Warm-ups

The first part of each class is dedicated to a short set of exercises which stretch and warm your muscles in preparation for class. Warm-ups are just as important as all other parts of class.

Techniques

During this part of the class we will practice blocks and strikes from different stances. Emphasis will be on foot placement, distribution of body weight and either blocking or striking the correct target with proper hand position.

Forms

A form is a series of blocks and strikes performed in a set sequence. Each form is performed as if fighting one or more imaginary opponents. The first form is called Chon-ji and consists of very basic techniques. As a student advances the forms become more complex and after each promotion a new form is introduced.

3-Step Sparring

3-Step Sparring is performed with a partner. It was designed to allow the studeni to experience attacking and blocking an opponent while learning balance, coordination, rhythm, timing and the proper execution of a variety of self-defense techniques.

Kicks

There are five basic kicks in Taekwon-do. They are the front, side, turning, hook and back kicks. Each of these is performed in many different ways such as jumping, spinning, hopping-in or reverse.

Sparring

We practice three different types of sparring.
1) Combination-sparring, where one partner attacks while the other moves out of the way. This type of sparring is used to develop the ability to quickly combine multiple techniques in a rapid, flowing manner.
2) Counter-attack-sparring, one partner throws a fake which their opponent responds to with an attack which they dodge and then strike (counter- attack). This type of sparring is used to develop a students timing and reflexes.
3) Free-sparring, this is the actual application of Taekwon-do, turns are not taken and there is no set pattern to be followed. This type of sparring is practiced with one or more partners.

Board Breaking

Being a non-contact style, board breaking gives us the opportunity to demonstrate both power and technique. We use, depending on rank, both our feet and hands to break with. White belt students are not allowed to participate in this part of class.