Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q: What is Taekwondo?

A: Taekwondo is a traditional martial art form which originated from Korea. It is a multi-disciplinary martial art which focuses on cultivating an individual’s discipline, self-control, integrity, perseverance and commitment amongst other things. For more detailed information on Taekwondo, please refer to our section on “About Taekwondo” within our website.

Q: Who can do Taekwondo?

A: Taekwondo is a sport that can be quickly picked up by people of all ages and all gender. All over the globe, individuals from the ages of 4 to 70 and above practice Taekwondo.

Most of the members at Liang Seng Martial Arts and Fitness Centre (LSMAFC) are working adults but we do also have members in the adolescence age bracket (15 years old and above). At the same time, our club has a good mix of both male and female members. We base our training around the individual's pace, fitness and ability. So you do not need to worry about us pushing you harder than you want to be pushed.

Q: Do I have to be very fit to join Taekwondo?

A: Generally, the answer is no. Most of our members in LSMAFC join Taekwondo to improve their fitness level. In other words, Taekwondo will serve to enhance your fitness level and therefore we do not require you to be able to do 100 push-ups or 200 sit-ups without breaking a sweat.

However, if you have a medical condition or an old physical injury that you are concern about, please bring it up with your family doctor regarding the prospect of taking up Taekwondo. 

Q: I am really inflexible; I cannot touch my toes when I bend over; can I still join Taekwondo?

A: Yes, you can. As part of Taekwondo training, our instructors will condition you through various exercises that will improve your flexibility by a fair amount. Furthermore, at LSMAFC, everyone trains at their own pace.

Q: I used to do Taekwondo when I was in school. I am interested to rejoin. Do I have to restart from scratch?

A: You can resume from wherever you left off the previous time, provided you are able to substantiate your belt level. In most cases, STF would have a record of your previous grading results. We have members who resumed Taekwondo after 20 years of absence from it.

Q: Is there a name for the uniform we wear for training during Taekwondo?

A: Yes. It is called the “Do Bok”.

Q: How many different belt levels are there? What do all the belt colours mean?

A: There are a total of 10 coloured belt levels and 10 black belt levels. They are differentiated as follow:

• 10th Kup - White
• 9th Kup - Yellow stripe on White
• 8th Kup - Yellow
• 7th Kup - Green stripe on Yellow
• 6th Kup - Green
• 5th Kup - Blue stripe on Green
• 4th Kup - Blue
• 3rd Kup - Red/Brown stripe on Blue
• 2nd Kup - Red/Brown
• 1st Kup - Black stripe on Red/Brown
• Dan (1st to 10th) – Black

Q: How are we graded?

A: Every 3 months, the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) will conduct a centralised grading for all students of Taekwondo in Singapore. Before you can register for the grading, our Chief Instructor, Mr Steven Tan will hold a mock grading to determine your proficiency in undertaking the centralised grading.

Q: Where and when is the centralised grading held?

A: So far, the centralised gradings conducted by STF are held in Toa Payoh Stadium. They are usually conducted during January, April, July and October of each calendar year.

Q: How long would it take me to achieve a black belt?

A: The duration taken differs from individual to individual. Generally, if you progress at a normal pace from white belt (beginner) onwards, you should be able to obtain your black belt around 2.5 years’ time. It is possible to progress at a faster pace, again dependent on an individual’s performance during the grading. 

Q: What does achieving a Black belt in Taekwondo signify?

A: Individuals who achieved a black belt in Taekwondo are deemed to have reached a high, recognised level of proficiency in their knowledge and training. Such proficiency includes the ability to conduct themselves with discipline outside training which is a direct reflection of the martial art, the instructor as well as the individuals.

Q: What is the difference between a junior black belt holder and an adult black belt holder?

A: A junior black belt (Poom belt) is awarded to individuals below the age of 16 during the time of their black belt grading. Conversely, an adult black belt is awarded to individuals above the age of 16 during their black belt grading.

Q: Is sparring compulsory during training?

A: Sparring is an essential element of Taekwondo and allows you to test your skills against a moving opponent. It is also a compulsory element during gradings for higher belt levels (green belt and above) and hence you will be expected to learn how to spar during training. In LSMAFC, our instructors will start exposing our members to sparring once they are deemed to have the foundation skills. We encourage an atmosphere of courtesy and self control and all contact is monitored closely by our instructors.

Q: Can I enter into Taekwondo competitions?

A: Yes, you can if you have the intention to. However, it is not compulsory for all members. You can inform our instructors about your intention and proceed on from there.

Q: Who are your instructors?

A: Our chief instructor, Mr Steven Tan is 4^th dan black belt holder with numerous years of experience coaching Taekwondo to students of all ages and background. Instructors, Mr Frank Koh and Ms Tay Soo Chia are 2^nd dan and 1^st dan black belt holders respectively with both N.C.A.P. and Kukkiwon certifications.