What’s the best way to determine if Master Taekwondo is right for me?

We welcome everyone searching for a martial arts school to come in and meet personally with owner and Head Instructor, Master Phil Hwang. He will provide a clear understanding of the school’s philosophy, discuss tuition, and you’ll also get to see the dojang, first-hand. These are opportunities to observe a class and even participate in a trial class or two before you make your final decision.

What type of taekwondo is taught at Master Taekwondo?

Master Taekwondo adheres to the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style taekwondo. Master Taekwondo’s curriculum teaches “modernized techniques in a traditional setting.” Master Phil’s style of teaching, and his philosophy, reflect his enriched background and years of personal training in the art of taekwondo.

Do I need to sign a contract at Master Taekwondo?

There are NO contracts at Master Taekwondo. We believe that the relationship established with each student is extremely important. During the initial orientation with Master Phil, each student’s needs, goals, training commitment, and school tuition is discussed. Based on the student's age and skill level, an appropriate class is then selected by the student with the advice of Master Phil.

Are there any extra fees?

At Master Taekwondo, there are no enrollment fees, belt rank fees, testing fees (until Black Belt), or cancellation fees, if a student stops training. Students must purchase their own uniforms, replacement belts if lost, and boards used for training purposes.

Will I learn any anti-bullying techniques?

Master Taekwondo addresses all forms of bullying in our society today. Our students are taught to respectfully deal with those who are not as disciplined. Each bullying situation is discussed privately with Master Phil to gain his advice and wisdom.

Whether the bullying is done online, verbally, or physically, our students are trained through “The Five Tenets of Taekwondo” to have the confidence to overcome all bullying situations facing them.

Isn't taekwondo training dangerous?

Anytime a person straps on pads there is risk involved, but one of Master Phil’s top priorities is the safety of all students. The training program at Master Taekwondo is designed for maximum effort, but in a strictly supervised environment. Pads are always used during sparring, and rules and regulations are always enforced.

Also, if a student has a physical limitation or injury, he/she is not allowed (or required) to practice any potentially injurious techniques.

Will I have to spar?

Students at Master Taekwondo must achieve the rank of Yellow Belt (8th Geup 급) before they are permitted to spar. Even at this belt rank the students wear pads and are instructed on how to protect themselves and their opponents. At Master Taekwondo, sparring is never used to show a student’s dominance over another student, but instead, sparring is used to practice the techniques students have learned.

As an example, at Master Taekwondo, if a black belt is paired to spar with a yellow belt, the the black belt’s sole purpose is to protect the yellow belt and to “spar down” at the lower belt's rank. This rule in the dojang covers three of the “Five Tenets of Taekwondo” taught at Master Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control.

Will I have to break boards?

At Master Taekwondo, breaking boards is a crucial part of each student’s training. Like sparring, breaking boards is a way of demonstrating the techniques each student has learned. It’s also a proven confidence builder.

Master Phil selects a board size and thickness according to belt rank, which is meant to be challenging, but not impossible. There may be times when a student will fail to break the board, but at Master Taekwondo we use these moments as great teaching tools. We coach the student on how to improve their striking technique and explain and demonstrate what exercises will increase the muscle strength used in striking. Most importantly, we use the student’s “challenge” to help him/her understand the importance of overcoming personal obstacles in life. Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit are two of the “Five Tenets of Taekwondo” taught at Master Taekwondo. Also, Master Phil does not permit our youth to use knuckle punches to break boards. The well-being of each student is our top priority.

If I participate in other sports, why do I need to train at Master Taekwondo?

There are over 600 muscles in the body. Master Taekwondo doesn’t miss a muscle! All conventional sports require different training techniques for the muscle groups necessary for an athlete’s peak performance. Soccer players train differently than football players – tennis players and golfers also train different muscle groups. Master Taekwondo simultaneously trains for speed, power, and flexibility which requires more of the body’s muscle groups to function together. No matter what sport you’ve played, or how hard you’ve trained in the past – you will learn more and develop more at Master Taekwondo.

Can I still train if I have certain physical limitations?

Master Taekwondo is unique because we DO NOT train our students to be “fighters.” Yes, Master Taekwondo students are tough, but the development of character is as important as the art of combat. Therefore, physical limitations such as a disability, an old injury, or lack of flexibility/strength will not limit your growth potential. Master Taekwondo is atypical of other schools, so your training will be designed specifically for you to achieve your desired goals in a safe and protected manner.

How long does it take to earn a black belt at Master Taekwondo?

Master Taekwondo is NOT a “Black Belt factory.”

It takes a training commitment of approximately 3-4years to achieve the level of Black Belt.