Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the questions we frequently get asked about Tae Kwon-Do and our classes, we have divided them into sections to help you. If you do not find what you are looking for or you require any further information please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Taekwon-Do is a martial art with many different elements

Taekwon-Do is suitable for all ages and abilities

Taekwon-Do is a dynamic martial art that will stimulate your mind and strengthen your body

Questions about Taekwon-Do

Questions about Focus Taekwon-Do

Other Questions

Tae Kwon-Do

1.What is Tae Kwon-Do?
Tae Kwon-Do (not Tae Kwan-Doe or Taekwon-Doe) is a Korean martial art designed and created to be “A way of life”. A version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self defense. “Tae stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot. Kwon denotes the fist-chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. Do means an art or way-the right way built and paved by the saints and sages of the past…” Quoted from the condensed encyclopedia of TaeKwon Do by General Choi Hong Hi
TOP

2. Why should I choose Tae Kwon-Do over other martial arts?
You should do your research and find a martial arts that inspires you. I chose Tae Kwon-Do for its dynamic kicking and specifically ITF Tae Kwon-Do because punching to the head in competition is allowed which i find more realistic for self defense training. Tae Kwon-Do roughly translated is ‘The art of the foot and fist’. We say foot first as Tae Kwon-Do is predominantly made up of leg techniques.
TOP

3. Is Tae Kwon-Do an effective martial art?
Absolutely! The more I learn the more I realise that Tae Kwon-Do provides a fantastic foundation and structure for any would be martial artist. The kicking and punching techniques are extremely powerful but like any martial art it all comes down to the individual. We can teach anyone to kick in 5 minutes but to make that technique become an effective weapon takes training. Tae Kwon-Do has an amazing array of techniques and you progress through the grades you will learn how and when to apply them.
TOP

4. What style of Tae Kwon-Do do you do?
We are members of the ITF, International Tae Kwon-Do Association. Created by General Choi Hong Hi. We are members of England ITF and our President is the General’s son, Master Choi Jung Hwa 9th Dan.
TOP

5. What is the difference between WTF and ITF Tae Kwon-Do?
There are 2 main worldwide organisations of Tae Kwon-Do the ITF which stands for International Tae Kwon-Do Federation and the WTF which is the World Taekwondo Federation. The way I describe it is that the WTF, most famous in recent times for being an Olympic sport is sport Tae Kwon-Do. I put this down to the competition rules that do not allow punching to the head. There is nothing wrong with this style at all, focusing on the legs its practiones have amazing kicking speed and dynamic kicks. In comparison, the ITF rules allow punching to the head so the style of fight is very different. I would compare ITF Tae Kwon-Do to Kickboxing or Muay Thai, having tried all of these they are very different again. You have to try them to know but its the basic stance that makes all the difference with these martial arts and how they deliver their techniques. Both the ITF and the WTF have their own tuls/poomsae but as ITF competition allows you to punch to the head like boxing and that’s the deciding factor for me!
TOP

Focus Tae Kwon-Do

1. Why should I choose Focus TKD over other groups in the area?
A: Class atmosphere, class spirit, home of champions

TOP

2. Is Tae Kwon-Do any good for losing weight?
Development of your physical fitness (whatever its initial level) is a big part of TKD so with the right program and analysis of other influence in one’s life, like diet, we can aim to add you to the list of students who have shed pounds! And if you mean is Focus TKD great place for setting personal goals and achieving them? Most definitely!!
TOP

3. What is the starting age for your students?
Safety and comfort of our students is always a consideration and we do our utmost to protect their wellbeing.
TOP

4. How can I sign up for a class?
Get in touch with one of our instructors to arrange a trial session today! An instructor will meet you before the class to answer any questions you may have and prepare you for your first session.
TOP

5. I’d quite like to do TKD but I don’t really want to commit to coming all the time?
A: TKD, as with any martial art, requires time and effort to excel – a degree of dedication which is reflected in our pay monthly fee structure. This structure also saves time in classes so we can spend less time dealing with finances and more time teaching TKD!
TOP

Other Answers

1. My child is being bullied at school. Can Taekwon-Do help?
Absolutely. We encourage students to avoid conflict and to have respect for their peers while helping them develop the confidence to stand up for themselves and giving them the skills to defend themselves if absolutely necessary.
TOP

2. I want to lose weight. Can Taekwon-Do classes help me?
Development of your physical fitness (whatever its initial level) is a big part of Taekwondo so with the right program and analysis of other influence in one’s life, like diet, we can aim to add you to the list of students who have shed pounds! And if you mean is Focus Taekwondo great place for setting personal goals and achieving them? Most definitely!!
TOP

3. What is the best Martial Art?
Whichever one is right for you. Why not give Taekwon-Do a try and see what you think?
TOP

4. I’m not very flexible so I might not be able to do all of the high kicks. Can I still do Taekwon-Do?
There is much more to Taekwon-Do than just the spinning, jumping or high kicks. This is just one element and not essential to progression through the art. That being said, we will give you the exercises and stretches you need to develop the flexibility, strength and co-ordination you need to
TOP

5. What sort of stuff do you guys do?
Our training consists of four main elements: Patterns, Sparring, Self Defence and Conditioning. Patterns: Series of offensive and defensive movements against imaginary opponents which teach the student how to do the techniques used in TKD and the principles behind the martial art. Sparring: Controlled semi-contact combat which aims to replicate the pressure of real life self defence situations but is also used in competition as sport. Self-defence: Learning releases and escapes from locks, holds and grabs to develop a vocabulary of offensive and defensive manoeuvres to use in a self-defence situation. Conditioning: Development of physical strength, speed and stamina to take the body to an enhanced level of physical fitness.
TOP

6. Is it anything like capoeira?
A: Capoeira is a Brazilian dance martial art famous for kicks and acrobatics and bears no relation to TKD. The main similarity would be the heavy usage of kicking and leg techniques. Some of our instructors do have an enthusiasm for acrobatics (e.g. tricks and flips) so although this is not on the syllabus, feel free to enquire about it.
TOP

7. Will I learn to kick like Hwoarang from Tekken or Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon?
Many people approach martial arts because of influences from the media (films, books or games).
TOP

8. Will I get to fight people if I join?
We don’t fight each other at Focus – we practise sparring skills against each other in a safe and controlled environment. We are then able to use these sparring skills in regional, national and international competitions against students from other schools to test our level and explore where we need to improve. We do not promote violence and aggression, we promote martial arts and respect.
TOP

9. Am I too old to do Tae Kwon-Do?
We have students from the ages of 5 to 57. We will try to make provisions to keep Tae Kwon-Do accessible to all!
TOP

10. Will I get hurt if I take up Tae Kwon-Do?
A: Safety and comfort of our students is always a consideration and we do our utmost to protect their wellbeing.
TOP

11. Tae Kwon-Do is Korean but I’m not. What relevance does their culture have to me?
TKD was in many ways developed as a means of uniting a country in a time of crisis and promoting values useful to both young and old in society.
TOP

Am I too old to do Tae Kwon-Do?
We have students from the ages of 5 to 57. We will try to make provisions to keep Tae Kwon-Do accessible to all!
TOP