Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Taekwondo and Karate?
There are two answers to this question.  First, all martial arts are similar in that they provide self improvement through discipline and through strengthening the body, the mind, and the spirit.  Too, they all offer some sort of self defense training.  The real differences will be in different instructors and their teaching styles rather than in different styles of martial arts.  Second, all martial arts are different in their approach to self defense.  Without getting very specific, Karate tends to use hand techniques and taekwondo tends to use kicking more.  And there are martial arts that will emphasize grappling techniques more.  Again, as mentioned above, the real differences will be in the instructor rather than than in the style.  A well rounded instructor will be able to teach many different approaches to self defense, while a limited instructor will stick to only one thing.

Why do we bow when we enter or leave the dojang?
Dojang means training hall more specifically a place for the study of the WAY.  As such, the dojang is a special place, where different rules and codes of conduct apply.  Upon entering the dojang, you remove yourself from the ordinary world. The professional or social status enjoyed (or endured) in daily life becomes irrelevant in the dojang.   The bow of respect upon entering or leaving the dojang has two meanings.  First, it displays respect for the training space itself as a place where a single purpose is pursued.  Second, the bow demonstrates respect for the traditions and teachings of the art and for those who have gone before.

Why do we bow to each other?
Students bow to the instructor as a sign of respect for his rank and experience and also as a sign of appreciation.  Students bow to the instructor to acknowledge a command or before turning away from him (to fix their uniform, for instance). Students bow to each other at the beginning and end of any partner exercises.  These bows indicate respect for one's fellow student and an intention to do one's best.

What is meditation / Why do we meditate?
Meditation can be defined as deep, continuous thought on a given subject.  It usually begins with sitting quietly, breathing deeply with a relaxed body, and trying to clear your mind.  When meditation is pursued seriously, it involves training the mind to ignore arising thoughts, thus strengthening the mind.  We meditate at the beginning of each class to allow the students a minute or two to relax ans try to clear their minds, focusing their thoughts on the pursuit of their training for the next hour.