MASTER SHIM'S WORLD CLASS TAE KWON DO
Frequently Asked Questions
New to Tae Kwon Do? You're in the Right Place.
Starting something new naturally comes with questions. Whether you're considering Tae Kwon Do for a child, a teenager, yourself, or the entire family, we want you to know what to expect before you ever step onto the training floor.
Here are answers to some of the questions families ask us most.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
New Here? Start With These.
No one is expected to walk into their first Tae Kwon Do class already knowing what to do. That's what instructors are there for.
What age can my child start Tae Kwon Do?
Children can begin at Master Shim's as young as age 4. Our Little Tigers program is specifically designed for ages 4–5, while our Kids Martial Arts program serves children ages 6–12. Classes are structured around the developmental needs of each age group.
Does my child need any martial arts experience?
Not at all. Most students begin with no previous martial arts experience. Beginners are introduced to Tae Kwon Do step by step, and instructors help each student learn at an appropriate pace.
What happens during a first class?
A first class is an introduction, not a test. New students begin learning basic movements, class etiquette, and foundational Tae Kwon Do skills while getting comfortable with the instructors and training environment. No one is expected to know everything on day one.
What should a beginner wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is perfect for a first visit unless the school provides different instructions when the class is scheduled. Once enrolled, students train in the appropriate Tae Kwon Do uniform.
GETTING STARTED
Understanding Tae Kwon Do & Choosing the Right Program
The goal is not to arrive prepared. The goal is simply to begin.
What is Tae Kwon Do?
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that combines kicking, striking, blocking, movement, forms, self-defense skills, and character development. At Master Shim's, students work on physical technique alongside confidence, focus, discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-control.
Which program is right for my child or family?
Program placement is primarily based on age. Little Tigers is designed for ages 4–5, Kids Martial Arts for ages 6–12, and Teen & Adult Martial Arts for ages 13 and up. Family Martial Arts gives parents and children an opportunity to train together. Our team can help determine the best starting point when a trial class is scheduled.
Can adults start Tae Kwon Do with no experience?
Absolutely. Adults begin at many different ages and fitness levels. No previous martial arts background is required. Instruction begins with the fundamentals and progresses as strength, coordination, flexibility, confidence, and skill develop.
Do I need to get in shape before starting?
No. Getting stronger, improving endurance, increasing flexibility, and developing coordination are all part of training. Students are encouraged to work at an appropriate level while gradually building their physical abilities.
Which Master Shim's location should I attend?
Choose the school most convenient for your family. Master Shim's has locations in Fayetteville, Peachtree City, and Locust Grove, and each school follows the same commitment to quality Tae Kwon Do instruction, encouragement, discipline, and student growth.
CLASSES & PROGRESS
What Happens After You Begin?
Tae Kwon Do is built around progress. Students learn step by step, practice consistently, and work toward goals that once may have seemed out of reach.
How often should students attend class?
Consistent attendance is an important part of progress. The appropriate class schedule can vary by program, age, and level, so each school can help families determine the best training schedule for the student.
How long are Tae Kwon Do classes?
Class length varies depending on the student's age, program, and level. Younger students typically benefit from classes designed around shorter attention spans, while older students can participate in longer and more advanced training.
How does the belt system work?
Students progress through a series of colored belts as they develop the skills, knowledge, and habits expected at each level. Every belt represents another stage in the student's Tae Kwon Do journey rather than simply a reward for attendance.
What is belt testing?
Belt testing gives students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and show their readiness for the next stage of training. Instructors help students prepare before testing and let families know when a student is eligible to participate.
How long does it take to earn a Black Belt?
There is no single timeline that applies to every student. Progress depends on factors such as attendance, practice, skill development, age, and readiness. At Master Shim's, the goal is not to race toward a Black Belt. The goal is to develop the student who earns it.
Do students have to compete in tournaments?
Tae Kwon Do offers many opportunities for students to challenge themselves, but competition does not define a student's success. The primary focus is personal improvement, skill development, confidence, discipline, and continued progress.
Progress isn't about being better than someone else.
It's about becoming better than yesterday.
PARENTS & FAMILIES
Questions Families Ask Before They Begin
Every child arrives with a different personality, different strengths, and different challenges. Tae Kwon Do gives students a place to grow from exactly where they are.
Can parents and children train together?
Yes. Our Family Martial Arts program gives parents and children the opportunity to train together, encourage one another, and share the experience of learning new skills and reaching goals.
Can siblings take Tae Kwon Do together?
Often, yes. Depending on their ages and program placement, siblings may be able to train in the same class or participate in programs scheduled around similar times. Each location can help families determine the best fit.
What if my child is shy or nervous?
That is completely normal. Some students need time to become comfortable in a new environment. Instructors work to create an encouraging atmosphere where students can participate, build trust, and gain confidence at a pace that feels manageable.
What if my child has trouble focusing?
Students are not expected to arrive with perfect focus. Tae Kwon Do gives children repeated opportunities to practice listening, following directions, controlling their bodies, and staying engaged with a task. Those skills can strengthen over time through consistent practice.
What if my child has a lot of energy?
Tae Kwon Do gives energetic students a structured place to move, learn, and practice self-control. The goal is not to eliminate energy, but to help students learn how to direct it with greater purpose and control.
What if my child wants to quit when something gets hard?
Learning to work through frustration is one of the most valuable parts of martial arts training. Instructors help students break challenges into smaller steps, recognize progress, and understand that struggling with something does not mean they cannot eventually succeed.
Students do not have to arrive confident, focused, or disciplined.
Those are qualities they can learn to build.
SAFETY & PHILOSOPHY
Confidence With Control
Martial arts teaches powerful physical skills, but learning when and how to use those skills responsibly is just as important as learning the techniques themselves.
Is Tae Kwon Do safe?
Safety is an important part of training. Students learn skills progressively under instructor supervision, with techniques and activities appropriate for their age and experience level. As with any physical activity, martial arts carries some risk of injury, but classes are structured with safe practice and controlled skill development in mind.
Will martial arts make my child more aggressive?
Tae Kwon Do is taught with an emphasis on discipline, respect, self-control, and responsible decision-making. Students learn that martial arts skills are not an excuse to intimidate others or start conflicts. Greater ability should come with greater responsibility.
Do students learn self-defense?
Yes. Self-defense is part of Tae Kwon Do training. Students develop awareness, movement, confidence, control, and physical techniques while also learning that avoiding unnecessary conflict and making good decisions are important parts of protecting themselves.
Will my child have to spar?
Sparring can be part of a student's Tae Kwon Do development as skills and experience progress. It is taught in a structured environment with instructor supervision and an emphasis on control, technique, safety, and respect for training partners.
Is Tae Kwon Do only about physical skills?
No. Physical skills are only one part of the training experience. Master Shim's places strong emphasis on qualities such as confidence, focus, discipline, respect, perseverance, self-control, and leadership. The goal is for those lessons to become useful beyond the training floor.
What does Black Belt Excellence mean?
Black Belt Excellence is the idea that becoming a Black Belt is about more than reaching a rank. It means continually working to improve effort, attitude, character, and ability. Students are encouraged to carry that same commitment to excellence into school, work, home, relationships, and their community.
Learning what you can do is important.
Learning when and why to use it matters even more.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Some Questions Are Easier to Answer With a Conversation.
Every student and every family is different. If there is something we haven't answered here, the Master Shim's team is happy to help.
Choose a school, ask a question, or experience Tae Kwon Do firsthand with a trial class.
The best way to understand Tae Kwon Do
is to experience it.