I would like to say to everyone, that this has been a very interesting thread so far.
I have been studying TKD for almost 4 years now, and am still about 1 year from my BLACK belt. When i decided to start martial art training i visited atleast a dozen schools ranging from BJJ, different forms of KungFu, karate and its many off shoots, and TKD.
One of the very interesting things that i observed was the lack of real contact, and real self defence situations.
As some of the people here have stated, the TKD schools that i visited, and talked to the instructors lacked alot to be desired.
Finally i walked into a rather small TKD Dojong, that had one of the largest classes that i had seen at any of the schools.
Near the end of the class the Instructor stopped class for what he called "self defence time". What he proceded to teach looked to be a cross of most all of the styles that i had researched. Grappling, throwing, joint locks, preasure points.
THe atmosphere of this school was very different than most of the schools that i visited. Very enthusiastic.yet very disciplined. The instructor was caucasion, and didnt try to speak with a Korean accent like some of the schools that i observed.( im serious, i did run into that at 2 schools)
My point to all of this is that the Instructor and their assistants are what make or break the learning experience. The best Martial Art with a bad instructor= usless Martial Art. A run of the mill Martial Art with a kick ass Instructor, can turn out a very compitant student.
I hope that i didnt bore you to tears.
DO alot of researce in your are and sign up with the school that offers you what you are looking for in a Martial Art.
Thanks for your time
Hoosier couple
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