1. What is Tae Kwon Do and how is it different from other martial arts? 

Martial arts are a system of self-defense that also emphasizes physical, mental and spiritual development. The most popular Martial Arts known today are Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu and Jujitsu. Jujitsu has been developed in Japan it specializes in grappling in order to neutralize one’s opponent. Kung Fu is from China and has many different styles for self-defense. 

Karate is also from Japan and it is very similar to Tae Kwon Do except that it focuses on using one’s fists. Tae Kwon Do’s root and origin is from the country of Korea. While most of these martial arts have similar striking, defense and grappling moves, Tae Kwon Do is mainly known for their specialization in Kicking. Tae Kwon Do’s emphasis in kicking allows one to attain faster reaction time, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and balance due to its focus on strengthening one’s legs. One of the benefits of practicing Tae Kwon Do is that it is considered an Olympic Sport and its credibility allows people to train and enter into competitions. 

2. At what age can children start? 

Children can start Tae Kwon Do from three-four years old. Allowing children to practice Tae Kwon Do at an early age can improve their gross/fine motor skills, listening, observation as well as increasing their cognition. Children between the ages from three to five will be placed in a program called the Tiger Cubs. Tiger Cub classes are usually small and each individual will have a personal instructor assigned to them for the attention and care that they need. We start children off in a trial-program so that we can evaluate which classes your child should participate in for optimal benefit. 

3. How often do students attend classes and how flexible is the schedule? 

Students should attend classes twice a week in order for them to understand the curriculum and the techniques taught. We recommend that students attend twice a week because they will be able to retain more of the physical and mental benefits as well as seeing progression at a reasonable rate. Our schedule is flexible so that students and working adults can attend our classes anytime of the week based on their age and level. 

4. Do Martial Arts increase Aggressiveness? 

Learning martial arts does not increase aggressiveness because students are taught self-control and discipline. When learning martial arts, students understand that the techniques that are taught to them are only for self-defense and as a last option. In actuality learning martial arts helps students to calm down, be more patient and increases self-awareness within themselves as well as their surroundings. Tae Kwon Do students are taught to follow principles that emphasize one to be respectful, courteous, considerate and humble. Therefore, our goal is for your child to become more physical fit and self confident, so that they do not feel insecure to prove their courage. 

5. Can I take classes with my child? 

Parents are welcomed to take classes with their child and it is even encouraged that you do. Participating in classes with your child and will help boost your relationship as a family because you will be overcoming hurdles together both physically and mentally. Overall, Tae Kwon Do family classes allow one to spend quality time exercising and it encourages the household to stay healthy.         

6. How safe is it to learn martial arts? 

Tae Kwon Do is safe and fun to learn because it teaches students to have self-control and be aware of one’s surroundings. Its greatest asset is that people of any age and physical abilities can learn it. Our instructors are dedicated and qualified to teach students to learn at their own pace. Students will learn Tae Kwon Do on safe, clean, matted flooring and we use modern equipment. We make sure that students stretch and warm up their bodies before every class in order to prevent injuries.  

7. What if I never did martial arts before or if I am out of shape? 

Do not worry if you do not have any prior experience in martial arts or even sports for that matter. Students enter Tae Kwon Do training at any age and at all levels. Our job is to make sure that you feel comfortable enough to exercise with us and not to push your body beyond its limit. However, after training with us you will notice increased coordination, flexibility, ability to react quicker and endurance in your muscles. Our instructors will be attuned to your physical abilities so that they push your body in the right direction without overstressing it. You’ll be glad to see your cardiorespiratory endurance improve after a month’s training with us. 

8. Do you teach sparring and weapons? 

We teach sparring which is not actual fighting, but testing one’s own abilities and technique against their opponents. The focus of sparring is not to hurt out friends that we train with but to see how much you have improved in your striking abilities. Sparring is taught as soon as one reaches the green belt-level. Students will learn how to spar after equipping themselves in full protective gears. As for weapons, we teach nunchuck after one attains their yellow belt. Learning nunchaku will help students with their hand eye-coordination. 

9. What is important in finding a good martial art school? 

It is important for students to find a martial arts school that offers a clean, safe and fun environment, where they can feel comfortable enough to learn and grow. Students should find schools that offer flexible schedules and enthusiastic instructors that will provide personal care and guidance. We believe that one should learn martial arts from a certified school with passionate instructors that are genuinely interested in garnering one’s mental/physical health and self- defense skills. Cosmo’s Martial arts is a certified school and Master Cosmo has over 20 years of teaching students Tae Kwon Do. We are constantly working to find innovative ways to deliver quality instructions at a high level, by combining the science and philosophy of Tae Kwon Do.