What We Teach

Young Masters Martial Arts teaches Martial Arts according to the methods and techniques of Grandmaster Young Hong.

These methods, which combine traditional Tae Kwon Do with modern teaching techniques, provide the student with an excellent balance of skills that is useful for everything from simple physical exercise to advanced self-defense.

The heart of the system is built around the use of Forms (or Kata in Japanese) to develop the basic skills and techniques. Along with forms, exercises designed to teach and perfect the kicking and striking techniques are taught to the beginning student.

This is then supplemented with simple training exercises (Three Step techniques) advancing to more advanced (One-Step) techniques that teach the application of the basic skills to more realistic, real world situations.

The development of the ability by the student to properly apply kicking and striking techniques is evaluated during testing. Students must demonstrate that they not only can perform the techniques, but that they can use them effectively. Part of that evaluation is demonstrated by actual breaking techniques during the testing.

At the highest level, the student learns how to apply their knowledge in free fighting with other students and the instructors. The ability to perform effective strikes and kicks is balanced by training in blocking, movement, timing, the use of distance and body positioning to avoid or evade attacks.

At the same time this training is progressing, the student is introduced to specific self-defense techniques and methods. Again progressing from simple escapes from grabs and holds, the student learns how to effectively deal with both armed and unarmed attacks. At the highest level, the student will learn how to use both traditional and modern weapons in a defensive role as well as throwing and restraining skills from Judo and Jujutsu.

While our training teaches places a heavy emphasis on avoiding and preventing dangerous situations, the upper belt student will be capable of integrating their skills and abilities to present the best possible chance of successfully surviving the encounter, if one occurs.

The key to the effectiveness of the method is discipline and a focus on the individual.

Each student is unique with specific strengths and skills. The experience of the instructors allows them to very quickly evaluate each student and determine what mix of exercises and training is appropriate. This allows the students to progress at the optimum rate for that student.

Speed of advancement is not determined by a fixed schedule, but by the effort and ability of the individual student. Belts are not given away, but must be earned. The requirements for each belt rank are clearly defined and no advancement will be awarded unless the requirements are fulfilled.

The standards at Young Masters Martial Arts are high, but the instructors have the talent and experience to bring out the best in every student and provide the best possible support and assurance in advancing from belt to belt.

The instructors know that not every individual has the desire to become a Black Belt, but we believe that we can bring the best out in every student and make them as good as they can be.

In addition to the physical training Young Masters Martial Arts holds high personal standards and expectations.

Our focus is not just to train a good fighter. The goal is to develop an individual who knows not just how to use their skills, but also has the judgment and character to use these skills only when in extreme need.

Students will be held to high standards of behavior both inside and outside the school.

The student will demonstrate proper respect and appropriate behaviors in all school, family and social situations. For Young Masters Martial Arts students still in school, good grades are essential.