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Why Eclipse Tae Kwon Do?

        We at Eclipse have been teaching traditional, quality martial arts in the surrounding area for 15 years and we continue to work hard to provide our community high quality martial art education. However you may ask,"Why Tae Kwon Do?", when there is so many different martial arts to choose from.
        Tae Kwon Do has grown into popularity all over the world, especially here in America. It is a means of teaching effective, self-defense within a reasonable, short amount of time. It was also designed so that anyone could learn how to execute the techniques properly and efficiently. Tae Kwon Do is also a guide for the formation of outstanding character, using the following tenants of Tae Kwon Do.





Courtesy - to be thoughtful and considerate:
putting other before yourself.
Integrity -to be honest and moral in
everything that you do.
Perseverance-to never give up in the
pursuit of one's goals.
Self-Control -to have discipline over your
body and mind.
Indomitable Spirit-to have courage in the
face of adversity.




        Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that is designed to improve upon the techniques that originally influenced what Tae Kwon Do is today. The foundation begins with the ancient, "foot fighting" Korean martial art, Taek Kyong. Among others that has influenced Tae Kwon Do's development is Hapkido and Karate. It is a martial art that was intended to evolve, continuing to improve the fighting style by making it more effective and practical. We at Eclipse Tae Kwon Do strive to improve our techniques to their full potential with diligence, excitement, patience, and humility.

ADULT CLASSES

         Most people when they think of Tae Kwon Do, they think of a great activity for the kids. Something to teach them discipline and to keep them busy after school, but Tae Kwon Do is not just for kids. Tae Kwon Do started as a military art and was also enjoyed by adults in Korea as a way to get in shape and learn how to defend themselves.

        We at Eclipse Tae Kwon Do also offer adult classes that are challenging and fun at the same time. Adults from the ages of 18 to 68 have participated in our classes and experienced the many advantages that it can offer. Some will enjoy the paced workout while others who are looking more for a thrill will get a kick from the competitive sparring. Women can work towards that shape that they want all while learning how to defend themselves. The class times are scheduled so one can get off work and make it to class while still being home in time for dinner with the family.



Ladies Self Defense


        One great importance of Tae Kwon Do is to teach one to defend themsleves. Though Tae Kwon Do is perfect for this, we offer ladies self defense classes that are well designed for those that would like to get the confidence needed to protect themselves.

        These classes are specialy designed so that if a student has no previous knowledge in martial arts, they will be able to learn quickly and remember the simple but effective ways to ward of an attacker. The techniques taught are based of of Tae Kwon Do, but designed so that anyone can utilize these techniques properly and effectivly. This isn't martial arts, it's self-defense.



TESTS AND BELT ADVANCEMENTS

        Every two months, an official grading is presented for the students. During this grading, our students show their instructors what they have learned since the last test. If the students have shown improvement, then he/she is rewarded with their new belt. Before each testing, the student first has to pass a pre-test performed during class by the instructor. Afterwards, the instructor gives the student their o.k and they are allowed. Also this is when the student will be given further advise on how they can improve. If they are not ready, the student is informed of whay they still need to work on. To be ready, the student has requirements that must be met.


These requirements are:
  1. Belt meanings
  2. Terminology
  3. Current patterns
  4. Board breaking technique
  5. And miscellaneous criteria unique to the current belt level

        Also during the test, color belts (everyone who has already made past white) are required to spar another classmate. Once again this is only to see if the student has shown improvement.
        Color belt tests are held at one of our two locations. Gradings for black belt are performed at do-jang of a chosen location. Friends, families, and classmates are welcome and encouraged to attend and show support.

TOURNAMENTS

        Tae Kwon Do is also a physical sport. With Tae Kwon Do being the most involved martial art in America, tournaments are held all through out the world on a weekly basis.
        Unlike most other sports, Tae Kwon Do has different kinds of competitive levels and rules to fit a wide spectrum of athletes' tastes. There is the graceful, non-combative, but highly competitive form or pattern competition. This is where the student does their tul or poomse and a score is given based on strength, balance, focus, timing, and technique. There is also the light contact and highly technical point sparring. If the student wants something faster paced, there is the full contact sparring. This is the same style performed in the World Olympics.






    There are several benifits to tournaments:
  1. To test the students abilities and compare what they have learned with others or their same level.
  2. To provide a fun and yet competitve outlet for the student to try out their same level.
  3. To help motivate the student to strive for improvement and succession.
  4. To build up the students self-esteem.
  5. To offer another way of teaching the student either with their achievements, or by pointing out areas where they need improvement.

    There are also several other advantages to tournaments:
  1. Form bonds and freindships with other students from other schools whether if they are from a neighboring town or across the world.
  2. Compare and contrast the different styles of Tae Kwon Do and other martial arts.
  3. A great way for the school to grow together outside of the do-jang.