Our youth members are taught the same core Tang Soo Do curriculum as our adult members.
We believe young students are capable of learning, growing, and being challenged. Our program includes a series of short-term milestones throughout the promotion process to help students stay focused as they work toward their long-term goal of earning a black belt.
This is not simply a "kids class." It is a martial arts class for students who happen to be youth-aged.
Through martial arts training, we aim to provide young people with positive influences and the skills that can help them grow into confident, responsible members and future leaders within their communities.
More Than Games and Competition
There are plenty of activities available where children can play games or compete against one another.
While we certainly believe martial arts should be enjoyable, our primary focus is on personal development.
We pledge to help young people develop:
- Patience
- Concentration
- Humility
- Self-discipline
- Self-control
- Respect
- Good character
- A strong work ethic
Our goal is to help students build skills that contribute not only to their success in martial arts, but also to their success throughout life.
Training Can Be Challenging—and Fun
Tang Soo Do training often requires energy, focus, and self-control.
Our classes can be physically and mentally challenging, but we also use a variety of engaging drills and activities to keep training enjoyable. We believe students can work hard while still having fun with their instructors and fellow students.
We also occasionally hold special sessions that give our youth members an opportunity to simply have fun together. Students may even have opportunities to invite friends from outside our school to participate.
Opportunities for Competition
While we are not a competition-focused school, students who are interested in testing their skills in a competitive environment have opportunities to do so.
We prepare for and attend regional tournaments for students who wish to experience performing under pressure and working through the nervousness that can come with competition.
As a traditional Tang Soo Do school affiliated with the World Tang Soo Do Association, we also attend regional events with other schools twice each year.
Competition is an opportunity—not a requirement.
How the Program Works
The program is designed around attending two classes per week, with students having three possible class opportunities available.
This gives families some flexibility while encouraging students to maintain consistent training.
A Rotating Curriculum
We use a rotating curriculum that allows instructors to spend more time teaching specific skills and provides students with additional opportunities to learn and practice them.
Each season includes planned goals, drills, techniques, and patterns that students work toward as they progress through their training.
Following the curriculum provides students with a clear path forward. However, instructors may also adjust their focus when a particular skill or concept needs additional attention.
Our goal is not simply to move students through the curriculum. Our instructors are here to help each student learn, improve, and reach their fullest potential.
Progress and Promotion
Students are evaluated throughout an 11-week training session, followed by two weeks of testing.
Promotions and advancement are based on individual achievement and the successful completion of established milestones.
Youth members also have additional ranks within the belt structure. These additional steps give students more opportunities to:
- Develop important skills before moving forward
- Complete milestones in manageable stages
- Gain a deeper understanding of their martial arts training
- Continue progressing while building a strong foundation
The journey toward black belt is a long-term process. These milestones help students recognize their progress while keeping them focused on the next step ahead.
Your First Class
Starting martial arts for the first time can feel intimidating.
There are new movements to learn, unfamiliar terminology, and a lot happening around you. That's completely normal.
It is important to know that our only expectation of a new student is simple:
Try.
We do not judge students based on their athletic ability, coordination, confidence, or personality. Every instructor and experienced martial artist was once a beginner.
We are here to help students learn, improve, and become more comfortable as they progress.
What to Expect
Our Tang Soo Do program provides a planned path from your first class and beyond.
Each season includes specific goals, drills, techniques, and patterns that help students work toward their next rank. Our course plans give students time to learn and practice individual skills while allowing instructors to provide additional explanation and guidance when needed.
Martial arts progress is not about being perfect immediately. It is about learning, practicing, improving, and continuing to move forward.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are considering martial arts for yourself or your child, we have additional information available about getting started, trial memberships, and what to expect during the first several weeks of training.
Visit our registration page to learn more and take the next step toward starting your martial arts journey.
