Freestyle TaeKwonDo is the most popular martial art at Phoenix SMA, and is taught at all our locations. Whether it’s your first time trying TaeKwonDo or you’re a returning practitioner, we cater to everyone.
What is Freestyle TaeKwonDo?
The martial art that is known as TaeKwonDo is a relatively new compared to others. It was created by Korean General Choi Hong Hi in 1955. The name “TaeKwonDo” translates to ‘the way of the foot and fist’ and it was first brought to the UK in the 1960’s. TaeKwonDo is now practiced by millions all over the world.
Over the decades, this martial art has evolved via those that have trained in it to some of the highest levels of Black Belt. Despite being heavily based on General Choi’s Chang Hon style of TaeKwonDo, Phoenix SMA also has other elements incorporated into its class. It also taken onboard practices from other styles of TaeKwonDo and other similar martial arts such as HanMuDo and Korean Kickboxing. This is why it is referred to as Freestyle TaeKwonDo. This open minded approach encourages knowledge to be shared and not ignored just because it comes from a different source/style.
Some of the main reasons Freestyle TaeKwonDo has become so popular , is because it creates numerous positive effects when training in it:
- Self Discipline
- Confidence Building
- Body Conditioning
- Improved Stamina and Fitness
- Self-Defence
- Improved Flexibility & Mobility
Anyone wishing to start learning Freestyle TaeKwonDo or has trained in other styles of TaeKwonDo or even similar striking styles, are welcome to train with us.
Freestyle TaeKwonDo for All Ages
Freestyle TaeKwonDo can be practiced by anyone regardless of gender, age, fitness or physical ability. Our instructors teach children from the age of 3 and argue that TaeKwonDo is one of the best methods for boosting confidence and instilling the importance of discipline and respect in children. Adults practicing TaeKwonDo find it a fantastic way to relieve stress, stay in shape and learn self-defence in a positive environment.
Phoenix SMA offers individual and family class memberships. Our curriculum gives students a progressive and structured training programme that focuses on five main training areas:
- Techniques (blocking, kicking, striking)
- Forms (patterns of fundamental movement)
- Sparring (live application of techniques)
- Basic Self Defence (includes joint manipulation & takedowns)
- Breaking (using kicking & striking to break re-breakable boards)
Freestyle TaeKwonDo Ranking System
The Freestyle TaeKwonDo Ranking System includes 10 coloured belts (GUP Grades) and 10 degrees of black belt (DAN Grades). Members aged 10 and above progress through these Grades. Many strive for the ultimate goal of achieving Black Belt. Although the frequently attending practitioner achieves Black Belt in around 4 years, this will vary from person to person based on how regular they attend classes to how much they improve their skill set. Those who attend as much as 5 classes per week, may achieve Black Belt in around 3 years. Those attend once a week may take up to 7 years. One of main emphasis in our classes is that the Black Belt is just the beginning. Achieving just half of the Dan Grades (5th Degree) can take at up to 14 years once 1st Degree is earned. If the average time from start to Black Belt is 4 years, this can mean that it will that 4 times longer to get to 5th Degree and then over 2 decades to achieve the higher grade of 10th Degree (see document below).
JUNIOR MEMBERS
For members under the age of 10, there is a Junior Ranking System which we call Level Grades. Each Colour Belt/GUP Grade is broken down into 2 Levels, allowing younger children to set and achieve short goals at a regular pace. It also stops progressing through the ranks too quickly as this would becoming overwhelming for younger ones. This also extends into our Pre-School ages (3 & 4) and has 8 stages which we call the Lil’ Dragons Programme.
If you have a traceable Grade in a similar style of TKD or striking art i.e. Karate, Kickboxing etc, your achievements can be accredited towards your rank progression within the Freestyle TKD Ranks. For more details, please speak to Mr Marshall.
