D'Souza Martial Arts Academy

Tae Kwon Do Training for Kids, Teens & Adults

Taekwondo at The Olympics

by

Taekwondo at The Olympics

There are two main branches of Taekwondo.  One is the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and the other is World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).  The later is the school which promotes Olympic style training and Taekwondo is one of the sports spotlighted at the Olympics every 4 years since 2000.   And, it’s one of two martial arts featured at the Olympic Games along with Judo.

Prior to the games in Sydney, Australia in 2000, Taekwondo was a demonstration sport at the 1988 games in Seoul, South Korea and the 1992 games in Barcelona, Spain.  At the games, competitors are dressed in sparring equipment and are paired based on gender and weight.  Below is a highlight video of Taekwondo take downs at the 2012 Olympics in London.

If you have Olympic Games aspirations, you can get the training you need to get started at D’Souza Martial Arts Academy in Waterloo.  Check out the class schedule and drop in for a free class to see if it’s for you.  We offer classes for all ages and abilities.

Overview of Taekwondo Belt Levels

by

An Explanation of Taekwondo Belt Colours

In Taekwondo, as you master the teachings by your Taekwondo instructor and learn the various patterns, kicks, blocks, etc your belt colour changes.  Most people know and understand this but many ask, what does each belt colour mean?  And the answer is that it depends.

There are two separate branches of Taekwondo, one is the World TKD Federation and the other is the International TKD Federation.  Their teachings are similar in many ways and other ways, they differ.  The same goes with the belt system.  And, the belt system can vary between schools as well.  However, one thing that is the same across all schools in Taekwondo as well as with most other martial arts, everyone starts with a white belt.  From there, you would typically have 10 belts that you have to earn before you can to black and it can take anywhere for 2 to 4 years to get to that level.

For more in depth information, watch the video below:

To learn more about Taekwondo and try out a free class, contact D’Souza Martial Arts Academy in Waterloo at 519-725-5550.  We offer classes in Taekwondo for adults and Taekwondo for kids.

 

Martial Arts for Kids – Taekwondo Waterloo

by

Martial Arts for Kids in Waterloo

Kids who participate in martial arts develop a greater sense of self-confidence, respect, discipline and focus.   They also develop a love for fitness and an ability to resolve conflicts more effectively.  Many parents whose children have grown up with martial arts as part of their daily or weekly activity will attest to this.  And contrary to popular belief, the study of martial arts does not promote violence, in fact if anything, it curbs violence.  So, you need not worry that little Johnny is going to start beating up on his little brother or sister at home after class.  And, the benefits of martial arts for kids carries over into their school work as well.

Watch this adorable video of two little girls sparring in Taekwondo:

If you are looking for martial arts classes for kids in Waterloo, check out D’Souza Martial Arts.  Ms. Charlotte is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo and has more than 10 years experience teaching little ninjas to experienced adults.  Contact us to try out a free class and see if it’s right for your child.

 

 

 

Demonstration of Crescent Kicks in Taekwondo

by

Taekwondo Crescent Kicks Demonstration

In Taekwondo, crescent kicks can be used to counter attack kicks so for example, if your opponent uses a roundhouse kick to attack you, you can use a crescent kick as a defense against that attack.  Now because the crescent kick requires you to reach high with your leg, there is the potential for injury and pulling the muscles in the back of your leg.  Therefore, it is very important to stretch and warm up your muscles before practicing this move.

The crescent kick is one of the basic kicking techniques that you will learn in your Taekwondo training.  And, there are two variations including the inside crescent kick and the outside crescent kick.

Watch this video demonstration to see how the crescent kick in executed in different situations.

You will learn these types and kicks and more when you join a reputable Taekwondo Martial Arts school.  Visit D’Souza Martial Arts Academy in Waterloo and try a free class to see if it’s for you.

 

How to Do Horse Stance Drills in Taekwondo

by

Horse Stance Drills In Taekwondo

In your training journey towards black belt in Taekwondo, you will perform many drills that are intended to strengthen your muscles, improve balance and your posture.  In days gone by, martial arts instructors would require students to hold the horse stance for many hours as a test of endurance.

But aside from proving that you can withstand holding the horse stance for long periods, this posture which is usually held while practicing punches and blocks, it also helps to build focus and concentration as well as better breathing.

Watch this video below for a demonstration of horse stance.

If you’ve been shopping around for a martial arts school in Waterloo, check out D’Souza Martial Arts Academy and try out a class.  Ms. Charlotte offers classes for kids, teens and adults and has been teaching for more than 10 years.