Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tae Kwon Do Mean?
In short Tae Kwon Do is the "Art of kicking and striking".
Where does Tae Kwon Do originate from?
The modern period of Taekwondo began with the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea in 1945. Korean martial arts masters wanted to eliminate Japanese influences. They began discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekyon based Korean martial arts and on how to unite the various martial arts schools (or Kwans) and styles into a single style and national sport. After several years of discussions, the name "Taekwondo" was chosen in April 1955 by the board of masters of the various Kwans, and the kwans started to unify through the late 1950s.
How can Tae Kwon Do benefit me?
1. Physical Fitness -- Tae Kwon Do is an excellent means of fitness training. It involves aerobic, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance training all at once. It will help you develop all-around athletic prowess. It is also done with the instructor encouraging you to work at your own pace. Most exercises are divided by ability, so beginners can start out slow and advanced people can work harder.
2. Discipline/Mental Sharpness -- Tae Kwon Do is a formal disciplined martial art. Learning Tae Kwon Do improves your own self discipline, your respect for others, and your mental sharpness.
3. Flexibility -- Tae Kwon Do provides excellent training in flexibility. It will help you to develop much much more limber muscles.
Other Benefits Include:
What ages are eligible to attend classes?
We can begin teaching as young as 5. There is no limit for adults. As long as you are physically able, you are eligible.
What are the rules of the DoJang?
1. Whenever entering or leaving the practice room, execute a bow of respect to the national flags.
2. Execute a bow of courtesy upon meeting a Black Belt or Instructor. Students do not have to wait for an instructor to acknowledge the bow if the instructor is busy.
3. Proper respect will be displayed to all persons holding a higher belt rank than yourself.
4. Remove shoes, hats, jewelery, and sunglasses upon entering the practice room.
5. Keep your Dobok (uniform) clean and complete at all times.
6. Keep your Do Jang (school) clean.
7. Remove all jewelry before class.
8. Toe and finger nails should be kept short, clean, and trim.
9. At the beginning of a class, line up according to rank and seniority; the higher ranking member on the right.
10. Each class will have a formal ceremonial opening and closing consisting of a bow to the Instructor and the national flags.
11. While seated on the floor, students should keep a proper posture and have their legs crossed to prevent injury and show respect.
12. Pay attention to your Instructor at all times, answering clearly and replying with "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir".
13. Profanity, loss of temper, horseplay, loud laughing, and talking or any display of lack of self-discipline will not be tolerated.
14. There will be no smoking, gum chewing, or ingesting liquids during class.
15. Be on time for class. Arrive early for a class and allow time to do warm up exercises and stretching before class begins.
16. When a students comes late, he should wait until he is recognized by the Instructor, then approach him or her, bow, and ask permission to join class.
17. Practice only the Basics and Hyungs (forms) which have been presented to you by your Instructor.
18. No free sparring without the permission and presence of an Instructor.
19. The title Mr/Ms/Mrs and the last name of the Instructor should be used in addressing all Instructors. When addressing a Jr. Master Instructor, the title "Jr. Master" and the last name of the Instructor should be used. The Korean title "Sa-Bum-Nim" may be used for all Instructors.
20. When addressing a Master Instructor, use "Master" and their last name. The Korean title "Kwan-Jang-Nim" or "Grand Master" may be used when addressing Master Yi.
21. Tae Kwon Do techniques are not to be applied outside of the school unless circumstances involving your safety or the safety of others are overriding.
What are the belt levels?
Belt levels up to 3-Dan Black Belt:
How long does it take to become a black belt?
It takes about 22 months to become a 1st Degree Black Belt. There is no hurry, though, to obtain this rank. Our focus is in your personal development. We do not push individuals through the ranks. Individuals that are not completely ready to test are encouraged to wait until the next time.
How do I get started?
Look at our schedule and stop by. You are welcome to watch a class or two to see if it is something you want to pursue more. Once you are committed to learning Tae Kwon Do, we will have you fill out the paperwork and start you in Beginners Classes.
Why are the Korean Commands used during class?
Sun Yi's Academy is a Traditional Tae Kwon Do. We use the Korean commands in order to stick with the Traditions of the art. We use the same class structure and methods that the Grand Master used in Korea.
Will Tae Kwon Do teach me Self-Defense?
Yes.
What makes Sun Yi's Tae Kwon Do different than other Tae Kwon Do Schools?
Grand Master Yi taught Tae Kwon Do to the Korean Military, and uses the same principles today. This makes our flavor of Tae Kwon Do more of a military style Tae Kwon Do. There is more of an emphasis on Power and Technique.
- "Tae" means 'to kick or smash with the foot'
- "Kwon" means 'to strike or punch with the hand'
- "Do" means 'method or way'
In short Tae Kwon Do is the "Art of kicking and striking".
Where does Tae Kwon Do originate from?
The modern period of Taekwondo began with the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea in 1945. Korean martial arts masters wanted to eliminate Japanese influences. They began discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekyon based Korean martial arts and on how to unite the various martial arts schools (or Kwans) and styles into a single style and national sport. After several years of discussions, the name "Taekwondo" was chosen in April 1955 by the board of masters of the various Kwans, and the kwans started to unify through the late 1950s.
How can Tae Kwon Do benefit me?
1. Physical Fitness -- Tae Kwon Do is an excellent means of fitness training. It involves aerobic, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance training all at once. It will help you develop all-around athletic prowess. It is also done with the instructor encouraging you to work at your own pace. Most exercises are divided by ability, so beginners can start out slow and advanced people can work harder.
2. Discipline/Mental Sharpness -- Tae Kwon Do is a formal disciplined martial art. Learning Tae Kwon Do improves your own self discipline, your respect for others, and your mental sharpness.
3. Flexibility -- Tae Kwon Do provides excellent training in flexibility. It will help you to develop much much more limber muscles.
Other Benefits Include:
- Self Defense
- Confidence
- Self Control
- Physical Fitness
- Improved muscle tone and appearance
- Increased strength and stamina
- Improved confidence
- Improved flexibility
- Improved agility and reflexes
- Improved concentration and self-esteem
- Improved leadership skills
- Greater discipline
- The ability to achieve goals
- Respect for other class members
- Reduced stress
What ages are eligible to attend classes?
We can begin teaching as young as 5. There is no limit for adults. As long as you are physically able, you are eligible.
What are the rules of the DoJang?
1. Whenever entering or leaving the practice room, execute a bow of respect to the national flags.
2. Execute a bow of courtesy upon meeting a Black Belt or Instructor. Students do not have to wait for an instructor to acknowledge the bow if the instructor is busy.
3. Proper respect will be displayed to all persons holding a higher belt rank than yourself.
4. Remove shoes, hats, jewelery, and sunglasses upon entering the practice room.
5. Keep your Dobok (uniform) clean and complete at all times.
6. Keep your Do Jang (school) clean.
7. Remove all jewelry before class.
8. Toe and finger nails should be kept short, clean, and trim.
9. At the beginning of a class, line up according to rank and seniority; the higher ranking member on the right.
10. Each class will have a formal ceremonial opening and closing consisting of a bow to the Instructor and the national flags.
11. While seated on the floor, students should keep a proper posture and have their legs crossed to prevent injury and show respect.
12. Pay attention to your Instructor at all times, answering clearly and replying with "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir".
13. Profanity, loss of temper, horseplay, loud laughing, and talking or any display of lack of self-discipline will not be tolerated.
14. There will be no smoking, gum chewing, or ingesting liquids during class.
15. Be on time for class. Arrive early for a class and allow time to do warm up exercises and stretching before class begins.
16. When a students comes late, he should wait until he is recognized by the Instructor, then approach him or her, bow, and ask permission to join class.
17. Practice only the Basics and Hyungs (forms) which have been presented to you by your Instructor.
18. No free sparring without the permission and presence of an Instructor.
19. The title Mr/Ms/Mrs and the last name of the Instructor should be used in addressing all Instructors. When addressing a Jr. Master Instructor, the title "Jr. Master" and the last name of the Instructor should be used. The Korean title "Sa-Bum-Nim" may be used for all Instructors.
20. When addressing a Master Instructor, use "Master" and their last name. The Korean title "Kwan-Jang-Nim" or "Grand Master" may be used when addressing Master Yi.
21. Tae Kwon Do techniques are not to be applied outside of the school unless circumstances involving your safety or the safety of others are overriding.
What are the belt levels?
Belt levels up to 3-Dan Black Belt:
- White Chon-Ji
- Orange/White Dan-Gun
- Orange Bo-Choon
- Green/White Do-San
- Green Won-Hyo
- Blue/White Yul-Guk
- Blue Joong-Gun
- Brown/White Tae-Gae
- Brown Hwa-Rang
- Brown/Black Choong-Moo
- 1st Decided Kwan-Gae
- 2nd Recommended Poe-Eun
- 2nd Decided Gae-Baek
- 3rd Recommended Se-Jong
- 3rd Decided Yoo-Shin
How long does it take to become a black belt?
It takes about 22 months to become a 1st Degree Black Belt. There is no hurry, though, to obtain this rank. Our focus is in your personal development. We do not push individuals through the ranks. Individuals that are not completely ready to test are encouraged to wait until the next time.
How do I get started?
Look at our schedule and stop by. You are welcome to watch a class or two to see if it is something you want to pursue more. Once you are committed to learning Tae Kwon Do, we will have you fill out the paperwork and start you in Beginners Classes.
Why are the Korean Commands used during class?
Sun Yi's Academy is a Traditional Tae Kwon Do. We use the Korean commands in order to stick with the Traditions of the art. We use the same class structure and methods that the Grand Master used in Korea.
Will Tae Kwon Do teach me Self-Defense?
Yes.
What makes Sun Yi's Tae Kwon Do different than other Tae Kwon Do Schools?
Grand Master Yi taught Tae Kwon Do to the Korean Military, and uses the same principles today. This makes our flavor of Tae Kwon Do more of a military style Tae Kwon Do. There is more of an emphasis on Power and Technique.