Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, which translated means the way of kicking and striking with the foot and blocking and striking with the hands. Taekwondo is best know for its powerful, dynamic kicking techniques, which when performed flawlessly have artistic beauty and tremendous power.

Of course we do not just kick and punch. We incorporate jumping, ground defense, grappling, and acrobatic moves.


What is the difference between karate and Taekwondo?
Karate is a Japanese martial art and Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. They both utilize the same basic kicks, strikes, and blocks. Taekwondo tends to be more flashy, fun, and dynamic. Taekwondo fighters tend to be higher and more mobile in their stances, and the kicks tend to be higher as well.


What is the belt progression at Full Armor?
There are 19 belt ranks in our system set forth by the United States Chung Do Kwan Association. There are 10 gup ranks (colored belts) and 9 Dan ranks (Black Belt). The colors we use for gup ranks are, in order, White, Yellow, Gold, Orange, Green, Purple, Blue, Brown, Red, and Red Sr.


How long does it take to get a black belt at Full Armor?
It really depends on how often the student trains and how hard they train. A serious student could obtain a black belt in 2.5 to 3.5 years.


Are their any age requirements to practice Taekwondo?
Students may start at any age. We have classes for students as young as 3, and we believe you are never too old to do Taekwondo. Since Taekwondo is an individual sport, students may work at their own pace and modify however they need to.


What will I need to purchase for Taekwondo class as I advance?
1) Uniform: Students must have a Full Armor white uniform that fits them properly and is not stained or damaged. Students may choose to purchase additional uniforms. We allow 3 different types of uniforms to be worn in class, but only the white is required.

2) Sparing gear: Students must have their own mouth pieces and groin protection. Most students prefer to buy their own chest, hand, feet, and shin gear for hygienic reasons. Any student who wishes to compete in tournaments must purchase their own gear.

3) Weapons: Some students may wish to purchase their own bo staffs, kamas, and nunchukas so they can practice with the proper sized weapon. This is not a required purchase.

Do you practice weapons at Full Armor?
Yes! We do not, however, practice fighting others using weapons. Instead, we use the weapons for extreme forms. Our instructors have been trained to use bo staffs, kamas, nunchukas, swords, and fans.


Is Full Armor part of a larger organization?
Yes! We are a United States Chung Do Kwan School and a World Taekwondo Federation School. Our instructors are held accountable by others who uphold the tradition and sanctity of taekwondo.


What type of fighting do we practice at our school?
We are a World Taekwondo Federation School, but we do not teach their style of sport fighting. Instead, we use a point-style fighting system. We wear pads on our feet, hands, and head. The target areas are the chest and head, but contact to the head must be done with controlled contact with a kick only.