Frequently Asked Questions

What is tae kwon do? It’s not karate, right?

No, it is not karate. Tae kwon do is “the way of the hand and foot.” It is considered a hard martial art with techniques executed mostly in linear or angular approach. Tae kwon do emphasizes kicking techniques to engage targets at a distance, along with upper-body strikes and blocks to address targets that are closer. It stresses the importance of stance, balance, and basic technique.

The use of the legs as a weapon is a distinguishing feature of tae kwon do which trains practitioners to apply static, aerial, and spinning kicking techniques to strike a variety of targets from those at ground level to well above head level. Furthermore, these kicks, particularly when executed with advancing, retreating, lateral, or diagonal footwork contribute to a versatile fighting style. Thus, the movement combined with technique enables practitioners to effectively strike targets beyond their immediate comfort zone.
How is tae kwon do different from other styles?
Each martial arts style incorporates and stresses different techniques. For instance, karate focuses on open handed/weaponless techniques; muay thai stresses using the elbow and knee; styles like aikido, hapkido and jujitsu are combat styles. Tae kwon do stresses flamboyant kicking techniques, stance, balance, and basic technique.
What is Youn Wha Ryu, and Baek Hop Wha?
Youn Wha Ryu is a martial arts system that contains many different styles of martial arts taught in a traditional class setting. The comprehensive curriculum consists of many of the most effective and efficient techniques from martial arts such as tae kwon do, karate, judo, hapkido, hwarang do, aikido, kung fu, jiu jitsu, and more…

In order to cover such a wide spectrum of techniques, Youn Wha training includes target training, basic technique, self defense motions, sparring, forms training, one-step fighting, grappling, and MANY other skills. The training has been developed by Grandmaster Han to produce a well-rounded martial artist.

The Youn Wha Ryu system, Grandmaster Han and his instructors strive to teach us to apply the following principles both in the martial arts setting and in our everyday lives...Be Patient….Be Polite….Be Alert….Be Brave…Do Your Best…Respect Yourself And Others.

The hour long classes encourage students to increase and develop full-body power, agility, balance, flexibility, coordination, timing, and reaction while producing self discipline and perseverance. Training can be modified in order for all people of all ability levels to participate. Rank promotion is an option for all students who train consistently, learn all the required rank curriculum and receive their instructor’s recommendation. All promotional testings are judged by master level instructors of the Baek Hop Wha Association.

Baek Hop Wha is the Association that our school belongs to, which translates to "white tiger lily." The tiger symbolizes ferocity, while the lily symbolizes peace. Both must live together in yin-yang, in harmony to exist.
Is it violent? All I see in the movies is a lot of kicking and fighting. Will be child learn bad habits from fighting at the school? I’m worried about him/her getting hurt.
What you see in the movies is action that is sensationalized for money making purposes. Our students learn the OPPOSITE of what you are seeing in the media. Through our six principles, students are taught self respect, self discipline and self control when they are instructed in sparring techniques. All sparring classes have students fully suited in protective gear, and are taught skills in a controlled environment. Techniques that are learned are for self protection, and to ONLY be used in the most dire situations--which we hope will never occur. Young students are taught that if faced with a confrontation in a real life setting, they are to do everything possible to remove themselves from it before even contemplating using their martial arts. It is stressed time and again that their skills are not to be used in play situations, that this is serious training. Our students' safety is our number one priority.
My doctor recommended that my child with a learning difference/life challenge take part in martial arts. Will you accept them into your program?
Children and adults with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended by physicians and therapists to participate in martial arts because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques. Some of the advantages of martial arts include having a positive outlook, a high self-esteem, and a secure confidence. Several positive effects that are offered include self-discipline, self-restraint, mental meditation, and self-respect. The mind and body dualism works well in training children with learning differences or challenges to control some of their undesirable behaviors. It teaches them to be aware of their emotions and seek alternative ways of dealing with problems.

Tae kwon do is also an intense, fast paced and very rigid activity that helps children eliminate some of their extra energy that usually gets them into trouble. It teaches them how to calm themselves and their minds through meditation and breathing exercises. Plus, it gives them the self assurance that a lot of children with challenges lack.

Martial arts are ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, and martial arts gives them the ability to flourish, while combining physical and mental practices.

We would gladly accept your child, and ask that he/she do their best and we will do the same to work with them.
Is your program just for children? Or someone in shape? Can women train at this school?
Our school thrives on being a family environment, and we encourage the whole family to join in the fun! We are honored to have so many young students training at our dojang, but we have men AND women of every age, shape, height, and size in our program! Do not let road blocks of doubt deter you from becoming a member. We welcome anyone who has the desire to become a martial artist to train at our school! The wonderful part of tae kwon do is that it can be modified to fit anyone's ability level.

Youn Wha Masters is blessed with numerous young students, young men and women, and adult men training under its roof, but we are especially proud of our adult women who train with us! Many are mothers of our young students who were motivated by their children to begin training for themselves. They will quickly tell you it is a GREAT workout, they love to spar, and have gained wonderful friendships through training. The 1pm class is very convenient for those who can get their training in while their children are in school. By doing so, they are taking time for themselves which is a GOOD THING!
What will I or my child get out of tae kwon do?
Tae kwon do is built on SIX PRINCIPLES: Be patient; be polite; be alert; be brave; do your best; respect yourself and others.   This leads to character building, which becomes an extension from the dojang to every aspect of life

Respect - for parents, family, friends, police, teachers and self-respect

Confidence - through encouragement and the setting of short and long term goals; in knowing how to deal with bullies and other confrontations

Self-Esteem - feeling good about yourself and your accomplishments; A positive attitude toward life through self-confidence and self-discipline

Discipline - functioning within the structured environment of Karate which carries over to the student's everyday life

Physical Benefits include:

~Improved reflexes and coordination

~Increased performance in all physical activities

~Increased strength and stamina so you feel great all day

~Increased flexibility and weight control for better overall fitness

~Cardiovascular workouts (heart and lungs) to keep you in top shape

~Greatly improved balance

~Improved concentration and focus for better work and study habits

~Stress reduction and the ability to relax
Can I or my child try out a class before we commit?
Absolutely! Feel free to come and observe any class when the school is open, and when you feel ready to participate come in comfortable clothing that you can move easily in (such as sweats—no jeans, please.)
What typically happens in a class?
A typical class is called to attention by the instructor. Students observe a brief moment of quiet meditation to clear their mind, begin to focus, and prepare for class. All class members are called to stand attention and bow to the flags; attention and bow to the instructor(s) out of respect. Students are led through a 10-15 minute warm up stretch to loosen up muscles and joints to avoid injuries while working out—this is VERY important. After the stretch is completed, students are led through warm up kicks and basic techniques before getting to the “meat” of the class. During instruction time, students will work on a variety of things such as forms, kicks, technique of many kinds, bag work, and partner work to name a few. Once class is concluded, students will be called to attention, observe a brief moment of quiet meditation to reflect on what was learned during training, and called to stand attention and bow out to the flags; attention and bow to the instructor(s), thanking them for their leadership and teaching before leaving the floor. Classes last about an hour.
What’s all the yelling about in class? What’s that word I keep hearing them yell?
This is the one time your child will be encouraged to yell from the depths of their soul! The word you are hearing is KIYA! The kiya is an extension of your inner power. When you hear students yell this, it is simply the release of that power. Just as one exercises the body, you must exercise the kiya as well for all parts of power to be in harmony.
I’m hearing a lot of words repeatedly I don’t recognize, can you tell me what they are?
What you are hearing are words in Korean that are commonly used in class. Here’s a few to become familiar with:

Dojang—the classroom
Gi—uniform top
Palgue--system of forms
Hana/Tul/Set/Net—1, 2, 3, 4 (used when counting during warm up)
Choon Bee—ready position
Dan—degree used in black belt rank
How do I dress for class?
All students are required to dress in uniform when working out. For students who are white belt to green-II belt rank, uniforms consists of white pants, and a white gi top. For students beginning at blue belt and higher, colored pants corresponding to their belt color are allowed to be worn during training. Black uniforms are allowed to be worn starting at brown belt.

All students will wear their belt during workouts—no one is allowed on the floor without a belt.

During the summer/early fall months during the hottest weather, students are allowed to take off their gi tops and instead wear a Youn Wha Masters t-shirt. Otherwise, gi tops are always worn. Uniforms and school shirts can be purchased through the school.

No shoes are worn during workouts.
What kind of equipment do I need for class?
Everyday training only requires that you wear your uniform and belt. Sparring begins at yellow belt. All students are required to wear the proper gear during sparring for maximum safety, and can be purchased through the school.
How often do I train?
Please take a look at our class calendar for dates and times of classes. Please note that while certain days typically focus on certain skills, this is subject to change by discretion of the instructor assessing what the students need to work on the most at that time.

A minimum of two days a week of training is recommended. Students must acquire certain skills that are needed for testing for their next belt level such as kicks, forms, sparring, one-step fighting,etc., and this can only be done with the time put into training.

We understand our students have many commitments such as soccer, baseball, etc. Please remember that tae kwon do is a sport like the others. Just as you schedule in time for soccer or football practice, please remember to schedule in training for tae kwon do, as well.
When is testing? How do I know if I test?
Please check out the testing information page for dates and times of pre-testing, as well as testing. While times are listed, they are subject to change. Listen for announcements in class and posting on the board for any time changes. Times will be set at pre-tests.

The determination of whether a student is prepared for testing is made by the instructor(s), not the student. Every student who would like to test will be informed of pre-testing times and dates in class announcements. Pre-tests allow instructors to simulate a testing environment and evaluate a student's readiness. With the proper amount of time and effort invested in a student's training, one can be well prepared for testing.

What belts can I earn in this school?
In the Baek Hop Wha Association, our belt rankings are as follows:

If the student is ready for advancement, they will test for these belts every two months:
- White (with three stripes to denote when the three basic forms are learned);
- Yellow/Yellow-II
- Green/Green-II
- Blue/Blue-II
- Red/Red-II; If the student is ready for advancement, there is four months between these two tests
- Brown; if the student is ready for advancement, they will test for the next belt in six months
- Black; if the student is ready for advancement, they will wait to be invited to test for their next dan:
  0-1st Dan: 1 year preparation
  1st-2nd Dan: 14-16 months preparation
  2nd-3rd Dan: 18 months preparation
  3rd-4th Dan: 2 years preparation
  4th-5th Dan: 3 years preparation
  5th Dan and higher: 3 year minimum preparation per Dan
Are you a competitive dojang?
Our school does participate in invitational and intramural tournaments, but we do not stress competitions.
Can I come into this school from another style of martial arts?
Yes. You will come into our school with the rank determined by the Master as it pertains to our system. Students will be required to learn the Youn Wha Ryu style up to this belt rank before they will be allowed to test.
Are there any special classes offered outside of training?
Yes! We offer several additional classes throughout the year:

STORM leadership class for students ages 7-12 and red belt and above
Assistant instructor/instructor class for students age 13+ and red belt and above
Weapons class for those wishing to learn how to use weapons such a bo staff, kali sticks, etc.

Can you learn how to use weapons in this school?
Yes! Classes for this are offered certain times of the year for those wishing to learn another skill.
I don’t think I want to take classes, but I’m interested in a self defense class, do you teach this?
Yes! Self defense classes are held on Saturdays at 1pm. Those who are not members of the school may participate for a fee of $10/session.