Welcome to TaeKuk(T.K.) Martial Arts
We are glad you are interested in learning more about our studio; here we have been put together answers common questions that you may have about us. Please feel free to speak with our staff for further information and details about our programs.
All Tae Kuk Martial Arts instructors are certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) and the International Hap Ki Do Federation (IHF), and they have the following qualities: knowledge of the art, pleasant personality, exceptional enthusiasm, gentle but firm discipline, and unparalleled patience.
Master Joo Hwan Moon holds 6th degree black belts in Tae Kwon Do and black belts in Hap Ki Do and Kum Do (sword). He has been teaching for over twenty years and is well known for his abilities. Having taught in Korea and the United States, he is an extremely well rounded and knowledgeable teacher.
*I. Why study martial arts?
Though different martial arts appeal to different people, all styles have basically the same goals: to build character, improve self-defense skills and promote self-confidence.
“Tae Kwon do” literally translates to “the art of foot and hand techniques.” However, the true meaning of Tae Kwon Do is much deeper than that. In Korea (the birthplace of Tae Kwon Do) “ the art” refers to the philosophy of self-improvement, self-control and respect for other people. This guiding philosophy is taught within the framework of five basic principles of Tae Kwon Do:
COURTESY
INTEGRITY
PERSEVERANCE
SELF-CONTROL
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
Hap Ki Do means “ the way of coordination and power.” It is a self -defense style that utilizes joint locks, pressure points and throws as well as kicks and strikes. Hap Ki Do allows the artist to flow smoothly in and around any opponent using their energy or power against them. This starts out as passive resistance but becomes very aggressive as the opponent’s energy is used against itself.
When performed with the proper technique, a smaller person can overcome an attacker of any size, with very little effort. By training on both these styles together, a student develops a well-rounded format containing the power of Tae kwon Do and the graceful flowing control of Hap Ki Do.
​
* II. What makes this studio so special?
Tae Kwon Do is the most popular martial art in the world because so many people have found it to have a positive impact on their lives. Not only is Tae Kwon Do a sport that can be enjoyed throughout one’s lifetime, it promotes a way of thinking about oneself and others that can improve the quality of one’s life.
The most important thing to consider when choosing to study martial arts though, is not the art itself, but the instructors who teach it. Tae Kuk Martial Arts has some of the finest instructors in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Skill Evaluations and Promotion
Most people are familiar with the use of belt colors to denote the different ranks in the martial arts. This is a long-standing tradition used to reward perseverance and proficiency in techniques and style. This cycle of rank and promotion starts with white belt and continues as long as a student trains in martial arts.
When a student has developed proficiency in the skills taught at their belt level, they will be invited to attend a belt test. At the belt test they will demonstrate their individual progress in a formal process. Also, students will be asked to show their manners and the values of martial arts they have learned, such as being respectful and courteous to others, confident in defending themselves from threatening situations, and fair and humble in conducting themselves before others.
A successful test will earn the student not only confidence but also a belt and/or certificate to signify promotion to the next belt and level. This process then begins again, offering new challenges and goals for learning new techniques, new moves and new principles for future demonstration. There is a nominal, various fees for each testing which is necessary to cover the certification process.