FAQ

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, while karate is a Japanese style. Many of the hand techniques are similar, but Taekwondo emphasizes kicks more than karate does. Taekwondo is well known for its eye-catching, aerial and spinning kicks. While each martial art has their similarities and differences, each has its own benefits. When selecting the correct martial arts class for you or your little one, it is most important to understand the school's goals, instructors'/ masters' teaching styles, and the overall energy of the environment. Are the students excited to be there? Do they respect the instructor? Consider all these things when making your decisions, instead of only the price, martial art style, and studio location.

Our program teaches responsible and practical self defense. Students learn that martial arts is not about inflicting violence but about developing a skill set that can be used to get out of a difficult situation safely. You will find that if your child was more prone to aggression initially, it dissipates with continued training, development of respect and self-esteem. We recite the Positive Mind Pledge and Five Tenets at the end of every class and discuss their meanings and applications.

We train students as young as three (3) years old, as well as neurodivergent children and those with special needs. While Taekwondo does not usually create injuries, it can exacerbate pre-existing conditions if you have joint or back problems. Preceding conditions aside, there is no maximum age limit to begin training in Taekwondo.

Absolutely! Some of our best martial artists, including instructors and assistants, are female. Because Taekwondo is a kicking art, it is particularly effective as a practical self-defense program for women and children.

One of the main focuses of martial arts is to help students improve themselves, both physically and mentally, which is expressed by their skills not by the way they carry themselves. A consistent uniform dress code creates a sense of pride, commitment, and unity among students, as well as cohesiveness among all program participants. Yusabu Taekwondo uniforms are available for purchase in-person, or online (for current students only).

Bowing is simply a way to show respect. It is comparable to a Western handshake. Students bow to instructors and to one another to show mutual respect.

Yusabu Taekwondo students must pass a test to earn a higher rank. Promotional Testing is an exciting event for us! We hold a testing session every two months. Parents and friends are invited to come and watch. No classes are held on testing days. After a successful testing, the student is awarded a new rank and given a new belt that signifies the next level of expertise.

The goal of belt testing is to advance through the ranks so that you can begin to learn new and more challenging material. The Yusabu Taekwondo curriculum is structured so that most students, working out 2 - 3 times per week, can be ready to test every two (2) months. We do, however, recognize that each student is unique, and may require slightly more or slightly less time. Students are never required to test if he or she does not feel confident, but an instructor will tell the student when he or she is ready to test. Yusabu Taekwondo holds promotional testings every two (2) months. The testing fee is $60, and parents and friends are invited to come and watch. No classes are held on testing days. After a successful testing, the student is awarded a new rank and issued their next level belt. There is no such thing as failing a test. To fail means to be reduced in rank or demoted. If a student does not pass their test, it means only that they need more time to work on the current level's material. Visit the Promotional Testing page for more details.

The timeline varies by age (young children take longer), inherent abilities, and how much time one devotes to classes and personal workouts. It takes most students an average of 90 - 120 hours over up to 18 months of in-class training under the supervision of a Certified Instructor to earn a Red Belt. By that point, self-defense should be instinctive and automatic. A Red Belt can expect another 10 – 14 months to earn the rank of First-Degree Decided Black Belt. At that point, you have mastered the basics. But don't expect to plateau, because there is still much, much more to learn and hone your craft!

Students begin sparring at the level of green belt. To learn how to defend oneself, it is important to practice against a moving opponent, as one would in a real-life confrontation. Students develop enhanced reflexes, quicker judgment, timing, and spatial awareness (distancing). Our students begin to free spar at green belt (about 6 months into training). This allows them to learn how to punch, kick, and block without hurting themselves before employing the techniques on moving targets. At that point, we teach how to spar using mutual respect and self-control. Students are required to wear protective gear and only spar under the close supervision of a certified instructor.

Master Yu is a 7th degree black belt who has been practicing Taekwondo for over 45 years, and teaching the martial art for over 20. You can rest assured that the has both practical and traditional knowledge and has taught hundreds of students from various cultural, socio-economic, and neurodiverse backgrounds. He specializes in finding the unique way each student learns, and helping them to connect the dots to the best of their respective abilities.