Tae Kwon Do, Taekwondo, Taekwon-do or….?
Whichever way Taekwondo is spelt it means the same. The term Taekwondo means
(literally) ‘The way of the hand and foot’. All these terms, however, represent
a single principle, a general way of applying a technique, of using the human
body as a weapon in unarmed combat. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Korean
Karate’.
What Martial Arts do you teach?
Practical
Taekwondo™ is a
modern, reality-based martial art with roots in the Korean-based martial art
which employs a variety of blocking, striking, throwing, choking, kicking,
joint locking and ground techniques all in such a manner that it provides as
complete a martial arts and self-defence system as possible.
Practical
Taekwondo™ is the
ideal martial art for people who want to have both tradition but also a
practical, modern approach that will enable them to learn how to defend
themselves quickly, whilst getting fit and having fun. Practical Taekwondo™
is the ideal martial art for people who want something more from their martial
art, who don’t want to spar purely for martial art competition purposes and is
a great starter for reality-based training.
Practical
Taekwondo™
integrates aspects of Jim Wagner’s Reality Based Personal Protection, the
Instinctive Fighting System™ (another system in itself) and the skills
and concepts Matthew and his affiliate instructors have learnt through being in
the Police, the Reserve and Armed Forces and working in close protection and on
the door.
From day
one, students can expect to learn martial arts techniques and concepts that
work with adrenalin, that don’t require high levels of skill and which will
immediately make you not only feel safer, but also be safer. Whether or not you
apply the lessons to your life is up to you, but we will give 100% in helping
you make yourself and your loved ones safer.
The
Instinctive Fighting System™ is a modern, reality-based martial art with roots in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo, Pressure Point fighting, self-protection, self-defence and employs a variety of blocking, striking, throwing, choking, kicking, joint locking and ground techniques all in such a manner that it provides as complete a martial arts and self-defence system as possible.
The
Instinctive Fighting System™ is the ideal martial art for people who want to have traditional values but also a practical, modern approach that will enable them to learn how to defend themselves quickly, whilst getting fit and having fun. The Instinctive Fighting System™ is the ideal martial art for people who want something more from their martial art, and who don’t want to spar for martial art competition purposes.
The
Instinctive Fighting System™ integrates aspects of Jim Wagner’s Reality Based Personal Protection, Lee Sansum's Family Awareness Safety Training, Ao Denkou Jitsu (pressure points fighting),
Practical Taekwondo™ (another system in itself), and the skills and concepts Matthew and his affiliate instructors have learnt through being in the Police, the Reserve and Armed Forces, and working in close protection and on the door.
From day one, students can expect to learn martial arts, self-defence and self-protection techniques and concepts that work with adrenalin, that don’t require high levels of skill and which will immediately make you not only feel safer, but also be safer. Whether or not you apply the lessons to your life is up to you, but we will give 100% in helping you make yourself and your loved ones safer.
Where do you train?
All of our adult martial arts training sessions are based at Pinhoe Scout Hut, Langaton Lane, Pinhoe and the children's classes are based at St Marks Church Hall, Heavitree.
Can I watch your classes?
Yes, we have an open door policy and anybody is welcome to watch our classes.
I am a beginner with no experience, when can I start?
You can start at any time. The lessons will be structured to your needs and capabilities.
Can people with previous experience in martial arts join?
Yes, we welcome martial artists from any discipline at any time. Many of the techniques within
Practical Taekwondo™ and the
Instinctive Fighting System™ may seem familiar to experienced martial artists. So far we have had students who also study Ninjutsu, Wado Ryu Karate, PUMA Taekwondo, TAGB Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Aikido, Jujitsu, OKKO Karate Jutsu, MEME, Jung Shin Taekwondo, Aikoushin Kubojutsu, Muay Thai, Boxing and Unarmed Combat.
We have trained people from all sorts of background, ranging from civilians to members of the armed forces, door supervisors, and police. Our own backgrounds mean that we can easily related to people from all walks of life.
What do I wear?
Something loose and comfortable like a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms. We have an official uniform, but students don't have to purchase one until after the first month of training. We train wearing t-shirts and loose bottoms in our fitness and sparring lessons, and doboks in all other lessons. Please understand that for your own safety you will not be allowed to wear any jewellery. If it cannot be removed it must be covered with tape.
Do I have to be fit?
No. Provided there are no obvious medical reasons why you should not train, fitness should be no barrier to starting
Practical Taekwondo™ or the
Instinctive Fighting System™. As you progress in your training your fitness level, your suppleness and flexibility will improve.
Does it matter how old I am?
No. Provided there are no obvious medical reasons why you should not train, age should be no barrier to starting
Practical Taekwondo™ or the
Instinctive Fighting System™. The only restriction we place on age is that students must be a minimum of 16 years of age to train in the adult system due to the nature of the techniques taught.
Are you lessons suitable for women?
Yes,
Practical Taekwondo™ or the
Instinctive Fighting System™ is an ideal martial art, self-protection and self-defence system for women.
Practical Taekwondo™ or the
Instinctive Fighting System™ techniques are designed to be both pro-active and reactive, accepting the opponent’s attack and intercepting their attack. The vast majority of the syllabus means that there are techniques that suit people of all strength, shapes and sizes. Students are partnered up regardless of sex or size so that they get used to training with and against a wide range of people.
What are the benefits of studying your martial arts?
There are many including promoting good health, increasing fitness, building confidence and providing an enjoyable way to learn something positive whilst making new friends. Martial arts, Taekwondo (Tae Kwon Do), self-protection and self-defence are a very personal experience and everyone has their own reasons for starting martial arts, self-protection and self-defence (which may change over time) as well as their own goals.
Whatever your goal, our training cadre will work hard to help you achieve it. We don't promise miracles, and you'll have to put a lot of hard work and sweat into achieving your goal, but if you do all that, we'll be there to support you.
Do you have exams?
Yes we do. They are not mandatory; all students are able to progress at their own pace. Examination is by invitation only based on whether both the student and the instructor feel they are ready to grade. Taekwondo (Tae Kwon Do) gradings are held every 3 months.
What are the grades?
Practical Taekwondo™ has one additional grade to other Taekwondo clubs, and that is Sage. We believe that all students should be giving a firm grounding in self-
- Sage - White Level - All students must take Practical Self-Defence™ lessons before being able to progress on to Practical Taekwondo™ - 3 month’s training
- White Level 1 - White Level 2 - Min total of 3 month’s training
- White Level 2 - Yellow Level 1 - Min total of 6 months training
- Yellow Level 1 - Yellow Level 2 - Min total of 9 month’s training
- Yellow Level 2 - Green Level 1 - Min total of 12 month’s training
- Green Level 1 - Green Level 2 - Min total of 15 month’s training
- Green Level 2 - Blue Level 1 - Min total of 18 month’s training
- Blue Level 1 - Blue Level 2 - Min total of 24 month’s training
- Blue Level 2 - Red Level 1 - Min total of 30 month’s training
- Red Level 1 - Red Level 2 - Min total of 36 month’s training
- Red Level 2 - Black 1st Dan - Min total of 48 month’s training
The
Instinctive Fighting System™ does not use belts in the traditional manner. In order to set ourselves aside from the more traditional martial arts, self-protection and self-defence groups in the area, and to also reinforce the reality-based lessons, we use coloured t-shirts to show the level of the student. Levels (belts in other groups) are purely used as an indicator of progress, knowledge and experience within the class. The grade structure is as follows;
- Basic
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Skilled
- Advanced
- Coach (by application/invitation only)
- Instructor - Basic
- Instructor - Novice
- Instructor - Intermediate
- Instructor - Skilled
- Instructor - Advanced
- Instructor - Instructor
NOTE: No-one can claim to be a black belt in the Instinctive Fighting System - We don't wear them!