What
is Tae Kwon Do?
To put it simply,
Tae Kwon Do
is a version of unarmed combat
designed for the purpose of self-defense. It is more than just that,
however. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of
self-defense; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its
facilities through intensive physical and mental training. It is a
martial art that has no equal in either power or technique. Though
it is a martial art, its discipline; technique and mental training
are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude,
humility and resolve. It is this mental conditioning that separates
the true practitioner from the sensationalist, content with
mastering only the fighting aspects of the art. This is one of the
reasons that Tae
Kwon Do is called an art
of self-defense. It also implies a way of thinking and life,
particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict
self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral rearmament.
Why Enroll in a
Tae Kwon Do Program?
Studies have shown that children in
Tae Kwon
Do have an
increased sense of responsibility, a decrease in the willingness to
take foolish risks and a higher sense of self-esteem. Many doctors
have prescribed
Tae Kwon Do
because of the
positive outlet it gives children for all of their energy. Here at
IMS we promote good behavior and we expect the same at home and in
school. For adults
Tae Kwon Do
is like an exercise
program with a bonus! You learn to defend yourself while you get in
shape. Tae
Kwon Do is
well known for it's stress relieving benefits. The emphasis on
mind-body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard Health
Club type exercise programs.
Instructor
Credentials
Alicia Stewart is a 5thDegree ITF Black
Belt who has had the privilege of learning
Tae Kwon Do
from its founder
General Choi Hong Hi (9 November
1918–15 June 2002). Ms Stewart has 22 years experience in
Tae Kwon Do,
and 15 years experience teaching. She is a 6 time internationally
certified ITF Instructor and holds several National and World
Competition Titles. Ms Stewart ran her own martial arts studio in
Fairbanks Alaska from 2002-2009 and has now moved to Santa Cruz to
develop a new program here. She is dedicated to providing a
motivating and traditional training atmosphere where the emphasis is
not only on the physical training, but also on adopting martial arts
as a way of life!
"The Ultimate goal of
Martial Arts lies not in victory or defeat,
but in the perfection of the character of its participants" |
