Frequently Asked Questions

We have classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings as well as Saturday morning. Please see our schedule for class times appropriate to your age.

This depends on the maturity of your child. Our youngest students are 4 years of age.

No, it's never too late. People can start learning Tae Kwon Do at any age. Naturally, it will be easier-going if you start younger but no matter what your age you can learn many, if not all, of the kicks, punches and blocks that form the core of Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do will also give you the confidence you need so that you don't look like an easy target. Please see our schedule for class times appropriate to your age.

Of course, Taekwondo Martial Arts are appropriate for both girls and boys.

Yes. Although competition in Tae Kwon Do is an individual sport, the training and practice is a group activity where students can benefit from interacting with people of both genders and from all walks of life.

No, at least not to start. When you join Authentic Tae Kwon Do, you will be provided with a uniform (a "dobok") and a belt appropriate to your skill level (if you're just starting out, you'll receive a White Belt). After you've progressed through 2 belt tests and have reached the Yellow Belt level, you will be encouraged to start learning how to spar (competition fighting). For the safety of all participants, you should purchase a variety of protective gear. Authentic Tae Kwon Do can provide you with a list of equipment (such as chest protectors, shin pads, etc.) and reasonable prices.

A dojang is a place of learning and is treated with respect. Whenever you enter the dojang, you should come to attention and bow to the Canadian flag (our national flag) and to the Korean flag (Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art). You should also bow when you are leaving the dojang.

Authentic Tae Kwon Do strives to teach students in a well-rounded manner. Rather than only stressing sparring skills, the instructors at Authentic Tae Kwon Do teach the essentials of Tae Kwon Do (kicks, punches, and blocks), as well as the Tae Kwon Do patterns ("poomse"), one step sparring, self defense, as well as sparring techniques. The princinples, or tenets, of Tae Kwon Do are also stressed. They are:

• Self-Control
• Perseverance
• Indomitable Spirit
• Courtesy
• and Integrity

That means that students should assemble at the front of the dojang, in columns with the students with the highest belts at the front and the students with the lowest belts at the back. Within each line, the highest belt should be at the right, when facing the instructor.

Contrary to how some schools teach Tae Kwon Do, Authentic Tae Kwon Do takes a measured, balanced approach to teaching. Depending on your ability, dedication and how quickly you learn new techniques, you might be qualified to test for your Black Belt in 3 to 4 years.

Naturally the more frequent you attend classes, the more likely you will perfect the many techniques more quickly. It's generally best to attend classes at least twice a week and you'll probably find attending classed three times a week allows you to learn at a reasonable pace.

We prefer giving you the opportunity to try a few classes, first, to see if you really want to learn Tae Kwon Do. There is always time, after, to discuss a fee structure best suited to your financial situation.

Yes. Again, come try a class first, then we can discuss the appropriate financial arrangements .

A kiap is a yell. You can choose a yell that you feel comfortable with. Instructors want you to perform a kiap whenever you punch, kick or block. A kiap is an important part of Tae Kwon Do. It serves several purposes: it can be used to momentarily startle an opponent, giving you the opportunity to land a blow or to escape; it empties your lungs, of air, so you're less likely to be "winded" if an opponent hits you in the stomach or the chest; and it energizes you, allowing you to release that energy and perform a technique better and with more power.

As you progress through the various belt levels, you will be taught a variety of kicks. Initially you will learn the rising kick, the front snap kick and the roundhouse (or turning) kick. Later, you will learn the back kick, the side kick, the hook kick and other more advanced kicks. Among other characteristics, Tae Kwon Do is noted for its spinning and jumping kicks; only advanced students will be exposed to these kicks.

Put your feet together, gently slap your hands to the sides of your legs and then bow, at a 45 degree angle, from the waist. Remember to look down as you bend, it is incorrect to look up while bowing.

You should bow whenever you enter or leave the dojang (see A.7), whenever you first meet a Black Belt and whenever the instructor yells "Charyut! Ken yah!". As a bow is a greeting, it can also serve to say "hello" to other students, as well. If you're not sure, watch what the higher belts do!

First, see how the instructor interacts with his students. Is he there for them or for the money their membership provides? Does he speak more of himself and his past glories or does he follow the tenets of Taekwondo, with humility and courtesy. Secondly, how do the students interact with him? Are they comfortable or intimidated by him? How's their self-confidence and self- esteem?

A good instructor is someone who has the patience to teach the students and support them through their journey to their black belt. He should be supportive but not afraid to point out the areas requiring additional work. A good instructor will know when and how to bring out his student's true potential, celebrating in the accomplishments and helping to deal with the set backs (that provide excellent opportunities for growth.)

Authentic Tae Kwon Do students are expected to follow the tenets of Taekwondo: self-control, perseverance, integrity, courtesy and indomitable spirit as is demonstrated and modeled by the instructors themselves. They should arrive in time for classes and practice often. They should also support their fellow students and school whenever possible.

As everyone learns at a different rate based on his or her own personal abilities, at Authentic Tae Kwon Do, we never compare one person to someone else. Therefore, you are compared to your true potential. If we feel you have what it takes to perform any given technique better, we will encourage you to do so. The experience of our teaching staff will determine if you have reached your level of proficiency in any given technique.

Authentic Tae Kwon Do is a family oriented school with the goal of generating self-confidence, self-control and self-discipline in all our students. Like Canada itself, we are blessed with students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, cultures and ages. We are also staffed with senior instructors that have their own children. Having the understanding and communicational skills to deal with children is a definite asset for our senior instructors. We are dedicated to teaching your children with enthusiasm and passion.