Taekwondo in San Francisco: Your FAQs Answered

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This article provides the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Korean martial art form of Taekwondo. Are you interested in signing up for martial arts classes in order to get into shape and learn the physical techniques and skills necessary to defend yourself? If so and if you’ve been thinking about taking up Taekwondo classes in San Francisco, here are the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions by prospecting students:

FAQ: What exactly is taekwondo? Answer: “Taekwondo is a martial art form that originated from Korea over two millennia ago. Tae means “to jump or kick,” Kwon means “fist or hand” and Do means “the way”. So Taekwondo is literally “the way of the hand and foot,” which makes sense since this martial art focuses on using the hands and feet to deliver strikes,” explain martial arts experts in San Francisco.

FAQ: What are the core principles of taekwondo? Answer: “In any taekwondo class in San Francisco, you will learn the importance and true value of courtesy, self-confidence, integrity, perseverance, self-control and commitment. This martial art form is not just about learning how to take on an opponent; it’s about achieving the best version of yourself possible and attaining a greater harmony between your mind and your body.”

FAQ: Films often depict taekwondo as quite a violent martial art; or as a cult or sect. Is this at all true? Answer: “Taekwondo is none of these. It certainly isn’t a religious sect or cult and while many martial arts films can depict taekwondo to be violent and thuggish, in reality it is a sensible, peaceful method of training that teaches students to achieve a greater control


of their bodies and their minds. You will find that with a sophistication of the mind comes a lesser desire to fight,” explain martial art experts in San Francisco.

FAQ: What ranking system is used in taekwondo? Answer: “The color of the belt you wear is typically used as a way to indicate your level of achievement or rank in taekwondo. This helps to motivate students and gives them a sense of reward for the skills they have mastered,” explain taekwondo experts in San Francisco. “There are nine belts with the highest achievement being Black Belt. Having said this, your training does not stop there. True taekwondo masters never stop learning and they never stop training.”

FAQ: Is it necessary to learn Korean terminology in taekwondo? Answer: “You can’t learn a martial art and divorce yourself from the culture from which it sprang,” say martial arts experts in San Francisco. “That would be very ignorant and frankly a disrespectful attitude to have. Even if you aren’t especially good at languages, the words used in taekwondo are short and easy to remember. Also, they are used universally, so no matter where in the world you train you will understand the commands of your master.” “It would be very embarrassing to be given a command by, say, a grandmaster visiting your gym and for you to have no idea what he or she is asking you to do!” say martial arts experts in San Francisco. “If you want to compete in tournaments and take taekwondo seriously, it’s a good idea to come to grips with the terminology. Also, it’s fun!”

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