LAKE ARLINGTON KARATE ACADEMY
TAE KWON DO
Benefits of Martial Arts Training
- Discipline
- Self-control & anger management
- Respect for self & others
- Courage
- Positive "can-do' attitude
- Improved study & leadership skills
- Patience
- Improved physical condition, strength & flexibility
- Self-defense
- Self-confidence
- Honor
- Integrity
The principles of martial arts training enhance a lifestyle attitude of confidence, respect, leadership, courage, and moral values that contribute to all aspects of private, educational, social or business life. Martial arts training stresses the importance of respect of self of self and others using the confidence gained through the discipline required in repetitive training. With proper discipline and training, a student may acquire the control and confidence to avoid a threat, to deter a physical confrontation, or, if absolutely necessary, to use his - or her skills to control a situation.
The core curriculum is Tae Kwon Do, practicing all of the kicking, punching and blocking techniques common to that style, including kata - forms - at each belt level. A large amount of time is spent in learning practical techniques of both hard and soft self-defense. These applications are based on Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and Ju-Jitsu techniques. Soft self-defense techniques are those used against common "school-yard" aggressors and are not designed to inflict serious bodily harm, but to deter an aggressor. Hard techniques are used to protect against more violent aggressors where failure to defend might result in harm to the victim. Students are trained to defend against common attacks and advanced students are taught defense against weapons. A student confident in his abilities to protect himself is much less apt to have to use those abilities.
After promotion to gold belt students are introduced to controlled sparring. This is sparring against an opponent under strict conditions and close supervision of an instructor. After promotion to orange belt students are permitted to engage in "free-style" sparring, again under supervision, but with many more techniques to use. They are also encouraged - not required - to participate in tournament competition in both sparring (Kumite) and kata. This permits the student to compare himself to others at his level and encourages him - or her - to train harder and to more seriously consider increasing his skill level.
Belt advancement is not based on number of classes attended or how long the student has been attending classes. Instead, advancement is based up on the student's demonstration of required techniques for that belt level. Therefore, regular attendance and practice away from class are helpful.
We teach the benefits of martial arts in a Christian atmosphere as part of an Outreach program, to develop skills and a well-rounded and adjusted personality and to lead the students to develop those skills far beyond what they might have thought possible.
We strongly encourage family members attending classes together because it contributes to the cohesiveness of the family and has been found to expedite training.
There is no charge for classes and a nominal charge for belt tests which includes the next color belt. The student may purchase his own gi (uniform) and sparring gear through the Lake Arlington Karate Academy at discounted prices or may buy them at any other sporting goods or martial arts equipment supplier. Sparring gear is mandatory for gold belt and up.
Classes are held at the Lake Church Fellowship Hall on Thursday nights from 6:50 pm to 8:00 pm and 8:50 am to 10:00 am. Sparring and MMA (ages 5 & 6) start at 10:00 am.
