100% Live & Virtual Classes for Adults
Taekwondo
Who are classes for?
Taekwondo is a wonderful fit for those looking to improve their physical and mental health and wellness while learning something new. Taekwondo provides a structured and supportive learning environment that is perfect for anyone hoping to build on their learning and wellbeing in tangible ways.
Taekwondo classes are also the perfect complement to our weekly fitness kickboxing classes. In our taekwondo classes, you can expect to learn more depth and apply more complexity to your techniques. We will also apply the philosophy of this ancient martial art as you progress towards black belt.
Our taekwondo classes are open to anyone aged 16+.
What to Expect
A typical taekwondo class will incorporate:
- a warm-up with mild conditioning
- foundational movement practice
- application of movements (forms, self-defense, sparring, etc)
- brief cool down and stretching
About Taekwondo
STYLE , PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM
Traditional Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-improvement through a combination of powerful kicks, precise hand techniques, and fluid movements. Rooted in ancient Korean martial arts, it focuses on both physical and mental development, promoting strength, agility, and flexibility, while also fostering positive values. Training in traditional Taekwondo involves learning forms (patterns), sparring, and self-defense techniques, all aimed at enhancing coordination, balance, and focus. It is a path that encourages personal growth, respect for others, and a deep connection to its rich cultural heritage.
WORLD TAEKWONDO (WT)
In our virtual practice of World Taekwondo (WT) style, we emphasize the art’s traditional and practical aspects rather than its sport and competitive elements. While WT is renowned for its Olympic-style sparring and competitive framework, our focus shifts to self-defense, forms (poomsae), and the practical application of techniques.
By prioritizing these elements, we uphold the traditional values of Taekwondo while equipping students with skills that extend beyond competition, emphasizing personal growth, confidence, and real-world preparedness
WT vs. WTF
The organization overseeing Olympic-style Taekwondo was originally called the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) when it was founded in 1973. Over time, the acronym "WTF" became widely recognized within martial arts communities. However, as the term "WTF" began to be associated with internet slang (commonly used to express shock or disbelief), it led to confusion and unintentional humor, particularly in public communications and promotional efforts.
To address this, the organization officially rebranded as World Taekwondo (WT) in June 2017. This change aimed to modernize its image and eliminate the potential for misunderstanding or ridicule while maintaining its core mission of promoting Taekwondo worldwide.
The transition to "WT" reflects the organization's commitment to professionalism and clarity, ensuring that the focus remains on the sport and its values. This change also aligns with the organization's efforts to appeal to a broader international audience while upholding Taekwondo's traditions and Olympic status.
THE FIVE TENETS OF TAEKWONDO
- Courtesy (Ye Ui) – Showing respect to others and behaving in a polite and considerate manner.
- Integrity (Yom Chi) – Being honest and having strong moral principles, both in and out of the dojang.
- Perseverance (In Nae) – Persisting through difficulties and overcoming challenges to achieve goals.
- Self-Control (Guk Gi) – Maintaining composure and discipline, both physically and mentally.
- Indomitable Spirit (Baek Jeong) – Demonstrating courage and determination, never giving up in the face of adversity.
During virtual classes, we will encourage the five tenets of Taekwondo through specific activities and interactions. Courtesy (Ye Ui) will be fostered by encouraging students to greet instructors and peers respectfully, use polite language, and contribute to a supportive environment. Integrity (Yom Chi) will be promoted by encouraging students to give full effort, complete tasks diligently, and take responsibility for their mistakes (Instructors included!). Perseverance (In Nae) will be developed through challenges and gradual progressions that help students persist, with success stories shared to inspire them. Self-Control (Guk Gi) will be taught through structured routines and focus during drills, helping students maintain discipline and composure. Finally, Indomitable Spirit (Baek Jeong) will be encouraged by motivating students to face challenges with determination and celebrating their efforts and resilience.
Curriculum & Belt Progression
Stripes and Belts
The belt system serves as a motivational tool, helping students track their progress while reinforcing the core values of Taekwondo: perseverance, humility, and the continual pursuit of self-improvement.
Students earn tape stripes on the end of their belts to mark progress towards their next belt. Stripes are awarded on a monthly basis through red belt. At red belt, students earn tape stripes quarterly, and at red/black belt, students complete three black belt screening tests before completing their black belt exam.
White Belt- 10th Gup
What it represents: The student starts their journey, having little to no knowledge of Taekwondo.
Focus: learning the basic principles, stances, and techniques. It marks the initiation into the martial art, where discipline, respect, and focus begin to take shape.
Students earn the white belt after their first week of classes.
Yellow Belt- 9th Gup
What it represents: The student begins to understand the basics of Taekwondo and starts to develop coordination and balance. It symbolizes the growth of the student’s skills, as they begin to build a foundation for more complex techniques.
Focus: growing basic stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the first form- Taegeuk Il Jang
Students earn their yellow belt after four months of training.
Orange Belt- 8th Gup
What it represents: The student is increasing their command of Taekwondo basics and starts to develop coordination and balance. This is the last "beginner" belt level.
Focus: mastering basic stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the second form- Taegeuk Ee Jang
Students earn their orange belt after eight months of training.
Green Belt- 7th Gup
What it represents: The student has a solid command of Taekwondo basics and is ready to begin intermediate training
Focus: learning intermediate stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the third form- Taegeuk Sam Jang
Students earn their green belt after a year of training.
Purple Belt- 6th Gup
What it represents: The student is Taekwondo basics and starts to develop more power and speed.
Focus: growing intermediate stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the fourth form- Taegeuk Sa Jang
Students earn their purple belt after 18 months of training.
Blue Belt- 5th Gup
What it represents: The student’s abilities continue to expand, and their understanding of the martial art deepens. Techniques become more refined. They are gaining the confidence to challenge themselves both physically and mentally.
Focus: mastering intermediate stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the fifth form- Taegeuk Oh Jang
Students earn their blue belt after two years of training.
Brown Belt- 4th Gup
What it represents: The student has reached the first level of advanced training towards their black belt.
Focus: learning advanced stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the sixth form- Taegeuk Yook Jang
Students earn their blue belt after two and a half years of training.
Red Belt- 3rd Gup
What it represents: The red belt signifies the student’s awareness of their increased skill and the responsibility that comes with it. At this level, students refine their advanced techniques, focus on self-defense. It also represents the warning that the student must continue their journey with discipline and respect.
Focus: growing advanced stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the seventh form- Taegeuk Chil Jang
Students earn their red belt after three years of training.
Red/Black Belt- 1st and 2nd Gup
What it represents: The half red/half black belt signifies the student entering their year as a black belt candidate. At this level, students refine their advanced techniques, and dedicate themselves to their training in order to be their own best version of a black belt in the next year.
Focus: mastering advanced stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Application of techniques in the eighth form- Taegeuk Pal Jang
Students typically earn their red/black belt after four years of training.
Black Belt- 1st Dan
What it represents: Earning a black belt marks the student’s transition from a beginner to an advanced practitioner. It symbolizes a high level of technical proficiency, but also the understanding that the journey is ongoing. The black belt is not an end, but rather a beginning of deeper learning and mastery. As a black belt, students continue to refine their skills, teach others, and embody the principles of Taekwondo in their daily lives. The black belt is often broken into multiple levels (Dan ranks), where each subsequent Dan level represents continued growth, knowledge, and experience.
Students can generally earn their black belt after five years of training.
A note on stripes and belts
Colors and Gup ranks: In some Taekwondo schools, the colors and ranks can vary slightly, with different styles adding intermediate ranks between the major colors, and even presenting the colors in differing orders.
Black Belt Dan Ranks: After reaching black belt, students can continue advancing through Dan ranks (1st Dan, 2nd Dan, etc.), each representing a deeper mastery of Taekwondo, leadership, and teaching ability. Higher Dan ranks are often associated with greater responsibility in the Taekwondo community and are awarded based on years of experience, teaching, and further testing.
Interested in trying out a class privately?
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