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<h1>Northwest Taekwon-Do</h1>

Give us a call!
   795-2644

Located in the Beckendale Plaza, 4 miles west of Bentonville on Hwy 102

425 W. Centerton Blvd.
Centerton AR, 72719


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Karate and Taekwon-Do?

Traditional Taekwon-Do was founded in 1955 and combines the old styles of Karate, Soo-
Bak and Taekyon with updated science. Being so modern, it’s a more highly evolved Martial Art
and it’s extremely powerful and is very applicable to society today. Because of this, Taekwon-Do
is exciting and increasing in popularity throughout the world. Taekwon-Do involves the use of
kicking techniques more than any other Martial Art. It is built on the premise that the legs are
stronger and can reach further than the arms. However, Taekwon-Do has over 1000 hand
techniques. Taekwon-Do is of Korean origin; Karate and Judo are from Japan. Kung Fu is from
China.

2. Can Taekwon-Do help with my child's behavior problems?

There are many aspects of the way we run our program that can help children who are displaying poor behavior.  First of all, we do not allow poor discipline.  Children quickly realize that it is not fun to be singled out for poor behavior because the consequences are unpleasant.  They may have to perform push-ups or they may be asked to sit out for a few minutes.  When all of the other students are having so much fun practicing, sitting out is a very strong punishment!  Secondly, there is something about the authority image that we as instructors present to the children that makes them behave for us when they won't behave in other environments.  Simply put, it does not take long before the children want to impress us.  Once we reach that stage of the relationship with the children, we can discuss with them how their behavior at home or school upsets or pleases us.  It is very common for children to mature dramatically as they train with us.

3. Will this style of exercise make my child more violent?

Taekwon-Do training offers many benefits, but first and foremost, it is fun!  The threat of being excluded from training is a very real punishment for our students.  They are frequently reminded that we will not tolerate any misuse of the skills that they are learning.  Our students know that they will be expelled from the school for flagrant misuse of their skills.  In over 25 years of teaching, Mr. DeSousa has only had to ask 2 students to leave his schools because of their behavior.

4. How long does it take to earn a Black Belt?

This can depend on how much effort a student puts forth. We require that a student faithfully attend
their two scheduled classes per week, plus practice at home to reach Black Belt. At this pace you can
expect to make Black Belt between three to three and a half years. If you attend additional classes,
expect to accelerate that pace. The minimum time requirement is two and a half years. Attendance and
effort is the key.

5. What does it take to be great at Taekwon-Do?

Focus and commitment are key as well as consistent attendance.  We require that the student commit to a minimum attendance of two classes a week,  and practicing at home is essential.  Think of learning this art form as learning any other art form.  A student cannot expect to learn how to play a musical instrument with proficency if they do not practice, and the same is true with Taekwon-Do.  

6. What are the chances of getting Injured?

Chances are low, since your training is constantly supervised with safety in mind (see safety
document in your welcome packet). Whenever students practice techniques which require contact, safety equipment is required.  In point of fact, Martial Artists suffer fewer injuries than most other athletes in organized sports do because safety is always a major concern.  We teach students how to perform their art form with control.  The better the students become, the better the control, and the less the chance of injury. 

7. Is sparring necessary to learn Taekwon-Do?

Some Martial Arts don’t have sparring. But since Martial Arts involve dealing with an opponent, it is
important to practice in conditions similar to an actual confrontation. In this way, you learn about reactions, timing and speed. Practicing Taekwon-Do without sparring would be the equivalent of learning to use a gun with a cap pistol, all theory and little reality.  Think of sparring like a chess match.  It requres practice and mental concentration.  This develops skills that makes the student perform better in all aspects of their daily life.

 How do I choose a Martial Arts School?
1) The first step in choosing a school is to define your goals.  Do you want to lose weight, develop your athletic skills, or compete?  Those are just a few of the reasons people practice a martial art and your reasons may be very different.  

2) The second step is to research the school, asking yourself how the school appears to be able to help you achieve your goals.  As part of the research, it is critical to visit the school and watch classes.  Some schools will sign-up students at off-site demonstrations.  We strongly advise against this practice.  Visit the school, talk to the students, watch the classes, and determine if you are comfortable with the environment.

3) Ask if the school owners have instructors in training.  Taekwon-Do is an art based upon scientific principles of motion and the direction of force.  As our knowledge of the body gets better, the art form evolves.  It is essential that the senior instructors at a school receive regular training from a higher ranked instructor.

4) Do the instructors compete and are they actively persuing a higher rank?  While this is not essential, it does indicate that the instructors are working to get better at their technique.  As the instructors get better, they will become better teachers.

5) Does the school smell clean and is the equipment in good shape?  Ask how often the mats are cleaned.

6) Ask how long the senior instructors have been teaching.  A high rank does not mean the person is a good teacher.  Many years of successfully running a school does indicate that the person is a good teacher.

7) Does the school have minimum attendance requirements?

What are Northwest Taekwon-Do's answers to these questions?

1) We will ask you for your goals when you join.  As teachers, our job satisfaction comes from helping people to reach their goals.

2) Not only do we highly recommend that you watch a class, each new student receives a private lesson prior to their first class.  We want you to feel comfortable with us and the school.

3) Mr. DeSousa trains regularly with the sixth and seventh degree instructors from our parent organization, the AMA.  We also teach our instructors proven methods to get the best out of our students.  We insist that all instructors (ourselves included) write a new lesson plan for each class.  That way we know they are prepared for each class and that every class will be unique.  Nothing is more boring than performing the same activities during each class!

4) Mr. DeSousa competes regularly and is actively persuing higher ranks.  The same policy goes for our instructors.

5) We clean the school every day using commercial disinfectants designed for athletic facilities.

6) Mr. DeSousa has taught and/or owned Taekwon-Do schools since 1988.

7) We require that the students attend 2 classes per week and we offer many training opportunities for your busy schedule.  In order to properly learn the techniques and to stay motivated, this minimum is necessary.  Students who only train one day a week rarley last very long as Taekwon-Do students.  They generally get frustrated because they are not achieving their goals and drift away from the school.