Good TKD Dojangs

[aglusk]

Hi,
I'm sure there was already an appropriate thread for this question - but I couldn't find it. I am pretty new to TKD, just started earlier this year. I was hoping to get some good opinions on what makes for a good TKD school, and also get a feel if I'm paying too much.

My school runs kinda high on price (>50 to <100 per month depending on several factors). It was recommended to me by a friend who started there, and has since moved on to do boxing, bjj, and many more I can't remember. We generally have 3 classes a week for adults, but they are adding more optional classes when we get into our new building next month. We do about 1 hour of sparring a week. Most emphasis is on general techniques, followed by self defense (grabs, take-downs, locks, etc) and then one-step sparring. They also have a Combat Hapkido class on Saturdays (never been to that). From what I understand, when you get to some of the higher TKD ranks, they teach some aikido, hapkido, judo, and kempo self defense.

I'd love to hear some opinions, I want to make sure I get started on the right track. So far I've thoroughly enjoyed the school, and it's given me a great workout.

website: www.wetrainharder.com

Thanks in advance!

[DragonMind]

I looked around at the site and I was impressed. His FAQ offers good, sound advice. I didn't see any 20-something 10th dans or other outrageous claims, though I did see some "belt conditioning" in some of the photos... :laugh:

I wish they hadn't posted that hoary old fable about TKD descending from the Hwa Rang and the "secret masters" nonsense, but hey, they may not know any better.

Their payment and other policies strike me as very fair. All in all, if the school lives up to its web-site, I'd say you have a pretty good school there.

The most important part, you've already answered. You're enjoying the training and getting a good work-out. Have fun!

[aglusk]

Thanks! One thing I like about the school is that they've only promoted 14 people to black belt, and they've been around since '83. Other schools in the area seem to have 14 black belts under 14 yrs old, and 3 or 4 over that age :laugh:

[DanielS]

One thing I like about the school is that they've only promoted 14 people to black belt, and they've been around since '83.

That actually raises a red flag for me. If only 14 black belts in 23 years then...

A: Not many people can live up to their (instructors) expectations.
B: People dont stay there for long. Why?

Just a few questions.

Barry?

[aglusk]

I believe there are a several possible reasons for that. One is that classes are generally pretty hard - on many occasions I've been on the verge of passing out for most of class :). Two, they don't really make exceptions for ranking; if you have enough attendance, work hard enough, and you've got your techniques down, they'll let you test. Tests include any combination of or all of: general techniques, forms, sparring, one/two step sparring, self defense, break tests, fitness test (pushups, situps, etc).
Then, you've got some other (cheaper) schools around that pretty much promise you a black belt in two years. A lot of people leave and go to those. I think the quickest anyone has gotten a black belt at our school was 3 years, usually closer to 5.

If you can think of any other reasons, please let me know. I'd much rather know now than later!

[aglusk]

Just thought of this, quite a bit of that 23 years they were a pretty small school. Only had 1 or 2 instructors for a long time. Then they grew to big and he downsized it (no new students), now they are growing bigger again. They've got 6 "regular" bb instructors, and a few that come in every now and then.

[Eliz]

Like Daniel, it raises some flags for me too.

The school I am currently in makes it VERY difficult to achieve BB rank - but it is a fair system, a large school, and you know the expectations when you start. The BB's stay and continue to work on higher ranks - the school can train and promote up to 5th Dan. So there is no shortage of BB's to talk to about the requirements and expectations.

Another school I know of intentionally tries to fail BB candidates. The mindset is more money, more money, more money. Students who are probationary status will have a tendancy to extend their contracts the additional 6 months or whatever. Students who were close to passing, will also extend their contracts to try again. Not to mention the non-refundable testing fees. All in all, I would LOVE to know how much money this school has made off of failing BB's.

So, maybe it's something to pay attention to, maybe it's like the school I am in and just a sign of good quality curriculum and teaching.

[DragonMind]

Thanks! One thing I like about the school is that they've only promoted 14 people to black belt, and they've been around since '83. Other schools in the area seem to have 14 black belts under 14 yrs old, and 3 or 4 over that age :laugh:
That is pretty small, but could be explained in a number of ways. You often see very traditional schools that have low enrollments and low BB counts. They do state right up front that they train hard. Few Americans want that and even fewer are willing to do it long term. One question I would have is how many of those 14 are still training? I would be more impressed if all 14 were still there than if they had promoted 200 and 14 were still training.

If this is a lifetime journey, why is everyone is such a hurry?

[aglusk]

First, thank you all for your time and thoughts. There are currently 6 black belts there on a regular basis, and I've seen several of their past black belts come in on occasion. I also personally know some of the past black belts that are just now too busy with work and home life to make it in to train.

They don't have any contracts at all, and if you fail, you do get a free re-test (any rank). Enrollment these days (just estimating here) probably totals out close to 100 - but most of those are kids who don't stay long anyway. A full adult class w/ all ranks present is probably >30 students.

[hizaguchi]

During my 7 years of TKD, I saw 5 people promoted to 1st dan. We had about 30 students at any one time. Our training was mildly harsh, but nothing really bad. Most people who left our school left early, and we kept probably 80% of people who stayed longer than a year. So since you mentioned that your school was very small for a while, 14 may actually be a reasonable number.

[Akuma]

"How is training at a Christian school different and why is it important?"

...yuck, you got your Jesus in my TKD (peanut butter in chocolate joke)! J/K..not to offend, but the religious aspect is a definite no no for me. But, hey, if it works for you...enjoy! Peace.

[aglusk]

Len, where do you go in KC? The religous aspect actually isn't bad at all. The only way you can tell is that they pray at the beginning of class. They don't do any bible lessons or anything like that.

Another side question -- when I started TKD, half of the reason was for my brother-in-law. He's 17, and he's never had a dad around, ADHD, always in trouble, no respect for authority, etc.. I thought martial arts and the discipline would be good for him (and fun). He was starting to show signs of doing better, but now he's quit. He said he'll start going back next month, he just needs a "break", but I'm not so sure. Any tips on getting him to keep going?

Thanks

[Akuma]

Adam...hey, I didn't even see that you were in KC! I train with Grandmaster Choon Lee (http://www.akta.com/) at the Gladstone location (live up north). Why don't you come on out for a visit and check us out? We have TKD classes 4 times a week, and Hapkido twice a week. Feel free to pm me with any questions. As far as your brother in law, speaking as a mental health professional...the best bet you have is to keep up the positive support and encouragement and make sure he maintains his medication regimen (if he has one). The rest is up to him! Peace.

[Gae-Bek]

One thing I like about the school is that they've only promoted 14 people to black belt, and they've been around since '83.
For me, that would indicate a good school. The school I teach at has only promoted 12 Black Belts since '91, so I'm a tad biased. Of course, being on a college campus is great because we have an easy way to recruit people, but usually not enough time to get them through to BB.

A: Not many people can live up to their (instructors) expectations.
But is that really a bad thing? A lot of people would look at our school with a critical eye, because we have a LOT of people who don't seem to make it past Purple Belt (right before Red). But really, is a Black Belt something that everyone should be able to attain? I don't believe that.

Adam, it sounds to me like you've found a decent school. Stick with it, train hard, and have fun!