Taekwondo (also spelled tae kwon do or taekwon-do) is a hard martial art originating in Korea. Having become the most widely practiced martial art in the world, it is the national sport of Korea as well as an Olympic sporting event. In Korean, derived from hanja, tae means "foot"; kwon means "fist"; and do means "way". Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as "the way of the hand and foot" or more loosely, "the art of kicking and punching". Taekwondo's popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the martial art. As with many other martial arts, taekwondo is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy. Although there are great doctrinal and technical differences among public and private taekwondo organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. In sparring, turning (roundhouse), 45 degree, front, axe, and side kicks are most often used; advanced kicks include jump, spin, and skip kicks, often in combination. Taekwondo training also includes a comprehensive system of hand strikes and blocks, but generally does not emphasize grappling until the higher belt levels.(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tae_kwan_do )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLX7azqYVfE

ADULTS CLASSES: ( 12 yr. and up )

NOW AVAILABLE: Lunch time class.......Tues/Thurs.....11:30am-12:30pm

At Abrigo Martial Arts, we deal with a variety of high and low kicks with speed and accuracy. Some of the kicks are similar to kickboxing or karate, but a little bit more graceful and faster moves. The flexibility develops while practicing but not required at the beginning of training. Sparring is only for the students who understand the basics and mechanics of the techniques in order to prevent injuries, this occurs at around 6 months of basic training. It is more fun for the students to train by sparring when they know what to do, to prevent injury. Adults like this classes because of the power this kicks and punches can generate. It does not matter of your size. You can really feel the effectiveness of each kick and punch. This Martial Arts is the most popular art in the word. Even our U.S. soldiers are practicing Tae Kwon Do to prepare for battle.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Adults:
Physical Conditioning
Weight Control
Improve Flexibility and Stamina
Coordination
Self Defense
Relaxation and Stress Relief

KIDS CLASSES: (3 1/2 yr. to 11 yr.)

This form of Martial Arts is perfect for children with plenty of energy. Our teaching methods and classes are age specific. Kids will learn to direct their energy into a positive and useful skill, by learning the necessary skills in Self – Defense. The class is structured so kids can Focus and Concentrate. This can be helpful in day to day life, school, and homework. We establish Respect by means of shaking hands, bowing, teamwork, and proper answering like “Yes, Sir.” All students develop a healthier body through exercise and physical activity. All of our classes are designed to help kids build Confidence by guiding them to pursue short – term goals. Children have a tendency to learn faster while having fun, so we make sure that our classes are fun and entertaining. We martial artists call this Edu – tainment. Our method helps children develop Self-esteem and Discipline that can be carried through their everyday life. With a healthy body and mind, children who can concentrate and focus more tend to get better grades in school.

Benefits of Martial Arts
. Self – defense
. Discipline
. Builds Character
. Self – esteem
. Self – confidence
. Focus and Concentration
. Respect
. Physical Conditioning
. Weight Control