon respect for other human beings, inside and outside the Dojang (training hall). There are Five Principles of Tang Soo Do which students must learn and memorize, two of which deal directly with the above question: the first is, Be in self control and all times; and the second is, Never misuse one's art. To be in self control at all times means to put aside your emotional mind (Xin) which may encourage you to lash out in anger, jealousy, etc... and listen to your wisdom mind (Yi) which encourages you to face every situation with the resolve and ability to act knowing the positive and negative consequences of your decisions. It is extremely rare for a student to act violently when they take this lesson into consideration, the only exception being imminent danger from an unreasonable assailant. In order to never misuse one's art a Tang Soo Do practitioner must be a student of the central philosophy of Tang Soo Do, characterized by the Chinese ideograph Moo (Martial). This symbol translates as "Stop the sword," or "Stop inner and outer conflict." Tang Soo Do as a system or way (Do) is considered a defensive art, created out of the necessity to protect oneself. The byproduct of this training is better health, a focused mind, and self confidence. This confidence enables students to stand up for their beliefs, especially in the face of what they perceive to be a wrong action. Furthermore, because violence most often stems from insecurity and a lack of confidence, Tang Soo Do students are much more likely to have the inner strength to resolve conflicts peacefully. How quickly can the techniques learned in class be utilized for self defense? The ability to effectively use the techniques learned in class depends upon the skill level of the practitioner, which most often correlates with the amount of time spent in practice. Martial Arts techniques are designed to override and eventually replace your body's automatic reflexes. In order for this to happen you must "reprogram" your mind by executing every technique repeatedly until it becomes "muscle memory." In most cases it takes about three months of practice for this process to begin to generate an automatic response. How does the belt system work? The Tang Soo Do belt system is based upon the four seasons: White represents winter and the hidden potential for growth; Green represents spring and the beginning of growth; Red represents summer and the blossoming of technique; Blue represents fall and the harvest of your hard work. The Orange belt was introduced in 1975 as an added motivation for American students between White belt and Green belt. Within the framework of this Belt System (belt diagram) are ten Gup levels that count backwards from 10th Gup to 1st Gup, at which time the student is eligible to test for 1st Dan (Black belt). Between 10th Gup and 3rd Gup the minimum time requirement between Gup advancement is three months. From 3rd Gup to 1st Gup the minimum time requirement between Gup advancement is six months. On average a student is ready to test for their black belt after three years of training. |
