What is Taekwondo?

Traditional taekwondo is a system of unarmed self-defense that developed in Korea many centuries ago during a time of national struggle against foreign aggressors like China and Japan. The art is recognized by its distinct use of the bare hand or foot in both offensive and defensive movements that create a balance between beauty and power. Today, taekwondo is the most internationally recognized martial art form, and an official competition sport in the Olympic Games. It is known to improve concentration, reduce stress, and increase levels of relaxation for better work and study habits.

Studying Taekwondo is not just about learning techniques. Developing the spirit of a martial artist will take making the ways of the dojang a way of life. Our school strives to instill in its students the tenants of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. Practicing these tenets is very important for the development of confidence and ultimately success in Taekwondo. While training and learning the martial arts you will discover that some things come easy to you and some don’t. At Tiger Claw, we know this is the case, and we expect every student to give 100% of themselves. We don't compare you to other students or expect you to do things that you phyically cannot. The martial arts is for everyone...give it a try!

What is Koryo Gumdo?

Koryo Gumdo is a Korean martial art recognized by distinct uses of the sword. Today, Koryo Gumdo is an organized martial art through the United States National Taekwondo Federation and its Koryo Gumdo Chairman, Master John Wood. The World Koryo Gumdo Association was formed in November 2000 and has since attracted many adults and children around the world through its image of the Koryo warrior wielding his sword for honor and country.

Literally, Gumdo means “way of the sword.”

Koryo Gumdo training improves concentration, reduces stress, and increases levels of relaxation for better work and study habits. Plus, the experience increases strength, stamina, and overall health. It gives practitioners a self-confidence that provides an advantage over weaker attackers.

Studying Koryo Gumdo is not just about learning techniques. Developing the spirit of a martial artist will take making the ways of the dojang a way of life. Our school strives to instill in its students the tenants of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. Practicing these tenets is very important for the development of your confidence and success in Koryo Gumdo.

The school’s curriculum is divided into sections for each belt level and cycle. Each cycle is two months long and exams are held on test days every two months. World Koryo Gumdo Association guidelines suggest students attend 14 to 16 instructional class sessions in a two-month period for rank promotion. However, students are expected to practice and study at home during the week. This reinforces the learning process and allows for practice of new material during class time.

What is CDT?

CDT is the world's only trademarked and patent pending NON-DEADLY self-protection system. It's designed to reduce a person's civil and criminal liabilities in the event that required them to use justifiable force to protect themselves or another person.

CDT is not a martial art, but a protection system that can be learned quickly regardless of your gender or size. The techniques resemble everyday actions like knocking on a door or turning a key.

CDT and it's founder, Tom Patire, have been featured in news stories on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, CNN, Fox, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today to name a few. Now, Tiger Claw offers these courses to men and women interested in learning how to be safe without having to learn how to rip someone's eye out or stab someone with a key.

A variety of courses are available throughout the year at Tiger Claw. Simply contact the school to find out what course is right for you!

What about Black Belts?

Earning your Black Belt is not a destination, just the beginning of a long journey. We don't call Tiger Claw a Black Belt School because we don't aim to get students to Black Belt...we aim to create lifelong martial artists.

Our Black Belts are certified nationally through the United States National Taekwondo Federation and internationally through the World Taekwondo Federation (Kukkiwon). Certified Black Belts from other systems may join our school and learn our curriculm as they progress toward their next degree.

Special classes for Black Belt training are held quarterly at Tiger Claw and promotion exams for Black Belts are held twice a year. Each degree of Black Belt is an important step in your martial arts career and we celebrate those steps with a formal Black Belt ceremony that the whole school's participation.

What about Special Events?

We host several special events throughout the year for students to get extra training, outside instruction, or just to have a little fun! Some these annual events include:

Endurance Camp

Summer Camp

Winter Break Camp

St. Judes Kick-a-Thon

Sparring Seminars

Halloween Parties

Parent's Night Out

Demo Days

and Much More!

What about Teaching?

Not everyone who does martial arts wants to or has the ability to be a martial arts teacher. We don't require that Black Belts or any other rank teach classes on their own. As a high rank at our school, you will have learned to work with lower belts throughout your training. But, because our curriculum is cumulative, you won't have any problem showing a lower belt what you already know.

For those students who are interested in learning to teach martial arts, we offer an Instructor in Training program. This on-going program meets once a month and learns in depth about leading a group. Instructors in Training then practice what they learn in class throughout the month. It's a great program for developing character and leadership in tomorrow's martial arts teachers. Plus, we don't want our classes taught by just anyone!

Anyone who joins our school and wants to become an instructor must go through the Instructor in Training program and reach a Level 4.

What about Competition?

For those students interested in competition we go to approximately 4 or more tournaments per year. Special training is given to those attending tournaments to prepare them for the event. Any Tiger Claw student is invited to attend competition as long as they've shown 100% effort in regular class.

What about Testing?

We do rank belt testing once a month on a Thursday evening. Not all students test every month. Instead, testing is based on each student's preparation, attitude, leadership, and technique. When the instructors know a student is ready, that student will be invited to test for their next rank at an upcoming test night.

What about Equipment?

Tiger Claw has a pro-shop to meet all your equipment needs. We carry a number of items in our pro-shop, or you can shop from one of our extensive catalogs. You won't pay shipping on most items (some larger items require shipping charges).