Master Choi’s Academy
THE SPIRIT OF TAE KWON MOO DO

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THE BENEFITS

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• Parents can exercise alongside their kids

• Kids of all ages can work out together

• Build self-confidence/coordination

• Learn to defend yourself

• Learn discipline

• Lose weight and stay fit

• Intense aerobic and strength-building workout​

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Our scheduled family classes offer the unique opportunity for parents to take classes alongside their children. It is a more artistic style of martial art compared to Tae Kwon Do, but also an intense aerobic workout! Don’t let its grace fool you, although many forms of Haidong Gumdo are elegant, they have underlying backgrounds of strength and power. It is a wonderful martial art style that can be practiced throughout one’s life.​

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THE HISTORY

Tae Kwon Do is a two thousand year old martial art form that originated in Korea. It is based on the premise that every person has the instinct to defend himself or herself against a mortal attack. As a result of this basic human instinct, the origins of Tae Kwon Do date back to the earliest days of humanity on earth. Tae Kwon Do came into the United States in 1963 by Duk Sung Son who established the World Tae Kwon Do Association. The World Tae Kwon Do Federation was established in 1973. Today, there are more than 30,000,000 practitioners of Tae Kwon Do in 163 countries.

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Haidong Gumdo is a beautiful and powerful martial art that is literally translated as Korean Swordsmanship. It has been 1700 years ago in North Korea and was institutionalized in the early 20th century by Jang Baek-San. Its history has stretched over 2,000 years. Practitioners in 30 countries. The emphasis of Haidong Gumdo is not sparing, but on 2000 combined direct arcs and cuts in beautiful, prearranged forms. Haidong Gumdo was introduced as a new martial art in both the United States and Korea in the last 20 years and is currently overseen by the World Haidong Gumdo Federation, whose president is Jeong-Ho Kim.

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THE INSTRUCTORS

Our lead instructors are Masters of both Haidong Gumdo and Tae Kwon Do under the World Haidong Gumdo and World Tae Kwon Do Federations. Our chief instructor is Grand Master Chang Sik Choi, an eight-degree blackbelt. Master Choi is one of the highest-ranking Korean martial artists in the United States whose accomplishments include Instructor to the US Army FED.

In 2003, he organized and directed the 12th Korean-American Olympic Festival, drawing over 3,000 participants to Dallas.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

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• Poomse (Forms): designed to help the student develop specific blocking, punching and kicking techniques.

• Jung Shin Tong Il (Meditation): of central importance, this helps the student learn to focus and control his/her mind.

• Ho Shin Sool (Self Defense): teaches the student efficient and effective methods of self-protection.

• Kyorugi/Kyukpa (Sparring/Breaking): Sparring is practicing with a real opponent: learn to control emotion, timing and physical effort. Breaking demonstrates the inner strength that is developed when mental focus and technique are combined.

• Focus: the ability to concentrate one’s energy, movements, concentration and other resources to accomplish the goal or task at hand. This ability to diminish external distractions is an invaluable life skill, which contributes to excellence in all.

• Balance: the development of sure footing, from which speed and power in movements is derived. Without good balance and footing, the sword can lose its power. It is important to create balance in all facets of life.

• Skill: ensuring the cutting edge of the blade is always well allowed to do its work with greatest efficiency.

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The Five Major Areas of Tae Kwon Do Practice

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POOMSE (pattern or form) is a choreographed demonstration of various attack and defense motions designed to help students develop and improve their techniques. Poomse is practiced against an imaginary opponent to emphasize balance, coordination, precision of motion, and muscle tone. Every student must learn the various poomse before advancing to the next belt rank. Poomse is also an excellent exercise program.

KYORUGI (sparring or fighting) is the practice of offensive and defensive skills with a real opponent. It provides experience in timing, distance, strategy, and reflexes. It is an effective method of developing self-control, patience, and physical fitness.

KYUKPA (breaking) is done to practice and demonstrate the precision, power, and mental concentration of techniques. By breaking boards or bricks, the student develops confidence and overcomes fear. This practice demonstrates the student’s ability to combine focus, power, and accuracy into one technique.

HO SIN SOOL (self-defense) is the study of techniques that enable a student to defend himself or herself against armed or unarmed attackers. This includes throws, joint locks, escapes, and disarming techniques. It is an important part of Tae Kwon Do training that teaches confidence and awareness.

JUNG SHIN TONG IL (meditation) is of great importance, as it helps the student learn to focus and control the mind. Meditation improves mental discipline, inner strength, and relaxation, which are essential to learning martial arts.

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Weapons

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The purpose of weapons training is to improve the student’s muscle tone, balance, coordination, and concentration.

At the same time, it familiarizes a student with different weapons so when an attacker is armed, he or she will know how to defend himself or herself in such situations since an attacker possesses a weapon.

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Families

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Parents may consider involving the whole family as an interesting and unusual method of sharing time with their children. For this purpose we have introduced a special family training program.

Children especially need a family relationship which provides warmth, love, and security. Training together strengthens the family relationship and builds trust.

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Benefits of family and friends:

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• The best method to instill respect with family.

• To strengthen family ties.

• No drinking, smoking, or drugs.

• No late nights and night clubs that may be harmful to me or to others.

• To live a happy life.

• An opportunity to have an exciting new body and to learn the art of self-defense.

• A family can enjoy training and living together.

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How much time does it take? I am a very busy person!
Classes will be MORNING and NIGHT classes to fit anyone’s schedule. Each class is approximately 45 minutes long. We recommend two to three times a week. The only requirement is regular attendance. You may attend classes as your schedule permits.

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Does it increase coordination?
Absolutely not! In fact, many people join a Martial Arts program to INCREASE their coordination. Everyone has a different level of natural coordination. What is important is what you do with your ability and how much you improve upon your weaknesses.

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What and Who is the Master?
A Master is the title of someone who has reached a SIXTH degree black belt or higher in a particular Martial Art. The title of Master means that the person has usually mastered, both physically and mentally, all of the techniques in a particular art.

 

Health

Martial Arts builds and maintains muscle tone. A martial arts program is designed to keep the body perfectly conditioned, and its insistence on mental alertness keeps a sound mind in a sound body.

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Character Development

The immediate aim of the Martial Arts, of course, the welfare of the participant. Yet the Martial Arts has a social value. People who are mentally and physically healthy do not ordinarily contribute to social problems. We believe that if the Martial Arts can help each individual develop more respect for himself and for others, then we are contributing to a better society. Respect, modesty, loyalty, courage and perseverance are not only the most respected moral principles of man, they are the most required.

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Discipline

Being involved in the Martial Arts, the students develop self-discipline. Improvement of physical ability gained from training is self-rewarding which is very important to help motivate them to do their best in discipline and in school. The respect, modesty, loyalty, courage and perseverance which are developed by the Martial Arts training and physical conditioning are helpful in developing self-discipline.

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Women and Children

The question often arises as to whether Martial Arts is suitable for women and children. For women it offers the same benefits as self-protection, especially against attackers and/or intruders.

For children, the same aim of character development and mental discipline will improve through fun and worthwhile learning experience.
Many psychologists, doctors and psychiatrists recommend a program in the Martial Arts to correct childhood problems. Give your child a gift which will improve his or her quality of life!

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FAQS

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What and Who is the Master?

A Master is the title of someone who has reached a SIXTH degree black belt or higher in a particular Martial Art. The title of Master means that the person has usually mastered, both physically and mentally, all of the techniques in a particular art.

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Does it increase coordination?

Absolutely not! In fact, many people join a Martial Arts program to INCREASE their coordination. Everyone has a different level of natural coordination. What is important is what you do with your ability and how much you improve upon your weaknesses.

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How much time does it take? I am a very busy person!

Classes will be MORNING and NIGHT classes to fit anyone’s schedule. Each class is approximately 45 minutes long. We recommend two to three times a week. The only requirement is regular attendance. You may attend classes as your schedule permits.

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Will someone hit me?
We do spar within our school, however it is very controlled. For beginners, we spar without contact, and only after control is obtained for higher degree belts does it require full contact sparring. (and again, using pads). Our school is a NON-CONTACT school, but sparring is encouraged in order for students to practice your [sic] techniques.

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But if I (or my child) am slow, how can I (or my child) learn Martial Arts?
Martial Arts focuses on an individual’s CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Self-confidence and improving one’s self-image builds social and mental attitudes, as well as personal health. An instructor teaches a student to realize his/her own ability and capability. (No one is allowed to ridicule or put down another student for his/her degree of know-how or development).

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Can I lose weight?
Yes! You can lose weight through exercise and learn how to defend yourself and develop a strong personality at the same time. Martial Arts has a unique way that can help you stay healthy and/or lose weight through its exercises that actually help you develop each facet of your life simultaneously.

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Will it help me relieve tension and stress?
Yes! Many PSYCHOLOGISTS AND DOCTORS RECOMMEND physical exercise to relieve problems due to tension and stress. Through Martial Arts training, you will learn how to remain calm in a stressful situation, and to relax easily following relaxation and meditation techniques.

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Am I too old or too young?
No! It is never too late to begin and remain in Martial Arts. People all over the world have trained and reached their black belts in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and even 70’s! Children as young as four years of age have also trained. (Although there is no actual age limit, we have found that the most important thing is that a child must be at least six years old (or very close)!

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Are you keeping in good physical and mental condition?

With practice of Martial Arts you can RELIEVE TENSION AND STRESS, STAY PHYSICALLY FIT, LOSE WEIGHT, and ENJOY YOURSELF while finding enough exercise to practice for your technique to be thorough. Not only BODY CONDITIONING, but REMEMBER you will LEARN SELF-DEFENSE and gain POISE and CONFIDENCE.

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Can I come and watch a class?
Yes! Most martial arts schools let people think it is impossible to come in and watch. Not so! You may come in any time, (hours, watching) and if you decide that Martial Arts training is for you, then it is easy to start.

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Why should I? What can it do for me?
Martial Arts is an unvarnished method of self-protection. That is its ultimate SELF-DEFENSE for men, women, and children. Martial Arts is not to be taken lightly. Its principles and methods keep the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT in mind as a person develops with the proper balance of the MIND and BODY to gain not only a well-produced personality in all of our students. By developing good physical condition and mental ability, the student will develop a positive approach to any problem and enjoy a positive position in life. A person should strive for PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL. This is what makes a GOOD QUALITY, WELL ROUNDED INDIVIDUAL.

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We endeavor to offer our students the best in physical training coupled with a more confident and positive self-image for a more meaningful life. Martial Arts can benefit all people – MEN, WOMEN, and CHILDREN – from 6 years of age and up. No matter what race, physical condition, ANYONE can join a Martial Arts program.

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There is no better time to start — START NOW!

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Contact us by calling (703) 508 2277 or by clicking the link below.