The Arts
Taekwondo
By learning to throw a punch, you learn to focus your thoughts. By learning to block a kick, you learn to deflect an insult. By learning to break a board, you learn to break through obstacles in your life. Taekwondo is not for everyone. It takes patience and dedication, but the reward for your efforts is a Black Belt and all the prestige of knowing that you have accomplished what few ever do. You will become a skilled practitioner physically, while mentally you'll be focused with self-control and indomitable spirit. The journey to Black Belt is an exciting adventure one that will change your life.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial famous for its long low stances, its high kicks, jump kicks, and flying kicks. In Korean, Tae means 'foot', Kwon means 'hand', and Do means 'art'. The three words combine to mean 'the art of the hand and foot'. The style of Taekwondo we teach is called "American Chang Moo Kwan".
Arnis
Arnis is a Filipino weapons and self-defense art. It is the perfect complement to Taekwondo because it is a "soft martial art" that teaches you to use an opponent's own momentum to control or defeat him. Students practice Arnis with one or two 26 inch rattan stick. The other primary weapons of Arnis are the open hand, short sword and dagger, long bo, and long sword.
Arnis is taught monthly in our regular classes. In addition, there are monthly Arnis Seminars and a weekly Arnis-only Class. A significant and unique distinction of training at True Martial Arts is that you can earn Black Belts in two different styles.
Programs
Pee-Wee Kickers: Ages 5 & Under
This class provides a positive and safe environment to explore martial arts and have fun doing all kinds of physical exercises. Wok ethic is introduced by encouraging the young students to do their best and provide positive reinforcement when they do. The classes include exercises such as stretching, running, jumping, coordination drills, left-right recognition, learning some basic martial arts movements and character development lessons. Parents encourage their children and support the instructor by taking an active role in the class, often participating in the exercises with their child.
Youth: Ages 5 to 12
It's amazing what a child with self-confidence can do. Youth students develop self-confidence by setting goals, striving for excellence and accomplishing what they set out to do. In many instances they acquire skills they never thought possible, unlocking their own potential and giving them a positive outlook that can last a lifetime. We teach youth students in a safe, well-supervised atmosphere, and we make learning fun. Unlike team sports, there are no benchwarmers in our classes- every child participates and every child is important. Independent studies have shown that martial arts students have better grades and get in less trouble. We have leadership programs that reward our students for getting good grades in school and for acting responsibly at home. We know that it is important that every youth learns the right purpose for the martial arts. We teach them to never use their skills in an inappropriate manner and we teach them how to avoid trouble. If a dangerous situation should arise, we teach them realistic ways to stay safe from harm.
Teens and Adults: Ages 13 & Up
Nothing can take the place of you knowing how to take care of yourself in any situation. We practice effective and modern self defense techniques. There is an emphasis on fitness conditioning so you can exercise while leaning to defend yourself at the same time. You can be assured of receiving top quality instruction from a fully trained, professional instructor whose number one priority is helping you achieve your goals.
Special Needs Class — SNAP
SNAP stands for Special Needs Advancement Program. This is a new class for people with special needs, taught by Lynne Banki, a 1st degree Black belt and the organizer of Autism Day Washington.
The class is every Sunday (except holidays) and has an open enrollment. The cost is $50 a month. There is a $74 registration fee that includes the uniform. Reserve a private orientation with Lynne Banki at lymba@comcast.net.