Frequently asked questions

Sure! If you are wondering, give it a try. There is no better way to decide.

There are many martial arts styles, and many schools from which to choose. As long as the technique is properly taught, the best style to study depends on what you want. Some hard styles emphasize direct, powerful punches and kicks, while other soft styles emphasize flowing motions. Different schools may teach self defense, meditation, balance, flexibility, sparring, and personal growth, to varying degrees and with distinct approaches. If you want to know which style suits you best, check out several. Remember, the attitude of the instructor and the atmosphere of the class are as important as the style itself.

Taekwon-Do is a modern, hard style Korean martial art whose name means foot-hand- way. The name was coined in 1955 by General Choi Hong Hi, who founded the style and is now grand master and president of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). Taekwon-Do is a refinement of many centuries of martial arts, particularly Japanese and Korean styles. Techniques include a wide array of foot, hand, elbow, and knee strikes, as well as throws and joint locks. Taekwon- Do is distinguished from other arts largely by its wide arsenal of spectacular and effective kicking techniques. Much training time is devoted to learning the fast and powerful kicks that are possible through biomechanically correct body positioning. This allows the practitioner to train safely for many years, developing strength, balance, and flexibility.

Anyone 5 years and older is welcome to join. There is no upper age limit. As many senior citizen black belts have shown, it is never too late to start.

No. Everyone trains at his or her own level. If you are not used to hard physical training, that's fine. You will find that your strength, endurance, and flexibility increase steadily as you work out. If you are a conditioned athlete, don't worry, you will get a good workout. We welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities. People who are physically challenged are encouraged to join. Taekwon- Do can be rewarding for anyone who wants to train.

No previous experience in the martial arts is required. All you need is the desire to learn. However, we welcome students of other martial arts who want to learn Taekwon- Do.

The lessons of individual classes vary, and might include punching and kicking drills, practice of targeting and focus with other students, self defense techniques, and choreographed sequences of movements. Sparring with protective pads is practiced regularly, with emphasis on extremely light, safe contact and precise focus of one's attacks. A number of tournaments are sponsored by various schools in the area, and are available for all students. Competition in sparring, performance of patterns is an important part of each student's development.

Yes, definitely. The first class is free. As you begin to learn the basics, you will experience the flavor of the class as well. We can't give that to you in a flyer, so come check us out! Once you decide to join, the low fees include unlimited classes. As you will discover, it is hard to find a better value in a martial arts class.

Classes are Monday through Sunday. Click here to see the daily class schedule. You may attend as many as you like.

Not at first. However, if you continue to train, you will be required to purchase a Taekwon-Do uniform.

If there is anything else you would like to know, call Horizon Taekwon-Do at 905-844-8384. We are happy to answer any questions. Better yet, stop by and see for yourself. We look forward to seeing you.