Tae Kwon Do

Does your child need a boost in their self-confidence? Is your son or daughter a little bit shy and need some help coming out of their shell?  

Statistics show that participation in youth sports and fitness activities builds confidence and promotes development of a healthy lifestyle. 

“It’s not just that the people who are going to do well in life play sports, but that sports help people do better in life,” Dr. Betsey Stevenson, economist at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. 

 To answer this, we’ll start by saying that both are excellent forms of martial arts training, with each offering numerous benefits.The core principles of both Taekwondo (or Tae Kwon Do) and Karate stress self-discipline and a high code of personal conduct. Both have a sport competition aspect; however this makes up only part of the entire curriculum.So, how are they different?

• Taekwondo emphasizes kicking techniques, while Karate focuses on hand strikes.
• Taekwondo = Korea.
• Karate = Okinawa, Japan (with roots from hand fighting in China).
• Prearranged sequences of techniques, generally known as forms, are referred to as poomsae in Taekwondo, and kata in Karate
• Tae Kwon Do is an Olympic sport.
• The specific postures, stances, and movements differ significantly between Taekwondo and Karate.

It should be noted that although taekwondo (also known as tae kwon do) tends to favor fast kicking, taekwondo training is well-rounded and involves learning blocks, punches, open-handed strikes, take-downs, throws, and joint locks.Conversely, while karate is known for hand techniques, it frequently includes knee and elbow strikes, and does use kicking techniques to a certain extent.How to choose?If you are trying to decide between a Tae Kwon Do or a Karate school, the decision to train in one versus the other may come down to a personal preference of style (as described above), however other conditions should play a part in your decision:

• What is the quality of the instruction?
• What does the facility look like?
• What is the atmosphere like?
• How does the class schedule work?
• Where are they located?
• Other factors?

The answers to these questions may (and sometimes should) be more important in deciding which martial art to study. You may find an aspect of a particular martial art appealing, but if the instructors are inexperienced, the atmosphere is intimidating, or the location is out of the way, your overall enjoyment and the benefits you receive will be diminished.In addition to the above factors, it’s always a good idea to personally visit the schools you are considering. Although websites and phone conversations can provide plenty of useful information, your decision should be strongly influenced by the direct experience of visiting the martial arts school.Are you located in Sammamish or Issaquah? If so, come see what a difference Master park’s martial arts classes can make for you. Try us out with our no-risk. We promise that learning martial arts at Master Park’s will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. 

 Master Park's World Tae Kwon Do Center opened in Sammamish/Issaquah in 2018. His goal was not to prepare kids for competition, but to give them life skills that would benefit them throughout the course of their entire lives. During his 25+ year martial arts career, he’s successfully helped thousands of students of all ages reach their goal of obtaining a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and in the process, transformed their ability to focus, improved their self-confidence, strengthened their social skills and ability to form life-long friendships and improved their overall health and fitness levels.

If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of Tae Kwon Do training, get started today with the quick start trial offer, or call us at 425-677-8717 for more information. 

Martial arts in Sammamish, Martial arts in Issaquah.

Taekwondo in Sammamish.