Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art that largely relies on kicking, proper distance and timing. Judo emphasizes holds and throws. Ju Jitsu is more about grappling. Aikido is a self-defense art that focuses on throws and joint locks.

In Taekwondo, the student is often working on high, fast and powerful kicks, while maintaining proper balance and distance. (By the way, anyone who can kick high can kick low.) Our training also emphasizes flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular stamina. We push the limits of your body to find what you are really capable of. Of course, this is always done with safety as our primary concern.

What are the belt colors in Taekwondo?

White; Sr. White; Yellow; Sr. Yellow; Green; Sr. Green; Blue; Sr. Blue; Red; Sr. Red. Each one of these belt colors has a number associated with it called Kyup ranks. The Kyup ranks start with 10th Kyup for a white belt and up to 1st Kyup for Sr. Red belt.

The Black belt follows Sr. Red or 1st Kyup. Like the colored belts, there are 10 levels of Black Belt. The numbering order is the reverse of that in the colored belts. Black belt starts at 1st Dan (or degree) and goes up to 10th Dan.

How long does it take to get to Black Belt?

Typically, 4-6 years. But let's start with the colored belts and work our way up for a more complete explanation.

At BSMA, we use the standard belt system, but we also break it down a bit more. We have belt quizzes every month. During this belt quiz, an instructor will be going through your curriculum with you. Depending on your demonstrated understanding of the material, you will be given one Tip (black tips) or possibly two. These Tips are put on the end of your belt. For white belt, a student needs two tips; Sr. White through Sr. Green need 4 tips; Blue and Sr. Blue need 6 tips and community service tip (white tip); Red and Sr. Red will need 8 tips as well as earning community service tips. Once a student has earned enough tips, they may test for the next higher belt. You can plan on 3-4 months between belts at the lower level and up to a year at the higher levels near Black belt.

What is a Master of Taekwondo?

A master of Taekwondo is someone who has earned at least 4th Dan (degree of Black belt). This can be done in as little as 10 years of education. But more typically, it is at least a 20-year education in Taekwondo. Someone who is a Master of Taekwondo often has a high education in other martial arts as well.

What is all the bowing about?

Taekwondo is an amazing martial art and sport. One way in which Taekwondo distinguishes itself from other sports is in the high degree of respect maintained in class and the sport environment. Students, instructors, competitors, parents and spectators are supposed to have a great time while maintaing respect for others. Bowing is also a way in which we promise that we are going to take care of our partners to the best of our ability.

What is all the yelling about?

The act of yelling when executing a technique does a few things for us. The kihap (spirit yell) is done to: tighten core muscles; focus all your energy; inspire you; display and build confidence; and finally, to intimidate your opponent.

Will the study of Taekwondo interfere with my religious beliefs?

Well, we certainly hope not. Taekwondo is not a religion nor are your instructors religious leaders. The philosophies of Taekwondo are simply to treat others the way in which you wish to be treated, lead by example and you can accomplish limitless heights. Never give up or stop believing in yourself.

Do Martial Artists have to register their hands as lethal weapons?

NO!!! This rumor was probably started by martial artists who wanted to impress their friends. As a martial arts instructor, I hope that none of my students ever have to physically defend themselves, and a true martial artist certainly never goes out looking for trouble.

Could Taekwondo really be used in a self-defense situation?

If situation ever came up that called for self-defense - YES. Taekwondo is very efficient and powerful. The effectiveness, of course, will depend on the level of training. In this martial art and sport, we have the opportunity to practice in a full contact environment. This helps students get comfortable with the techniques, timing, distancing, aggression and their own abilities in a safe format. If your techniques were never tested in the full contact environment, how would you know how you would react and if it will work? As a martial art, Taekwondo has some of the most effective training possible.

What martial arts association does Big Sky Martial Arts belong to?

Big Sky Martial Arts trains its students not only in Taekwondo but also Judo, Hapkido, Ju Jitsu. We are members of the United States of American Taekwondo, Korean American Taekwondo Association, The World Taekwondo Federation, AAU Taekwondo and the National Taekwondo Union.