What to Expect

Tae Kwon Do is focused on stand-up fighting, especially with the use of powerful kicks to attack from a distance. But also with a mix of hand techniques and simple self-defense techniques to defend and attack at close range as well.

Tae Kwon Do is a very aerobic martial art and the physical demands engender strength, balance, and fitness. In addition, the practice of Tae Kwon Do stresses the mental skills of focus and control.

Class usually begins with warm-up exercises consisting of a short run, sit-ups, push-ups and then stretching. Class then proceeds to "Basics", a set of 15 basic exercises consisting of various kicks, punches and blocks performed as a class.

After warm-up and basics, the class proceeds to forms (a structured series of moves different for each belt level), 3-step (a one-on-one counter-attack practice) and freestyle sparring. Occassionally, one of these three activities will be skipped or shortened to allow for a rotating set of additional execrises that stress fundamentals: side-kick and roundhouse-kick exercises, one-on-one kicking, self-defense techniques, extra kicks, hand and foot targeting practice, board breaking, heavy-bag work, light bag, and others.

What to Bring

For the first few classes, loose fitting clothing is acceptable. In order to proceed to yellow belt, a gi will be required. We wear traditional white gis which can be ordered through the instructor or online for relatively little cost.

For freestyle sparring, we highly recommend a mouth guard, but no protective equipment is required. All sparring is "no-contact".

Background

Oregon Pound Tae Kwon Do is descended from a more traditional style of Korean Martial Arts, stressing no-contact sparring rather than full-contact sparring for example. While our school is not directly affiliated with any other organizations, our style and content are heavily influenced by the World Tae Kwon Do Association.

Instructors

• Poul Petersen: Poul, 4th dan, is the head instructor for the Oregon Pound Tae Kwon Do class. Poul began TKD in 1985 and became the head instructor in 2003.
• Jeff Beidler: Jeff was promoted to 2nd dan in 2006 and is the primary instructor for the Wednesday night class.