Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Lonewolph]

I need to get back in shape and am considering taking Taekwondo classes. However, as I would be a beginner, I don't relish taking a class alongside 20 kids. What are the classes usually like? Is it a good workout? What are some things/places I should avoid? Any pointers would be much appreciated...

[chachee99]

I'd like peoples input on taking Taekwondo classes too

[vox]

[Alyallen]

I got my black belt in TKD here in Korea. I had a class with kids but since the class was late at night, it was a mixed class of foreigners and kids with higher belt levels.

I found the classes to be pretty fun and effective in terms of getting in shape. My one problem was that after a while I didn't feel like I was getting the work-out I was looking for but it might have been because I didn't put in enough effort (My class was at night after a full day of teaching....And sometimes I just couldn't get my act together).

What Vox said was pretty spot on. You come in with a goal and they try their damndest to make sure you reach your goal. I stopped taking TKD because I didn't think I'd stay in Korea another year but life is unpredictable. Just find a good teacher and you'll be fine.
Best of luck!

[Borat]

I'm thinking of taking Hapkido when I arrive in Korea. Anyone familiar with both arts and can sort of compare them for me?

[Corporal]

[driftingfocus]

[traxxe]

If you want to take TKD for getting into shape that is fine.

If you want to take it also for defense/ability then you would be wasting your time.

TKD has degenerated to reflect the point system of martial arts and is not a very effective tool. It is a good workout but has little practical application in fighting situations besides generating self-confidence. With all things equal someone with self-confidence is more likely to win/emerge from a fight having gotten the better of their opponent.

If you want to learn how to fight and get in shape then I suggest something involving a mixture of kickboxing (muy thai), wrestling and BJJ (or just JJ) in order to achieve an effective technique and get in shape.

I'm not sure the availability of such in Korea though. Given the popularity of K1 and Pride I don't imagine it to be that scarce.

[fibergirl]

I am currently taking a taekwondo class and have my test for a yellow belt on Saturday. I am loving the class. It started out with 8 foreigners for the first two classes and then a bunch of I think high school Korean kids joined up and two middle school boys. The good thing about having them in the class is they are all black belts and it is good to see the things that I haven't learned yet. So far four of the foreigners have dropped out because it wasn't what they were expecting. They wanted an exercise class but the grand master is set on teaching us what we need to know to get our black belts so some classes are more intense workout sessions than others. I know part of the reason that I am loving the class so much is my desire to learn it. I only have six months left in Korea and fully intend on continueing classes when I get back to America. The grand master and master that teach my class do not speak English (well other than a very few words) so when we need to have something explained one of the girl's Korean friend that works in the same building comes down and translates for us.

If you are wanting to take a class I would suggest finding a group of people to take it with you. I was also wary of joining a class full of kids so getting the group together helped me get into the class. If you live anywhere near Sanbon I'm sure you could join our class if you wanted to.

[Lonewolph]

Thanks for the info...it is very helpful. Can anyone recommend a school in Kwangju? I am in Hak-dog.