FAQs

What is Tae Kwon Do?

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art of self-defense, using bare hands and feet. Tae Kwon Do literally means “hand, foot, and way of life.” It was developed centuries ago by Korean monks, who were not allowed to carry weapons, as a means to protect themselves. Today many people find that there are many other benefits to be gained from training in Tae Kwon Do, including weight control, improved flexibility, increased stamina, and strong mental focus.

Why should I choose Palo Alto Martial Arts?

Palo Alto Martial Arts offers many advantages over other martial arts schools including:

  1.  History
  2. Tradition
  3. Strong Organization
  4. Proven Training Methods
  5. Mature, Experienced, and knowledgeable instructors

At what age can my children start Tae Kwon Do?

We accept children to Tae Kwon Do starting from mature four year olds. Past experiences have shown that most children younger than four do not have a long enough attention span to comprehend or follow instructions given to them. As a result, they often experience frustration which often lead them to give up. It is better to wait until the child is old enough to fully benefit and enjoy the classes rather than to start them too early.

How long does it take to earn a Black Belt?

It generally takes between two and one-half to four years depending on the time commitment and individual abilities. Getting a Black Belt is not a race. Rather, it is a process of learning about perseverance, self-improvement, determination, discipline, confidence, and other qualities that are required in Tae Kwon Do. Students are encouraged to train at their own pace.

The ultimate goal for each student is to earn the Black Belt because it is the culmination of years of training and symbol of perseverance, knowledge and a major accomplishment.

Why are there so many belts?

The reason is “motivation.” Each different belt color allows the student to see the progress that he or she is making towards the ultimate goal of becoming a black belt. It also allows others within the Tae Kwon Do community to recognize the student’s level of experience.

How do I get promoted from one belt level to the next?

The instructor will inform the student when he or she is ready to test for the next level. Eligibility is determined by the number of days trained, as well as the instructor’s judgement as to whether or not the student has achieved the expertise required for the intended rank. The average time in each rank is 2 months for the novice ranks, 4 months for the intermediate and advanced levels.