A black belt breaks concrete blocks with a downward strike while classmates watch

The Case for the Mats

Why Taekwondo?

Fitness

Practicing Taekwondo is a wonderful way to get and stay fit. Classes mix cardio, strength training and technique. Kicking and punching call on many muscles, including your core. You’ll become strong.

Self-Control

Self-control can be physical, mental and emotional. For some, it means controlling emotions and impulses; for others, it’s more control over physical motion, more grace. Taekwondo classes provide the structure and etiquette that build emotional and mental self-control, while drills and exercises build physical coordination.

Focus

A fighter who isn’t focused will be crushed. A student who doesn’t keep their eyes on the task at hand loses out, both inside and outside the dojang. Class isn’t just physical: the mind can’t wander for 45 to 60 minutes. Students of all ages learn to focus in class, which carries into other parts of their lives.

Self-Defense

Students don’t learn Taekwondo to fight in the real world; we aren’t building a world of bullies. We train the mind and body in case a student ever finds herself threatened. The goal of self-defense is to escape with the least injury, not to win the fight, so we focus on the techniques that give our students the best chance at escape and survival.

Self-Confidence

Martial arts trains the mind and body together. As your body gets fitter and you grow more comfortable with technique, your mind gets better at focusing on the task at hand. Students continually learn new forms and techniques, and periodically demonstrate them on test days. Our higher-belt students (brown and up) begin helping teach classes. All of it builds self-confidence.