Taekwondo is a traditional martial art from Korea and is a Summer Olympics demonstration sports competition. Literally translated “way of the hand and foot”, taekwondo employs blocks, kicks and punches as useful self defense techniques and builds agility, flexibility, mental concentration and confidence. Tenants emphasized in taekwondo classes promote self control, respect for others and positive
character development. Initial classes will introduce fundamentals of taekwondo techniques, classroom etiquette, target striking, stretching exercises and conditioning drills. No sparring or physical contact will be taught or allowed until after students have achieved green belt ranks, normally after four to six months of training; even then, on only light contact is allowed while wearing safety gear. Students adhere to a consistent code of conduct and observe tenants that should follow them outside the classroom, as they develop their martial arts skills in class. The tenets of taekwondo include:
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self Control
Courage
Honor
Community
Fees are consistent with Starbound Performers programs. Additional costs for taekwondo participation may include uniforms, periodic testing fees (testing cycles occur in three-month intervals) for belt advancement and tournament registration fees. Testing and tournament participation are optional and based on student motivation. Also, green belts will need to purchase safety gear for use in classroom sparring. Classes are taught by Allen Fugler, Jr., a 3rd Degree Black Belt. He has been a practitioner for over 25 years and has taught hundreds of classes and generations of students. He regularly conducted classes for his instructor, Master Joel Neely, 8th Degree Black Belt, in his Baton Rouge, LA, academy before relocating to central Florida in 2008. Allen Fugler now resides in Clermont with his wife and daughter. Taekwondo is a fun, challenging, rewarding and practical experience. Starbound Performers offers this program to current and new students as another means of bringing entire families together.
