The instructors. Thomas Y. Oh. This is a well known name. It says 9th dan is his rank after 35 years of training. This is hard to believe, which makes me think that the last two are honorary. I don't really know, but it says he got his 9th after being inducted into the hall of fame this year, which, when that happens, you automatically get the 9th dan and claim grandmaster rank.
This is a fully staffed gym organization, so this is a good thing. What I don't like are the 1st dan kids. Traditionally, you have to be at least 14-15 years old to hold a 1st dan rank. Some of these kids look a lot younger than that.
Looking at the pictures, the students look well trained. Looking at the achievements, this is an established gym with a good reputation.
This is not a McDojo.
I like it, I would at least check it out. Just because a lot of people are skeptical of Taekwondo doesn't mean this one is bad. I have heard many places that were not Taekwondo, that were just as Mcdojo-like.
Some things people don't like about Taekwondo is the WTF style (World Taekwondo Federation) not What the F, because they tend to leave their hands down all the time instead of guarding the face, and solely based on the Olympic style point sparring. There are other kinds of Taekwondo that are much different, so you can't judge them by the style, but the instructor makes all the difference.
Even in WTF, they actually do teach practical defense, but it depends on the place how much you learn it, A LOT of places spend most of the effort in sparring for points, winning, which is lots of fun, but not what everyone is looking for. Also even in WTF, if you go often, some of your kicks WILL get more powerful. So you will gain something from kicking the bags so much and then using it in sparring.
It seems like it should be so easy to tell if you like it or not because when you do it, You're either like, "this is fun, look how cool this is," or you're like, "I can't even tell what I'm supposed to do." That's just the reactions I'd imagine what new people think about it when they go. Point is, you should get a vibe on it when you go.
Don't let people persuade you against a style. What's important is the quality of instruction. Take the free trial class that is offered and see what you think. If you like it and it meets your expectations for what you want to get out of taking martial arts, go for it.
There are good schools and bad schools in all styles. Unfortunately more so in TKD. The website looks good but walk in there with a suspicious mind. Do a lot of research, ask a lot of questions, ask people who train there what they think of it and so on. If you like it then go for it.
Personal experience has left me heavily skeptical of Taekwondo. You can try it out if you want to, but I don't think it is practical for self-defense.
It looks legit, but experience it for yourself. Watch a few classes first.
Hello,
I am interested in training in Tae Kwon Do and have read countless articles of dojos that take advantage of people just for their money (coined "mcdojos." I am new to martial arts and do not want to fall for these schemes. I would like to actually go out in the real world and defend myself if need be. Unfortunately, I don't have many options in terms of dojos as I live in a small city (Windsor, Ontario). However, I did come across one that seemed decent but would like someone's opinion on it. http://www.kmgtkd.com/
Please take a look at the link and let me know...thanks in advanced!!
