Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few commonly asked questions. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you have any other questions.
We'd love to hear from you!

What is Taekwondo?

           Taekwondo is a Modern Korean Martial Art, which teaches students self-defense
           with unarmed hands and feet. Taekwondo is a Martial Art and its training objectives
           are to improve focus, discipline, confidence, athletic abilities and self-defense skills.
           Taekwondo training is an educational program, so it requires consistency and commitment.
           Taekwondo training stimulates the body and the brain, improving focus and discipline with
           the coordination, balance, agility and flexibility.
           Taekwondo became and Official Olympic Event in 1988 for its popularity around the World.

What does the word "Taekwondo" mean?

There are many interpretations of the name Tae Kwon Do, such as "The art of kicking and
punching", or "The way of the hand and foot", or "The art of unarmed hands".

What is the difference between Taekwondo, Karate or Kung Fu?

           *Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art; Karate is a Japanese Martial Art and Kung Fu is a Chinese Martial Art
           *Taekwondo uses Korean Language Commands; Karate uses Japanese Language Commands
                 and Kung Fu uses Chinese Language Commands
           *Taekwondo Uniform and Rank System are different than Karate and Kung Fu
           *Taekwondo, Karate and Kung Fu have very different sparring rules
           *Taekwondo Forms are different than Karate and Kung Fu Forms
           *Taekwondo is an Official Olympic Sport, and Karate and Kung Fu are not

What ages do you teach Taekwondo?

We teach Taekwondo for ages 4 and up. Contact us for more information.

What do the different belt colors mean?

           It means different ranks which are achieved by attending classes and understanding rank techniques.
           The different colored belts show an increasing level of skill and understanding. To make it simple,
           think about the belts as a ladder where you are only allowed to climb to the next step once your
           instructor believes you have achieved all the knowledge you need to make that step. Each step has it's
           own specifications of what needs to be accomplished. Likewise, each student needs to show their
           acquired set of skills at a belt test before being honored with the next belt color.

How long does it take to become a black belt?

           First of all, it's not about time, but committment, dedication and the right attitude. Usually, to get a
           black belt in Taekwondo it takes 500-1000 classes, depending on each individual, their committment,
           physical abilities, and age.

How do I test for the next rank?

           Most martial art schools have different rank requirements and belt systems.
           In our school students must:
           * meet your rank attendance requirements.
           * understand and be able to perform all rank techniques during the week of the belt test.
           * have your name listed on the information board at the school, on the Attendance and Technical
              Eligibility List.
           * pick up an application and return it at least 2 days before the scheduled belt test with parents and
              Master Instructor approval.

           Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled belt test with proper equipment and be ready to perform
           your best!

What will I need for sparring classes?

           The complete sparring equipment must be approved by the Master Instructor for the student's safety and
           ability to perform during classes with contact training which must include:

            * TKD chest protector
            * TKD head gear
            * TKD shin and foot pads
            * TKD arm pads
            * TKD gloves
            * mouth guard
            * TKD groin protector

             All equipment must be kept clean and remember to keep finger and toenails trimmed and have your
             complete equipment for all sparring classes.

             Please check with the Master Instructor which sparring class will be best for your size and age.

             Littleton Taekwondo provides all top quality Taekwondo sparring equipment at reasonable prices at
             the school store.

             Knee braces, ankle braces, arm braces, back braces, full face covered head gear, and extra back
             protection are optional and available. Please check at the school for more information.

What is a Dojan and what does it mean?

Dojan is the Taekwondo school, the place where Taekwondo is practiced. Dojan means a place of
discipline and hard work.