Taekwondo literally means "The Art or Way of the Hand and Foot"
Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art. It is a form of mental as well as physical training. Taekwondo incorporates many facets such as self defense, flexibility, discipline, fitness and confidence building.  Thus, it is not a grappling art or one that emphasizes weapons.  It aims to condition the entire body by developing physical and mental strength and agility.  It is the world’s most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners.

There are a lot of rewards and benefits that come from practicing Tae Kwon Do, both mentally and physically.

	Improved physical fitness, stamina, and shape
	Improved balance, flexibility and coordination
	Practice realistic "street-smart" self-defense
	Improved self confidence and mental control
	Learn discipline and respect for others

What you get out of practice is very individual and personal. You may develop your own sense of passion for the art.

Children in Taekwondo:
Children greatly benefit from participating in our Taekwondo program by learning how to direct their physical and mental energy in a positive way. Bruce Taekwondo Academy instills strict discipline and respect as the basis for training. We view Taekwondo as a way to improve one' s body, mind and character, and not just a form of physical competition.

Children learn the Five Tenets of Taekwondo:
Courtesy - Integrity - Perseverance - Self Control - Indomitable Spirit
The tenets are discussed in class frequently and as children rise through the belt ranks, you see them come to truly understand each tenet and incorporate it into their lives.

Bruce Taekwondo Academy's program goals:
- Recognize that each student is an individual and provide individual attention to each student.
- Set standards and benchmarks that are hard, but not impossible, to reach
- Maintain proper student behavior in class, explaining and encouraging self discipline.
- Insist that students never use the skills they learn outside of class, unless used for Self-Defense only
- Make sure all our students practice in a safe environment at our school
- Recognize and reward students for true achievement.
- Always communicate with parents as much as possible.
 
Taekwondo offers several benefits to students who practice it, including: 

Self-Discipline
The discipline you impose on yourself in order to meet a goal is more enduring than any discipline dictate by someone else. Progress in our system is based on meeting ever more challenging objectives, and it requires increasing self-discipline with each new level. Thus, the student is motivated to be diligent and persistent. As students rise in rank, they are expected to become role models for new students--and the examples they set form the basis for further advancement. 

Self-Confidence
When students finally master difficult Taekwondo skills or pass an arduous test to promote to the next belt level, they gain a sense of real achievement. That builds confidence in themselves. Together with self-discipline, this enhanced self-esteem helps keep kids on the right track. They are less likely to act out violently or be bullies by peer pressure. 

Self-Defense
Children today are vulnerable to all sorts of predators. In Taekwondo, they learn techniques that can effectively ward off an attack by someone larger. More importantly, they learn to keep their wits and practice basic self-preservation. As their senses become more acute from Taekwondo training, they are able to spot potential dangers more readily. 

Fitness
A number of kids do not get much exercise other than maneuvering the game console buttons. An hour of Taekwondo a day will improve their strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. Although there is competition in Taekwondo, the sports aspect is not our main focus. There is no pressure to win or "make the team". Even kids who have never done anything athletic in their lives can excel at Taekwondo if they keep trying. More natural athletes, too, build skills such as hand-eye coordination that carry over into other sports.

Class Structure:

Students advance in belt levels as their training progresses. There are various requirements for each belt level within our program. The Colored Belt Levels are defined as "Gups" beginning with White - 10th Gup.
Students will be promoted to the next Gup Level when these requirements are properly demonstrated during scheduled Testing events.

Class attendance and performance within each level is a major factor in determining the approval for testing. Remember: "Give it 110%"