First Contact
A number of people contact us about our programs for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for something specific, while others just happen to see a martial arts place inside Uptown Virginia and stop in. Most people who contact us have a general idea of what we teach and some expectation for themselves or their children. Whether you email, text, call, or stop in, we will do our best to provide you with answers to any questions you may have.
Things To Consider When Contacting Us
- What is your purpose for signing yourself or your child up for classes?
- What are you expecting to get out of the classes?
- Are you interested in sport-like competition?
- Are you aware of any physical, mental, or emotional needs?
Being able to answer these questions, or mentioning your goals relating them, will help us evaluate how our programs may best fit you, your child, and any goals you may have. There is no "wrong" answer as they all relate to our school in some way. When you do contact us, mention that you have been to our website. It will allow us to be more focal with our initial conversation as well as keep track of how our website is working for us!
Tang Soo Do (Karate)
Our Tang Soo Do program holds classes for ages 7 and older. When families join together, a younger student may be considered as well with head instructor approval. Most students don't want to be singled out when they first start - they want to be part of the group. For that reason, nearly all instruction is done in a group to provide reinforcement of the lessons being taught through all levels of their training. Instructors also give individuals tips and corrections based on their performance to help them improve and get closer to their goals.
To help ease some of that tension and frustration during the first week (or more), new students may be introduced to some of the basic rules and techniques with one of the instructors or senior students in a small group (sometimes 1-on-1) apart from the rest of the class. During this time they are able to learn the first points in their training at a comfortable pace, individualized for them.
It is important to note that the only expectation we have of new students is that they try. We hold no judgement on athletic abilities or personality traits - we've all been there at one point!
Tiny Tigers (Ages 4-6)
Our Tang Soo Do program holds classes for our youngest members. A parent or guardian must be present for classes. This program runs one night a week for eight (8) weeks of classes followed by testing week with promotions happening with the rest of the Tang Soo Do program the following week. After promotions, Tiny Tigers have a 4-week break from classes before the next season starts again.
Haidong Gumdo (Swords)
Our sword classes range from casual practice sessions to intense drill days. The sessions are flexible based on who is in attendance. The program is designed for ages 12 and older, but younger students that have experience with martial arts or join with family members may be considered.
There is a full curriculum available from your first class and beyond. The beginning few ranks may not be cardio intensive, but you will be using arm, back, and leg muscles you may not have known about! Once your body starts to adjust, the techniques become much easier, making the patterns and drills more fun.
Six Week Trial Membership
Before you, your child, or your family as a whole can participate in classes, we will have you fill out a registration form. There is no commitment at this point, it is just a way for us to have a signed statement of participation. After you have given consent for participation, we will allow you to join in class during the trial membership!
We begin your trial with an introductory class free of charge. This will get you information about our school, the instructors, rules & policies, and start learning some techniques. After the introductory class, the first full class can be atteneded for free. We do this as a courtesy to all new students to let them decide if that initial interest in martial arts training with us fits their desires. We suggest loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. A t-shirt and sweat pants are common attire for the first few classes. Once those classes have gone by, you can either sign up for a the trial membership or jump right on in to the main program! We have a number of options for enrollment when that time comes.
The First Weeks of Class
The first week or two of classes can be a little unsettling to some people that don't have any experience in a Korean martial art. We use Korean commands throughout our classes, and when you don't know what you are doing or what the commands mean, it's easy to become frustrated. Each of us were beginners at one time and we understand and will help you become more comfortable in class. Our instructors will often also use English in class while new students are learning the commands.
After the First Few Classes
Quite often, students that have participated in their first few classes may get sore muscles. This is common and many times expected - especially in adults and teens. Individuals that are involved in athletic activities are less likely to have this happen as their bodies are more conditioned to the movements. Don't let this discourage you or your child from training, it is just the body adjusting to something new and becoming stronger. This same thing happens in most physical activities, but you can let us know of your soreness and we can make some suggestions as to how the sore muscles can be helped.
Sounds Great! Now What?
We hold open enrollment each for each of our seasons. We have four seasons each year starting at the beginning of March, June, September, and December. When we have enrollment active, you can find a link for "Season Open Enrollment" in our website navigation. When enrollment isn't active, you can still get information about our programs and get on a waiting list by simply filling out the form below!