Taekwondo
Welcome to our Olympic-style Taekwondo program, where champions are made and dreams are realized!
At the YMCA’s Lion Taekwondo, we take pride in offering top-notch training led by a seasoned team with over 25 years of combined experience. Our instructors were personally mentored by legendary Grand Masters Ted Danner and Soo Kon Kim, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality instruction in the art of Taekwondo.
We are committed to excellence and promote our students through the prestigious Kukkiwon system, providing them with opportunities to achieve recognition and certification on a global scale.
Our program welcomes individuals of all skill levels, from children to adults. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you'll find a supportive and inclusive environment to help you reach your goals.
At Lion Taekwondo, we believe in holistic development, focusing on complete fitness of body, mind, spirit, community, and profession. Our comprehensive training approach not only builds physical strength and agility but also cultivates mental resilience, spiritual growth, and a sense of belonging within our community.
Schedule
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm (YMCA gymnasium)
Program beings July 2nd, 2024
In the event the YMCA is closed for weather or holidays, the program will not be in session that day.
Prices and Fees
Tuition
YMCA Members: $63/month
YMCA Non-members: $97/month
(fees will be automatically drafted each month)
Cancellation requests must be in writing and cannot be made via telephone. A 30 days cancellation notice is required to stop any draft payments.
Fees
One-time uniform cost: $50 (purchase at YMCA Welcome Desk)
Testing fees (yellow, orange, green and blue): $25
Testing fees (purple, red 1- 3, BoDan): $40
Meet the Instructor
Terry Lucas, lead instructor of Lion Taekwondo, continues to inspire the local community with his martial arts expertise. With over 11 years of professional involvement in Taekwondo, Lucas first encountered the discipline in 1988 during his senior year of high school. Now a 3rd Dan black belt, he is rigorously training to become a Master Instructor certified by the Kukkiwon system. He continues to foster discipline, strength, and skill among students. His philosophy is simple: be the catalyst that inspires others to persist and excel.
FAQs
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. It is not only a physical activity but also incorporates a philosophy of discipline, respect, and self-improvement.
What are the benefits of practicing Taekwondo?
Practicing Taekwondo offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, flexibility, and strength. It also enhances mental health by boosting confidence, discipline, and stress relief. Moreover, it teaches self-defense skills and promotes a sense of community and belonging.
At what age can someone start Taekwondo?
The YMCA offers classes for children as young as six. There is no upper age limit for starting Taekwondo, making it a great choice for adults as well. Our classes mix children with adults to help with training.
Is Taekwondo suitable for women and girls?
Yes, Taekwondo is suitable for both women and girls. It provides a supportive environment for learning self-defense, enhances physical fitness, and builds confidence in handling physical confrontations.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
The time it takes to earn a black belt in Taekwondo can vary based on the frequency of training and the individual’s dedication. Typically, it can take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 years of regular training.
What does a typical Taekwondo class involve?
A typical class includes a warm-up, stretching, basic techniques practice (punches, blocks, and kicks), forms (poomsae), sparring, self-defense techniques, and a cool-down. Classes also often emphasize courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Are there competitions in Taekwondo?
Yes, our group can optionally participate in local tournaments. It will be required that a student participates in at least one tournament before achieving a black belt. Competitions typically include forms, sparring, and sometimes breaking events.
What equipment and uniform are required?
Students are required to wear a dobok, the official Taekwondo uniform. As students progress, they will need additional gear for sparring, such as mouthguards, and groin protectors. The YMCA will provide head and chest gear for sparring in class, but students may choose to buy their own gear to wear in class or at competitions.
How is Taekwondo different from Karate or other martial arts?
While both Taekwondo and Karate include kicking and punching techniques, Taekwondo places a greater emphasis on kicking, especially high and spinning kicks. Karate focuses more on hand techniques and stances. Origin-wise, Taekwondo is from Korea, whereas Karate originated in Japan. Jujitsu, also known as jiu-jitsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasizes manipulating the opponent's force against themselves rather than confronting it with one's own force. It involves a variety of techniques, including throws, joint locks, grappling, and strikes. The primary goal of jujitsu is to neutralize an attacker without necessarily causing serious injury.