Rising Sun Taekwondo, LLC

What is the difference between Karate and Taekwondo?

Karate and Taekwondo are very similar in that they are both striking arts.   Karate focuses mostly on hand techniques and Taekwondo focuses mostly on kicking techniques.   Both are great programs and we encourage you to try a trial class in both disciplines if you are unsure which is the best fit for you.  

 

How much does it cost?

One month of classes is $75 for the first person, $65 for the second, $55 for the third, $45 for the fourth, and $25 for each additional family member after that.  If you pay for three months at a time, there is a 10% discount.  Six months at a time is 15% discount, and a year is 20% discount.  

 

If money is an issue, we are willing to work out an individual plan.  Occasionally, scholarships for short-term participation are available.  We also try to run a special every once in a while.  Follow our Facebook page to see our specials.  

 

What should we wear to class?

When you are just trying the classes, work out clothes are perfect.  Sweats or workout shorts paired with a t-shirt (preferably a martial arts or school t-shirt) would be ideal.  Shoes are not an issue since we work out barefoot on the mats to prevent slipping.   

After you sign up past the trial classes, you will need to buy a uniform, which we call a dobak (but other martial arts might call a gi).  Special mat shoes can be purchased if you need to wear shoes while working out.  

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How do I get a new belt color?

We host a test every two to four months based on student readiness.  We bring in guest judges from other schools in the Midwest Taekwondo Association.  They are usually hosted on a Friday evening.  Friends and family are encouraged to come out and support the testers.  

 

Students are tested over their forms, sparring (ranges from no contact and memorized partner drills to contact sparring wearing safety pads depending on belt rank), self-defense, board-breaks (at higher belt ranks), line kicks, and knowledge of martial arts.

 

How long does it take the average person to get a black belt?

The average person doesn't get a black belt. 

 

That being said, if a dedicated individual worked hard through our school, they should expect to receive their black belt in about three years of training.  However, some students can progress slightly faster or slower.  Everyone progresses at their own rate.   It is okay to take longer in order to reach the skill level necessary for being called a black belt.  We do not just give black belts out based on a time requirement, there is curriculum to master.  

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What about tournaments?

Our focus is primarily self-defense and is not as "showy" as many tournament focused schools.  However, we could go to tournaments and do well.  Currently, we do not go to many tournaments mostly because our current student base does not show much interest. We do go to the closed Midwest Taekwondo Association Tournament when it is hosted, which is usually small and fairly inexpensive.   If there is enough interest, we could go to more.

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Will I learn to fight?

We are a self-defense focused school so we teach defense first.  White and yellow belts are not allowed to make contact since lower belts tend to lack the self-control of their arms and legs to keep from injuring their partner.  As control grows over time, students will be allowed to make contact with their partners.  We do continuous sparring, which is like a controlled match with strict rules.  Students that are fearful will become confident and learn to defend themselves.  Students that start more aggressive in their sparring will learn to control their body and often their emotions as well.  At red belt, we start teaching offensive techniques once students have demonstrated they can handle that responsibility.  So do we teach how to fight? No, we teach how to protect ourselves and others.