Training at the Black Belt Academy
Students have many reasons for their interest in the martial arts. Some are drawn to the physical fitness and weight-loss aspects of training. Others seek to develop confidence or to add discipline and self control to their lives. While still others are concerned about safety and self-defence.
Whatever your reason for training, the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy offers a number of programs suitable for all. Most importantly, our holistic approach to training is founded on developing principles which every individual can use, regardless of their individual strengths and weaknesses.
In the name of our school ‘Ilyo’ means the unity of mind, body and spirit. We’re not just about punching and kicking, we are committed to promoting the highest personal standards in all aspects of our lives. We call this focus Black Belt Excellence.
Adult Martial Arts
Our adult Martial Arts programme is a progressive cross-training system. In 1995 our school began teaching the traditional Korean martial arts of Taekwondo (the Korean version of Karate), which still forms a solid foundation for the traditional aspects of our programs. On top of this we use a progressive modular ‘fusion’ curriculum which includes elements of a variety of traditional styles, including Kickboxing, Ju-Jitsu and Hapkido to offer a very comprehensive training programme which has something to offer everyone.
In our school we’re not involved in the competitive or sporting side of the martial arts at all. We prefer to focus on traditional training, personal development and self protection. We have a very strong emphasis on practical self defence in our classes.
We believe very strongly that there is no ‘one-size fits all’, so our classes use a principles-bases approach which allows each individual to develop their strengths and personal interests.
For new beginners we have our ‘Positive Start‘ membership which is a perfect introduction to the basic techniques of both the traditional and the contemporary styles we practice, leading onto the Black Belt Training Course which takes students from beginner right up to Black Belt standard, then onto our Masters Training Course and more beyond Black Belt…
Junior Martial Arts
At the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy, we are very concerned with the well being and education of our children. We understand that younger students have a shorter attention span and so for children from 5-6 years we offer the special “Little Ninjas“ programe. For the older children from 7-12 years we have our “Little Dragons“ programme. This unique programme is based on proven teaching designed specifically to suit the needs of this age group using interesting and enjoyable methods to keep the student’s attention and teach our young students skills that they can use for life.
We promote non-violent resolutions to conflict. Our methods help children explore and understand conflict through role-play and other exercises.
More than any other sport, Martial Arts gives our children the chance to explore their innate powers. Marvel as they increase in strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and harmony. This is only the start. Physical skills act as a foundation for something much more important: the development of value skills, both mental and spiritual.