D'Souza Martial Arts Academy

Tae Kwon Do Training for Kids, Teens & Adults

Kids Tae Kwon Do Class in Waterloo

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Kids Martial Arts Classes in Waterloo

If you’ve been thinking about martial arts classes for kids in Waterloo but you are not sure if it’s right for your child (children) then your best bet is to try out a class.  Most schools will allow you to try a class for free and then will have a short term membership option before you need to provide a bigger commitment.

Attending a free class will allow you to see if your child enjoys it and it will give you the comfort level of knowing that it’s the right thing to do for your kid.  At D’Souza Martial Arts Academy, not only do we offer a free trial class but if after that, you want to join but prefer a shorter term, we are currently offering a 6 week option with uniform included.  You can check out that option here.   For now, you can watch this video below to get an idea of the types of exercises and drills your child will perform in a typical class.

Contact D’Souza Martial Arts Academy in Waterloo today for more information at 519-725-5550.

Taekwondo Board Breaking How To

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Taekwondo Board Breaking How To

In Taekwondo, one of the things you will learn is how to break boards.  Typically, the boards are made of pine wood and are 1″ thick and 10″ x 10″ square or 12″ x 12″ square.  Board breaking is a really cool party trick that you can show off to your friends and family once you learn how.

And, not only is taekwondo board breaking one of those images that come to mind when a person thinks about martial arts training, the technique used to break the board properly will help you with proper technique in drills and sparring.  Essentially, you want to focus the impact on the middle of the board and, concentrate on going through the board.  You can use any kick or hand strike to do it although most beginners will use a kick because there is a greater chance of injury with your hand.

Watch the video below for how to break boards in Taekwondo.  Although this is a great intro, you can only learn so much by watching a video.  Consider joining a martial arts club so that you can learn and practice first hand.

Impress your friends, amaze your family and try out a Taekwondo class with Ms. Charlotte at D’Souza Martial Arts.  Contact 519-725-5550 or email info@dsouzamartialarts.com.  You can view our class schedule here.

 

How to Do an Inside Block in Taekwondo

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How to Do an Inside Block in Taekwondo

Today’s video demonstrates how to perform an inside block in Taekwondo.  This is a defensive maneuver that can prevent a punch to the face and if you execute the move as demonstrated in the video, it will enable you to then attack your opponent.

This is one of many blocks you will learn when you study Taekwondo.  Notice in the video how you do not want to take a big swing backwards because otherwise, it opens up your face and body to receive a strike from your opponent.  Now presumably, you will never have to use these moves out in the street but they come in very handy in sparring competitions and, you will need to execute them properly in order to reach each of the belt levels in Taekwondo.

If you are interested in learning Taekwondo or are just a little curious and want to give it a try, contact us online to book a free trial class or call 519-725-5550.

 

Tae Kwon Do Dance

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Tae Kwon Do Dance

Even though martial arts were developed for fighting and defense, the movements that students learn in class are beautiful when executed as a pattern.  Aside from being athletic, the patterns are very lyrical and can be compared to dance.  So, if you have a child who is interested in both dance and martial arts, you might find that they are able to satisfy both of their desires in a Tae Kwon Do class.

If you put a group of students together in typical lines to perform a specific pattern and add music, it looks like asian inspired line dancing.  If you want to see what we mean, check out this YouTube video below (skip to 0:50 seconds if you want to get right to the dancing):

https://youtu.be/VrEPgm8z55c

At D’Souza Martial Arts Academy, you and/or your child will learn patterns like these along with many other skills that help build fitness, stamina, coordination and confidence.  Contact us at 519-725-5550 or online to try a class for free.

A Solution to Combat Boredom at The Gym

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One Way to Combat Boredom at The Gym

While many people are dedicated gym rats, many others find it hard to stay motivated to go on a consistent basis.  Running on a treadmill for half an hour or pumping iron can get boring for some people.  And, without a personal trainer to keep them accountable and to provide support, they soon give up.

If you’re not keeping your commitment to get in shape because you’re bored with going to the gym, martial arts may be the solution for you.  First and foremost, it’s a great workout.  You get both your cardio and strength training in one hour long class and, you’ve got your class teacher there to keep you accountable and motivated.  Also, joining a martial arts club isn’t going to break the bank the way weekly or bi-weekly personal training sessions might.

The best part is that you’ll become a part of your club’s community.  Many of our students have been attending classes together for many years and have become life long friends in the process.

Watch this video below and see if you agree that  martial arts is one heck of a fun and sweaty workout!

If you are curious about giving martial arts training a try, contact D’Souza Martial Arts Academy in Waterloo at 519-725-5550 to book your free trial and check out our class schedule.