About Us - Academy of Martial Arts

About The Academy of Martial Arts —
Our Philosophy

The Academy of Martial Arts
Since 1999, the Academy has been helping men, women and children discover more about themselves and their potential - to help them find their inner champion. We could say we're the best in the area because we offer so much more than other schools. But we'll let you make that decision! From our friendly, knowledgeable and well-trained staff to our clean, safe and well-equipped facility, we have the perfect program for YOU. We're kid-focused and adult-savvy. We'll not only teach you all the techniques and moves, but we'll also educate you in the Martial Arts way: Respect, Self-Confidence and Discipline. And parents: We guarantee to transform your child into a motivated, self-starter who will clean his/her room without being asked! So come grow with us... and bring the entire family!

Why Study a Martial Art?
Martial arts are not for everybody, though anybody can do them. They are not esoteric, magical or brutal. In the highest sense, the practice of a martial art consistently over time is about self discovery, about knowing who and what you are in this vast place - here and now - on the earth and in the universe. It is an activity developed to unify the body, mind and spirit.There are many practical less lofty reasons to study a martial art. Learn self-defense, get in shape, become more flexible, sweat, meet new people, and have fun. But even on an everyday level, the value of integrating your mind and body, of uniting special attitudes like respect, discipline, perseverance and responsibility with physical movements and high level attentiveness in a very structured environment relieves stress.

The martial art you practice should be compatible with your body, and you should stick with it long enough to realize its benefits. Since the real benefits from martial arts training are long term, it isn't a quick, impulsive thing to do.

As in any situation where learning is critical, a good teacher, whose personal development transcends physical techniques, is essential. Recognize that the serious practice of a martial art is about self knowledge, managing fear and anger, and finding inner strength.

This results in the confidence and greater ability in coping with uncertainties that so many accomplished martial artists possess.

Why Study TaeKwonDo?
Like other classic martial arts, TaeKwonDo stresses proper attitudes and the balance between mind and body. TaeKwonDo is the way of hand and foot fighting for self defense. It originated in Korea, but is now practiced in enough countries that it has become the most popular martial art in the world. It is also one of the only martial arts in the Olympics.

It is distinguishable from other "empty hand" martial arts by its extensive use of the legs for kicking. This makes it a superb conditioning art and great cross-trainer. You will get in great physical condition, become much more flexible, and be capable of fast and balanced striking movements with your hands and feet.

TaeKwonDo stresses the art (or way) of a classic martial art. It offers the rigorous demonstrable results of a science and the physical and mental training of a top athlete, tailored to your specific starting condition and goals.

Why Join the Academy of Martial Arts?
At the Academy of Martial Arts we strive to create an atmosphere of friendship and family with respect, discipline and humor. The instructors of the Academy of Martial Arts are leaders in their ability to work with diversity - including "at risk" youth, the older athlete, the competitive young person and those who seek deeper meaning without the cult-like adherence to Master/student protocol - the Academy of Martial Arts is unique.

Check us out - carefully - and discover for you what sets us apart from most of the other martial art schools.

Attitudes Stressed
The attitudes we stress are respect, self-discipline, balance, integrity, and responsibility. We define these attitudes as follows:

1. Respect. For yourself, for all others, and for the rights of others. Respect is based on a deep reverence for life, expressed through care and consideration. It requires that you know the limits beyond which your freedom encroaches on the freedom of others.

2. Self-discipline. It has two important components:
a) making yourself do something (self motivation) and staying on track (persevere) and
b) controlling your behavior and your thoughts.

3. Balance. The ability to be able to maintain equilibrium in the face of extremes.

4. Integrity. Wholeness, soundness, honesty; pure in motive, direct in action.

5. Responsibility. For yourself and to your commitments.

Rules & Regulations of the Academy of Martial Arts —

1.	Proper respect must be shown at all times to the school, instructors, and all fellow students.
2.	Bow to the instructors and students when entering and leaving the school.
3.	Bow to the flags and training area when entering and leaving the training floor.
4.	All students are expected to be courteous and understanding. Advanced students are expected to set a good example to new students and to assist such students whenever necessary.
5.	Do not enter class late or leave early without an instructor's permission.
6.	Wear your uniform in the proper manner. The belt you earned is part of your uniform and should be on and tied properly before leaving the dressing room.
7.	Personal hygiene is important. A clean uniform and exercise clothing, cleanliness, trimmed nails, clean hands and feet, etc., are expected on the part of all members.
8.	Techniques must be executed with control and respect for each other's safety.
9.	All students will knock and wait for permission before entering the office.
10.	Profanity, horseplay, chewing gum, and wearing of watches or jewelry are not allowed on the dojang floor or any time in Tae Kwon Do training.
11.	Do not interfere with the ongoing class at any time. Ask the instructor's permission before using the training area if you are not attending the current class.
12.	Use words of consideration when speaking, such as yes sir or yes ma'am, no sir or no ma'am.
13.	Students are expected to return any school equipment to its proper place after they are done using it.
14.	It is everyone's duty to keep the dojang clean and tidy.
15.	Members must take their belongings with them after their workout. The school is not responsible for items left behind.
16.	No food, drink or shoes (except martial art shoes) are allowed on the training floor
17.	Do not hold a demonstration or teach Tae Kwon Do without permission from a Master instructor.
18.	No smoking is allowed at or around the center.
19.	No boisterous or unruly behavior is permitted.
20.	Do not engage in activities that might degrade the reputation of the school. Any misuse of your Tae Kwon Do knowledge may result in suspension, loss of rank, or dismissal from the school.
21.	Failure to abide by the above rules can result in disciplinary actions to be given by the instructor such as push-ups, suspension, loss of rank, or membership revocation. ANY ACTION OR BEHAVIOR THAT MAY THREATEN THE SAFETY OF THE MEMBER OR OTHER MEMBERS IS NOT PERMITTED. TAE KWON DOSTUDENTS AND CENTER MEMBERS WHO FAIL TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY HAVE THEIR MEMBERSHIP REVOKED.

Recommendations for Students —

1.	Students should attend class at least twice a week. Three or four times a week (minimum) is better.
2.	Avoid working out with a full stomach. It is advisable not to eat heavily for at least two hours before working out.
3.	Do not compete against others in terms of progress. Rather, compete against yourself. The emphasis should be placed on the development of your own mental and physical improvement in relationship to your own potential. Do better than you did before!
4.	Remember that you will gain only as much as you put forth. Practice on your own!
5.	Don't assume you know all there is to know about your form, one-steps, etc. Keep an open mind and look at each instruction session as if it were a new experience.
6.	There is no special "easy" way to the attainment of techniques in the art of taekwondo, although there is certainly a "correct" way. Consistent step-by-step practice in accordance with your instructor's guidance is the shortest and most effective way to the true proficiency you seek in the art of Tae Kwon Do.

General Rules for Parents/Spectators —

1.	Parents/spectators are not allowed on the dojang or gym floor without an instructor's permission. All viewing must be done from the observation area.
2.	If your child gets injured do not come out onto the floor until the instructor comes to get you. Our safety certified instructors will assess the situation first and alert you, if necessary.
3.	If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office. If you would like to talk to the instructor, please schedule a conference with him or her through the office.
4.	Academy of Martial Arts cannot be responsible for students before or after their scheduled class time. Do not leave children unattended.
5.	Please come into the school to pick up your child. Students are not allowed to wait outside for rides.