Basic Moves:
Taekwondo at its basic level consists of thousands of basic moves. These moves can be categorized into blocking, punching, kicking, stances, and stepping. These moves once mastered can be combined into sequences that are effective in combat and self-defense. The basic moves are taught both individually and as systematized sequences called forms (poomsae) as training devices.

Forms:
Most martial arts use forms or stylized sequences of basic moves as a training device. Each experience (belt) level has its own form associated with it, and as experience grows the forms become more complex and difficult. The forms provide a mental and physical form of training that is described as kinesthetic learning. The forms require the body to learn difficult maneuvers that require concentration and the development of muscle memory. Historically, the martial arts have discovered that training in forms is a great way to learn combat and provides a strenuous workout. At LEE'S MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, Master Lee follows the WTF Taegeuk series of forms and belt level curriculum, but supplements the curriculum with the Palgwe series, the Pyung Ahn series, and many of the Tang Soo Do forms. This develops well rounded abilities and exposes one to slightly different philosophies of movement.

Sparring:
Nothing teaches like doing and nothing gets you fitter than the real thing. Sparring is designed to get as close to the real thing as possible with rules that maintain fairness, safety, and competitiveness. As such, sparring is a controlled fight or battle with rules. Sparring between junior partners is tightly controlled and designed to provide experience in executing the basic moves in real-time, using a point scoring mechanism. Sparring between more senior partners is designed to prepare for competitive sparring and to develop the necessary level of fitness and skill. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) rules are followed for Olympic Style Sparring.

Breaking:
Breaking refers to the practice of using one's hands and/or feet to physically break an object, usually wood boards or bricks of various types. In addition to boards and bricks, there are also plastic re-breakable boards that simulate wood boards. Similarly, there are plastic re-breakable bricks. The idea of breaking is to check the validity of the technique and power of the blows generated by punching and/or kicking. The academy uses all of the items above at various times to gain insight and experience.

Belt Levels:
The WTF curriculum recognizes advancing knowledge and skill levels using a belt-ranking system. There are ten pre-black-belt levels and ten black-belt levels. Beginners start with white and proceed though the colors to black as their skill level, knowledge, and experience advances.

Testing:
All testing is conducted by the Master supported by senior instructors and, depending on the belt level, by other qualified Masters. All belts are registered and certified through the Kukkiwon, which is the prime governing body for GUP and DAN certification. This provides belt rankings that will be recognized throughout the world. Testing for a belt level indicates that the student has obtained the requisite knowledge of the basic moves, forms, sparring techniques, etc. for that level and is able to demonstrate this in a formal setting in front of the testing officials and a gallery of observers, generally parents. The time between belts is dependent on the student and the level of effort that they put forth.

Teaching Philosophy:
The teaching philosophy at LEE'S MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY is hands-on and inclusive. All students at all levels will be taught, corrected, and brought to proficiency with a compassionate discipline. Taekwondo is an art that is based on a philosophy of achievement by doing. This builds confidence and maturity while developing physical fitness, increased flexibility, and strength. The order, discipline, and protocol of the dojang fosters participation and personal growth for all ages.

METHODS OF TEACHING