Frequently Asked Questions

Academy Rules

Monthly Calendar

Tournaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about our academy that is not listed here?
Feel free to send us an email or call us at (812) 284-5425.

How long does it take to get a Black Belt?
How often should I train?

How are ATA instructors qualified to teach me or my children?

Is this Karate or Taekwondo? What's the difference?
Why shouldn't I wash my child's belt?

Do you really hit each other during sparring?
When can my 5 year-old start sparring for points?
Does my child have to go to tournaments?

Our Academy How long does it take to get a Black Belt?

At our ATA Black Belt Academy a student can earn a 1st Degree Black Belt in approximately 1.5 to 2 years of training. Every student progresses at their own pace, and all students are encourged to test for higher rank every few months.

How often should I train?

As a beginner in taekwondo we recommend attending class two times a week. As our students gain more experience and progress in rank they may attend additional classes weapons training, leadership classes, free-sparring workouts, 1-on-1 training, etc. Practice at home is also strongly encouraged.

How are ATA instructors qualified to teach me or my children?

In many martial arts styles, the assumption traditionally has been that once students earn their black belts they are ready to teach other students. But the ATA does not believe that simply being able to do something well qualifies a person to teach it. During the last 30 years, the ATA has developed an intensive instructor training program to insure that all ATA instructors are skilled and professional teachers.

Before becoming certified, ATA black belts spend 2-3 years as instructor trainees, during which time they are required to teach at least 300 hours under the supervision of a senior instructor. They are also required to earn certification in CPR and Youth Protection and to attend instruction camps.

Traditions
Is this Karate or Taekwondo? What's the difference?

We train our students in the Korean art of taekwondo. We practice the "Song Ahm" style of taekwondo, which was created by Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art.

All martial arts share similar techniques of the hand and foot. Taekwondo is known for using a lot of kicking techniques and utilizes many powerful jumping and spinning kicks. Karate, in a traditional sense, has roots in China and Okinawa.

For more information about Song Ahm taekwondo and the American Taekwondo Association, visit the official web site of the ATA at www.ataonline.com.

Why shouldn't I wash my child's belt?

This is an old tradition passed down from generations of taekwondo practice. In ancient times, it is said that martial art practitioners would start with a clean, light colored belt and over time and years of training their belt would darken and discolor. This progression of light to dark is similar to the rank system of white belt to black belt that we use today in taekwondo. To wash their belt is like washing away their hard work.

Tournaments and Competition
Do you really hit each other during sparring?

Yes and no. Our number one priority during free-sparring is safety. All students are required to wear full safety gear to protect the hands, feet, head, mouthpiece, and groin cup (for males). Generally during free-sparring, the amount of contact that occurs depends on the age, rank and level of experience of the student. We teach control over contact. In Song Ahm taekwondo we exercise physical control and safety in all aspects of our training and practice.

Sparring is the way that taekwondo students prepare for self-defense. It can be thought of as reflexive responses against an unplanned attack. Students first must learn the basics of taekwondo before applying them in free-sparring situations. Later on, when a student reaches camo belt, they begin free-sparring as part of their rank advancement testing.

In Songahm Taekwondo, a student first learns a form of preparatory moves known as 1-step sparring. This exchange of techniques is under strict control, and by memorizing these moves the student needs only practice distance and timing without the fear of responding to spontaneous techniques from an opponent. In this way, the basics of sparring can be safely developed before the student's reflexes are challenged. 1-steps also help a student acquire the confidence they need for sparring with a real opponent.

When can my 5 year-old start sparring for points?

They may do some point sparring during class, but they won't start competitive free-sparring at tournaments until they transition from a 'tiny tiger' division to a 'pee-wee' division. Every child is different and we can always make a recommendation on where your child should be in terms of tournament divisions. At our school, students remain as tiny tigers (which includes non-competitive tournament participation) until age 7 or when they reach the rank of brown belt — whichever comes first.

Does my child have to go to tournaments?

No, but we encourage all of our students to try competition out. Tournaments are a great way for students to gain confidence in a new environment and meet new friends from all across the country and even the world at larger national and world tournaments. Students practice taekwondo for a number of reasons: to improve discipline and confidence, for physical fitness, self-defense and to practice an exciting sporting activity. Tournament participation can help students in all of these areas.

If you want to learn more about our Taekwondo programs, send us an email or call (812) 284-KICK.