Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do

Learn this Korean-style martial art specializing in kicking skills and build strength, balance, flexibility, and self-discipline. In these light classes, the I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers instructors will focus on basic techniques, forms, kicking skills, board breaking skills, and self-defense. Tae Kwon Do promotes a healthy lifestyle that works your body, mind, and spirit. This program is very family oriented. Parents can participate for free with an enrolled child. Together families can gain: Confidence, Leadership, Focus, Discipline, Respect, Humility, Physical Fitness and Fun!

Tae Kwon Do Registration Format

The Countryside YMCA Tae Kwon Do Format will be beginning a new registration format starting July 1st 2023. Once registered, your automatic monthly payment will occur on the 1st of every month. You can register your child Here or by visiting the front desk. Please Note: If your child wants to withdraw from the class, we will require notification by the 25th of the month in order to end automatic payments. In order to withdraw please click Here (Link will be emailed to everyone registered in July). If you have any questions regarding the new format or registrations please contact Jacob Hurley (Jacob.Hurley@ymcastaff.org).

Frequently asked questions about Tae Kwon Do classes 

• Tae Kwon Do classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the large upper-level family gymnasium.  

• New beginner groups start on the first Monday or Wednesday of each new month. 

• Students register and pay monthly rather than following the typical 8-week schedule for Y group fitness classes. 

• No martial arts experience is required.

• Members:  $50.00 per month

• Non-members:  $68.00 per month  

• *Parent(s) with a child registered for the class may train for free!

• Beginners should wear comfortable sweat pants/t-shirt to their first few classes. We train in our bare feet.

• Instructor will give new student orientation on the first night of class. Students will receive uniform order information at this time. Students should bring a water bottle and a great attitude!   

  The History of Tae Kwon Do and the Lineage of  I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers, Inc.

  Many years ago, Grandmaster Gichin Funikoshi brought Karate from Japan to Korea. The art of Karate was adapted over the years in Korea to become a mainly kicking sport which has become known as Tae Kwon Do.

  Grand Master Il-Kwon Kim, a 9^th degree black belt and the founder of  I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do, studied Tae Kwon Do in Korea under Grand Master Byung-Jik Ro  who was the Father of Tae Kwon Do.  Grand Master Byung-Jik Ro studied under Grand Master Gichin Funikoshi who is the one who brought Karate to Korea initially. Ja Be Ryu is the style that has resulted from Grand Master Kim's over 60 years-experience. Sadly, Grand Master Il-Kwon Kim passed away in 2015. He entrusted the continuation of his Organization and his legacy to the Kim family and a select group of his Masters.

  What you'll learn from I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do 

  I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers, Inc. continues to teach a very traditional and well-rounded style art (different than sport oriented or trendy styles) emphasizing self-improvement, discipline, as well as physical fitness, balance, flexibility and strength.

  The average length of time required to progress from Beginner to Black Belt is three years. Students progress at their own pace and fitness level. Earning your Black Belt means you can work hard and persevere without giving up. The fact that you have a Black Belt looks great on a college application or on any work resume.

  Students at each belt level learn basic motions including kicking, punching and blocking for their respective rank and how to coordinate those motions into a memorized series of movements called “forms.”  They also learn partner self-defense and supervised, controlled free-fighting , known as sparring. Students also learn several board breaking techniques and break a board using a different technique each time they test to a new belt rank.

  The 10 Committments of Tae Kwon Do Training 
  

  Meet Master Sean Eveslage 

  Senior Master Sean Eveslage is a 7^th degree black belt and the Head Instructor for the classes at Countryside YMCA. He has been training and teaching the martial arts for nearly 35 years. His journey started in 1987 with IK Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers, Inc., but later diversified to include earning his black belt in Tracy Kenpo in 2000, training in Aikido and submission grappling, and competing in two amateur Mixed Martial Arts events in 2000 and 2001.

  Master Eveslage is a familiar face at Countryside YMCA! He has been the Tae Kwon Do  Instructor (with the I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers organization) at the Y for the past 22 years. He firmly believes that in every nervous beginner student there is a polished martial artist waiting to emerge.

  He is assisted by Mrs. Sandy Kim, 4^th degree black belt and President of I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers, Inc. along with many other upper ranks who have trained at Countryside YMCA and achieved their various degrees of black belt (many with their children) over the past 22 years.