TANG SOO DO OR TAE KWON DO?

Both styles embody elements from ancient Korean martial arts of unarmed self-defense. Many variations flourished there before the Japanese occupation, when martial arts were banned and practitioners were forced to leave their own country. After 1945, these men returned with new techniques, skills and style influences from China, Japan and Okinawa.

Eventually, two major styles evolved- Tang Soo Do (influenced by Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu), and Tae Kwon Do (formed by several schools with similar styles). Over the last decade Tae Kwon Do has become more and more sports oriented, resulting in a loss of tradition. Tang Soo Do has continued to maintain a deeper Spiritual and Traditional approach to the art.

Both styles emphasize kicking techniques utilizing our superior leg power in combination with blocks, punches, foot sweeps, and take downs. Tang Soo Do adds circular and internal conditioning techniques, creating a formidable form of self-defense. By increasing our physical control, our body, mind, spirit, and emotions are strengthened.

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

A typical class consists of stretching and warm up exercises, followed by basic kicks and hand motions. Practicing these techniques on a target bag is next, then on to Hyungs (a pre-arranged pattern of attacks and blocks). The lesson concludes with Self-Defense, One Step Sparring, or Free Sparring. A class may include Internal KI Conditioning, lock holds, weapons defense, or threat avoidance drills.

In our martial arts classes, techniques are executed with power, speed, and control. The object is to come as close as possible to your opponent, without causing any harm. Proof of your development of strength and skill is realized on the target bag and at Belt Promotion Testing by breaking boards.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

Ki Center is owned and instructed by Vincent L. Gillenkirk, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with 23 years of experience in the martial arts.

ONGOING CLASSES AND COMMITMENT

Join now! Classes at Ki Center are ongoing. Beginning students learn side by side with their more experienced classmates, thereby rapidly acquiring new skills and fitness.

Studies have shown that it takes from 120-1 50 hours of repetition before a technique becomes "automatic". Although not required, we prefer a minimum of a one year commitment in order to fully appreciate the many benefits of a martial arts relationship.

REIKI HEALING

Reiki is a form of spiritual & energy based healing that was practiced in ancient Egypt, Tibet, China & Japan. The techniques are non-invasive and relatively easy to learn. Many of our martial arts students and their parents are practitioners. There are three levels of ability, passed on through seminars. Contact Reiki Master Mr. Gillenkirk for information.

STUDENT COMMENTS

"I have developed patience and learned to better understand people and their feelings. I now strive for achievement and this shows in my school endeavors and hobbies. The lessons learned in the martial arts will remain with me for a lifetime".

James Steenken, age 13

"I have discipline towards my parents, friends, teachers, and myself."

Ramy Touchan, age 13

"The thing that makes it so special is the fact that it will make the rest of my life, in or out of the martial arts, a little bit more simple".

David Heintz, age 15

"Practicing Tae Kwon Do makes me feel safer and more confidant".

Nicole Williams, age 8

HOURS OF OPERATION

CHILDREN (6-12yrs) 6:00-7:15 PM., Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 11:00-12:15 PM, Saturday

TEEN / ADULT 7:30-8:45 PM, Tues., Thurs. 1:00-2:30 PM, Saturday

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

(September-May Only)

3:30-4:30 PM Tues.,Thurs.

JO STAFF & ESCRIMA

12:30-1:00 PM, Saturday

LITTLE DRAGONS

CHILDREN (3-6yrs) 5:15-5:55 PM, Mon., Wed.

TAE K-O KICKBOXING

7:30-8:30 PM, Mon., Wed.; 5:20-6:00 PM Tues., Thurs.

9:30-10:30 AM Sat.