Terminology
Hae San Martial Arts Association
National Headquarters
3282 Vineville Ave.
Macon, GA 31204
(478) 474-3500
Terminology Supplement
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Our Programs
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The ABC's of Tae Kwon Do
- Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art. It is the number one participated martial art in the United States. Unlike Karate (Japanese) and Kung-Fu (Chinese) which stress upper body techniques, Tae Kwon Do stresses the use of legs. Because our legs are 3 to 4 times as strong as our arms, it is an ideal form of self-defense for smaller men, women and children.
- Ahn's Tae Kwon Do is a member of the Hae San Martial Arts Association. We practice the traditional Tae Kwon Do forms, the Chang-Hon style of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (Hae San, Chon-Ji, Tan-Gun, To-San, Won-Hyo, Yul-Gok, Chung-Gun ...)
- Ahn's Fitness Center has been serving the Middle Georgia area since March 1974. Our head instructor is Grandmaster E. C. Ahn. He received his 9th degree black belt (the highest rank attainable in Tae Kwon Do) in 1994. He was certified internationally by General Choi Hong Hi of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation.
- Tae Kwon Do is more than a form of self-defense. The lessons stressed carry over to all faucets of life. Tae Kwon Do helps the student with mental development, such as self-esteem, confidence, discipline, focusing, respect, good behavior, increase of attention span and stress relief. Physically it develops motor skills, coordination, muscle toning, weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, and self-defense.
- Ahn's follows the traditional method of training all ranks together in the same class. This allows the beginner to see, mimic and receive assistance from an advanced student. The biggest difference between a beginner and an advanced student is that the advanced student is more proficient in executing his/her technique. We stress repetition in our exercises to so that the techniques become automatic and to develop a quick natural response to defend oneself.
- It is important for parents and students to develop a positive relationship with the instructor. If there is a problem or a situation or a question, please do not hesitate to talk to the instructor.
- We stress that students should attend classes once or twice a week. People often believe that attending more classes will make them more proficient, however, this is generally not the case. We want students to attend classes and give the instructor a 100%. Students who attend more classes sometimes give less effort or even lose their desire to train.
- All classes (except pee-wee) are one hour in length. The general structure is 10 minutes of stretching to loosen the body for preparation for workout, 20 minutes of basic training to familiarize the body with basic blocks and attacks, 15 minutes of forms practice (individualized level training) and 15 minutes of one on one self-defense training and/or kick training.
- Testing for rank advancement is held approximately every 60 days. The rank system is white, yellow, green, blue, red, recommended black belt and decided black belt (9 levels). There are 1 to 3 stripes between the belts. Students must demonstrate the basic knowledge of their present rank, outlined in the criteria. The average person takes about 2 1/2 years to attain a black belt. Some will attain rank faster than others and some a little slower. This is what makes Tae Kwon Do different from other sports. Unlike team sports such as baseball, football, soccer and basketball, students are allowed to accelerate at their own pace. Students between yellow and green can attain multiple stripes, but at blue belt and above it is more difficult to attain multiple stripes.
- Tournaments are held 2 to 3 times a year. Students are stressed, though not required to participate. Tournaments have competitions in forms, sparring, team competition, board breaking and etc. Students compete against other students that are the same age, size and ability level. Only students who are members at schools affiliated with the Hae San Association are allowed to participate. This ensures that all students have the same philosophy of sportsmanship and safety at the tournaments.