TAEKWONDO FAQ

The program of martial arts at Hwa Rang Kwan is suitable for children and adults, of all ages and levels of physical ability. All classes are open to all belt levels, but instructors ensure that each student receives personal attention and that exercises are tailored to the individual's needs and abilities.

WHAT IS TAEKWONDO? Literally, Taekwondo means Foot Fist Way. More prosaically, it means The Way of Foot and Fist Fighting. It is a traditional Korean martial art that emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth, and it is famed for its fast and powerful kicks.

HOW WILL I BENEFIT FROM TAEKWONDO? Studying at Hwa Rang Kwan will improve your fitness, flexibility, balance, coordination, concentration and discipline. It will develop your self confidence, making you more relaxed and less stressed. It will build your strength and stamina, while toning your body. But remember - the martial arts provide more than just a workout. As students progress, they also develop their internal strength and power, working steadily towards physical, mental, and spiritual improvement.

IS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY? No, absolutely not! And everyone, regardless of experience, has to take our Three Day Basic Training. This consists of three private one-on-one introductory classes, each around 40 minutes in length, with one of our instructors. Basic training is designed to ease you into our regular classes, with a rudimentary understanding of our system and the philosophy behind it. The cost of basic training is $60.00, and it is scheduled by appointment.

WHEN ARE CLASSES HELD? We have ten adult Taekwondo classes each and every week. There are lunchtime classes on Fridays from 12.15-1.15pm, evening classes from 5.15-6.30pm and 6.00-7.30pm (and from 6.30-7.30pm on Thursdays), and late classes from 7.30-8.30pm. There is also a Saturday morning class from 11.30am-1.00pm. Beginners are welcome to attend regular classes, although for the first few weeks they should try to attend the Taekwondo Basics classes on Mondays from 7.30-8.30pm and Thursdays from 5.30-6.30pm. For more information, check out our class schedule.

HOW ARE CLASSES STRUCTURED? Most classes start with basic techniques and forms practice, followed by a variety of activities such as kicking or footwork drills, partner drills, and work with focus pads. Light-contact sparring drills are often included at the end of class and there are sparring classes on Tuesday nights for those who wish to pursue this area of their training.

HOW OFTEN CAN I TRAIN? Once accepted, you may attend as many classes each week as you like (including Kickboxing), and use the training facilities whenever we are open (we also have a multi-gym, treadmill, exercise bike, heavy bags, etc).

WHAT ARE YOUR FACILITIES LIKE? We have a beautiful 4800 sq ft building in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood, only five blocks south of the Market St/4th Street intersection. The main floor has a 1500 sq ft workout area equipped with new state-of-the-art Dollamur Flexi-Roll mats, and a wall of full-length mirrors. We have three restrooms and two showers. Upstairs we have a second huge gym, approximately 1200 sq ft, which we primarily use for our Kickboxing classes, and a third small mat of just over 500 sq feet.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Taekwondo costs from $125.00 to $180.00 per month for unlimited classes, including Kickboxing. Most students sign up for one year and pay $135.00 each month.

HOW DO I GET STARTED? Make an appointment to come in for a tour of our school. Head Instructor Master Steve Rapport or his assistant Jovanny Garcia will show you around, explain the program in more detail, answer any questions you have, and outline the cost involved.

If you would like more information about any of our classes, please call Master Steve Rapport at 415.495.2025, or send him an email, and arrange to come in for a tour.