1. What is TaeKwonDo and how is it different from other martial arts?
The martial arts were developed thousands of years ago as forms of self defense.  Karate originated in Japan and Kung Fu came from China.  TaeKwonDo is native to Korea.  In terms of techniques, TaeKwonDo emphasizes kicks more than other martial arts, making it ideal for improving your child’s balance, flexibility, and endurance.  Literally translated, ‘Tae’ means foot, ‘Kwon’ means hand, and ‘Do’ means art or the way of life.

2. At what age can you start training in your school?
You can start TKD from age 4 in our Little Tigers Class, and age 6 in our Children Class.  However, depending on individual child, we have accepted some 3 1/2 years olds to start TKD.  To find out if your child can start TKD at LMAA, please contact us at our facility at (503) 682-2318.

3. How often can I come to class?
We recommend that you attend at least two days a week of TKD training at LMAA.  Depending on the type of program you are in, you are allowed either two or three days a week.  You do have the option of coming unlimited classes per week, plus the benefit of Saturday class, for those who are in the B.B.C. Program.  For more information about our programs, please contact us at our facility to make appointments at (503) 682-2318.

4. What programs do you have and how much does it cost?
Depending on the different specials we will be on, our programs and fees may change and vary.  We recommend that you come by and visit our facility to get more information about our programs and fees.  At the same time, you can personally view our school and even watch some of our class in action.  Stop by our location as your visit will be always welcome at LMAA!

5. Where are you located?
We are conveniently located just near the Wilsonville Bowling Lanes, next to the Veterinarian.  We are also between the Wilsonville Theater and the Post Office, just across the street.  Our address is 29020 SW Town Center Loop E, #100, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070.  (503) 682-2318.  Click here for Map.

6. Do you have any special introductory classes for the new beginners?
Yes.  All of the new members to our school are offered a Special Trial Sessions at a discounted rate.  A FREE uniform and a FREE belt are also included in the special.  If you or your child has never experienced martial arts, then this is the best way to find out and learn how it can benefit you and your family.  Also, this entrance will help you find out more about our school and learn how to become a student of LMAA to get the utmost training by Master Lee.  There is no obligation to this special and there is nothing to loose.  Your first step to training at LMAA may be the best choice you’ve ever made.

7. Do you provide any discounts on your tuitions?
Yes we do.  We have two kinds of tuition discounts.  One is a Family Program where discount is applied to a family with more than one member joining together.  Second is a Corporate Program where the discount is offered to the corporate employees with numbers of employees signing up in our program together.  For more information, please contact our facility at (503) 682-2318.

8. Can I transfer my belt from another school?
Yes.  At LMAA, we acknowledge the training you have in TKD and will try to meet the same level of training you carried over.  In most cases, Master Lee will observe your skill and knowledge and discuss with you on what level will work for you.  If the belt rank order is different in some cases, he will find the same level belt for you.

9. How often can I test?
We have four Belt Tests in a year, on a quarterly basis, in March, June, September, and in December.  Taking the Belt Test is just as important as the regular TKD classes and required to pass in order to move onto the next level of TKD.  If you plan to take the Belt Test every time, then you can test four times a year.  However, if you decide not to take the test, it is still no problem.  You can always test on the next one coming in three months.  Do keep in mind that, we have Make-Up Test available for those with schedule conflicts that cause you to miss the regular belt test day.  Prior discussion with Master Lee is required. 

1. Will the training increase aggressiveness or encourage my child to fight?
Absolutely not.  At LMAA, our students are taught to never misuse the training of TKD to others, nor use as a tool for bullying.  They will be reminded throughout their training that being physically and mentally tough does not allow one to use on others.  Statistics have shown that people who know how to defend themselves rarely have to fight since they carry themselves in a more confident manner.  At LMAA, we discipline our students from getting into trouble or starting fights.

2. Will the training at LMAA help my child reduce stress and focus better?
Training at LMAA will help your child to alleviate stress and feel better.  The excess energy the training lets out will burn the build up tension in your child and help them to focus better after a long day at school.  It has been said and mentioned by many doctorates that TKD has helped many kids with ADHD to focus better, and here at LMAA, we have several kids with ADHD that are well excelling in our programs.

3. What kind of programs do you have for kids?
At LMAA, we believe that every child needs to put effort to earn their promotional belt rank.  Even to receive your first White Belt, our students will need to complete their ‘Home Jobs’ where list of duties at home needs to be checked off.  Then, our students will pass onto the Five Stripes to Success Program where five areas of our program’s individual goals need to be met in order to move onto the next step.  Such areas include the performance report from their grade school teacher, reading certain number of books, TKD technique, six traits of attitude from the C.E.A. program, etc.  Next is our Belt Test Program that all of our students will be tested quarterly for the training they’ve got for their level.  These are some of the examples of programs that make LMAA different from other martial arts school.

4. How safe is it to learn?
TKD is safe and fun for students of all ages and physical abilities.  Classes are taught by an expert instructor as students are shown techniques in a step-by-step manner at their own pace.  A good warm up at the beginning of each class, thorough stretching routine, mat covered flooring, and protective safety equipments are all part of our commitment to ensure student’s safety.  Because TKD is a performance by each individual, many are able to participate in TKD no matter what physical limits they have at their own pace.

5. My child is very shy (or have some attention issues).  Will that be a problem?
Every child is different and has a different comfort threshold.  If your child is shy and quiet, he/she might be uncomfortable at first with all the new activities and noises surrounding them, but given a few classes, they will see to it that everyone else is learning and doing the same thing, that everyone is loud and having a good time.  Master Lee does a great job in welcoming new students and helping them to find their comfort level in the class.  He will then continue on to bringing motivation and confidence in them to do the best they can outside of their comfort zone when ready.

1. How will I benefit from training TKD?
LMAA incorporates combination of exercises for both body and mind.  On the physical conditioning side, we strengthen the body through cardiovascular workouts, muscular development, and flexibility.  Deep breathing and concentration exercise will relax our mind and relieve stress.  As you continue to train your body and mind, you will learn to respond quickly to dangerous situation, self-defense training, and get in shape.

2. Will I learn self-defense in class?
Yes.  As a matter of fact, TaeKwonDo is a self-defense martial art from Korea.  It is never to be used to attack anyone but only to defense one’s self in dangerous situations.  One-Step Sparring is one of the training in TKD to learn the self-defense techniques.

3. Am I too old to start TKD?
TaeKwonDo martial art is a great mental and physical training for people of all ages.  You are never pressured to go beyond what you can achieve and it isn’t the strength and stamina that defines the meaning of TKD, but rather, the way of life you exemplify.  They say that elders have more perseverance than the younger ages because of the years they have lived through.  Well then, prove that to yourself and no others.

4. What if I’m out of shape?
Then TKD is definitely the exercise you need and LMAA is the place for you to be.  Training TKD brings a total body workout of cardiovascular conditioning, muscular development, and flexibility that will burn lots of calories and achieve weight loss.  To make it even better, achieving all of these goals through the training of TKD from Master Lee is even a greater accomplishment with purpose at the end of your session.

5. What other styles of teaching do you offer?
Master Lee has also trained in HapKiDo, which is a similar martial art to TaeKwonDo in an advanced special form of self-defense techniques.  For more information on Master Lee’s teaching, please contact our facility at (503) 682-2318.

1. What are the belt ranks in LMAA?
Belt Color Ranking System (Lowest to Highest)

        White            Basic Form #1
        Yellow            Basic Form #2    
        Orange            Tae Geuk – Ill Jahng (1)
        Sr. Orange        Tae Geuk – Ee Jahng (2)
        Green            Tae Geuk – Sam Jahng (3)
        Sr. Green            Tae Geuk – Sah Jahng (4)
        Blue            Tae Geuk – Ill ~ Sah Jahng (1~4)
        Sr. Blue            Tae Geuk – Oh Jahng (5)
        Brown            Tae Geuk – Yeuk Jahng (6)
        Sr. Brown        Tae Geuk – Chil Jahng (7)
        Red            Tae Geuk – Pal Jahng (8)
        Sr. Red            Tae Geuk – Oh ~ Pal Jahng (5~8)
        First Degree Black Belt        Koryo
        Second Degree Black Belt    Keumgang
        Third Degree Black Belt        Taebaek
        Fourth Degree Black Belt        Pyeongwon
        Fifth Degree Black Belt        Sipjin
        Sixth Degree Black Belt        Jitae
        Seventh Degree Black Belt    Cheonkwon
        Eighth Degree Black Belt        Hansoo
        Ninth Degree Black Belt        Ilyo

2. How long will it take me to become a Black Belt student?
Achieving your First Degree Black Belt is an honorable moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.  If you don’t miss any of our quarterly color belt tests, then it should take you about three years to become eligible to test for Black Belt.  Our Black Belt Tests are held twice a year, in May and in November, so if you happen to miss one of our color belt tests, or black belt test, you can still take the next scheduled belt test to become a Black Belt student.

3. Are there opportunities to participate in competitions?
Yes.  Tournaments or competitions are a great way to boost your confidence and to gain deeper knowledge and experience in the field of TaeKwonDo.  Master Lee will let all of his students know of a recommended tournaments to participate in and only those interested are welcome to join.

4. What is a Black Belt Club Program?
Our exclusive Black Belt Club is especially designed to prepare our students to their highest level of training with dedication and commitment in a ‘Goal-Setting’ philosophy to Success.  Our B.B.C. members are able to train five days a week and also join our Saturday morning class for more focused areas.  Being a member of the B.B.C. isn’t just about the three years commitment to TaeKwonDo; it’s about becoming an example to others that you have made a goal, a commitment, and have the responsibility, in which you will fulfill when you become a proud Black Belt student.  Now, wouldn’t that be a precious gain that your child can carry along with them for the rest of their life?  That’s a Black Belt Club Program.  To find out if you can qualify to be in the Black Belt Club, come and talk to Master Lee either by appointment or when he’s available.

5. Do I have to join the Sparring class?
Sparring is an important part of training, but it is not pressured for anyone to join if they feel uncomfortable.  If you are uncertain for any reason, feel free to come and talk to Master Lee and he will guide you in the right direction.