Nope, definetly not the same. While their modern forms do look similar, they have entirely different backgrounds. Taekwondo originates from Korea, whereas Karate originates from Japan. This may seem trivial, but it means that each martial art has different techniques, rules, focuses, and philosophies. For example, Karate uses more linear techniques, while Taekwondo focuses on more circular and sinusoidal techniques. If you are curious about the details, ask Mr. Grove; he knows way too much about their histories.

All sports have an inherent physical risk to them, and Taekwondo is no different. While we do kick and punch each other, it is several months before a new student will make physical contact with any other students. Things such as muscle soreness are common, but it is incredibly important for children to learn to believe in themselves and work through such obstacles and we provide a safe environment for that learning experience. While injuries do occasionally happen, serious injuries are incredibly rare. 

At Franklin Family Taekwondo, it usually takes 4-5 years to earn your black belt. The key word there is earn: the harder you work, the faster you will progress. This is not a monthly subscription where you show up and just get handed belts. If you don't practice or put effort into your own training, you will not progress.

Nope, anyone of any age can start training Taekwondo. In fact, Ms. Zuercher did not start until her 30's. Starting in your youth can give you a big advantage, but it is never too late to improve your health and make your future stronger.

Taekwondo is a sport, but it is different then most American sports. Most sports consist of practices, games, and little else. Taekwondo also has practices and competitions, but the focus is more on the process of training and improving. World Championships are still a very big deal, but the biggest opponent someone will face in real Taekwondo schools is themselves.

Yes, Taekwondo is absolutely useful in real life situations. However, the big fancy jumping and spinning kicks are not what we teach when we teach self defense - those are for fun. The self defense portion of Taekwondo is much more practical than the skills you would see on the internet. That being said, a true black belt will only use physical violence as a last resort.

We are part of the Choong Sil Kwan Taekwondo Federation. Choong Sil Kwan means, literally, the “School of Constant and Never-Ending Improvement.” In other words, everyone in our school, from our youngest white belt to our highest ranking Black Belt, is working to improve who they are right now. If you know your Taekwondo styles, we are a branch of the ITF, which means we do not train Olympic Style, or WT. Feel free to ask Mr. Grove more about the different styles.

No, not at all. We will not take away a rank that you have already earned. Our expectation is that before you are able to promote to the next rank, you will have to have all the knowledge, skills, and character growth we require from someone at that rank. This means that you will likely be at your rank for longer before you can promote, but we will not make you start over at white belt.

At each rank, students are given a character word. In order to promote, the student must work through a Character Sheet that helps them develop that character word in their own life. We use these because Taekwondo is more than just kicking and punching - it's about growing into a better person.