School Information

New Student Information

Starting out in a martial art is something many feel nervous about. There are so many things that you may not know.

The purpose of this page is to help guide you through what to expect as you get started.

Who Are We?

Taekwon-Do is a martial art that originated in Korea (with influences from Japanese Karate). At Dragon Martial Arts Academy - Creston, our primary curriculum is the original style of Taekwon-Do as it was introduced to North America in the early 1970s. We are proud to be closely affiliated with one of the original pioneers of the martial art, 9th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster Chang Keun (C.K.) Choi (pictured). We also maintain close relationships with several other Western Canadian martial arts schools (such as the Dragon Martial Arts Academies on Vancouver Island, Quest Martial Arts Academy in Kelowna, Trail Martial Arts, and the chain of schools which make up the United Traditional Taekwon-Do Canada organization in Southern Alberta.

In order to provide the most well-rounded experience possible; cross training is encouraged and provided. Students focus on learning a full black belt curriculum in Taekwon-Do. Training is then supplemented with basic skills in other arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido. Our motto is “Self Defense and fitness through traditional Taekwon-Do”; and this is the focus of our classes. A strong body and mind is better prepared to respond should there be a need for self defense. To accomplish these ends, students don’t just get a great work out. Every class of our structured curriculum is designed to build upon previous lessons and experience... improving physical skills while increasing self confidence.

School Etiquette:

There are 5 main character traits that we hope to foster and develop in all students at DMA Creston. They are referred to as the “Tenets of Taekwon-Do” and are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indominable Spirit. Right from the beginning, students will practice courtesy (respect) in every interaction both within and outside the school. Since Tae kwon-Do originated in Korea, we observe the practice of bowing out of respect while interacting with each other. This is often done in similar situations to where people born in North America would shake hands.

The following is a basic list of ways that each student practices courtesy while attending classes at DMA Creston:

-Your uniform is to be worn completely for every class and needs to be clean.

-Please maintain clean personal hygiene (trimmed toe and fingernails) and remove all jewelry before training.

-Be on time for classes (arriving 5-10 minutes early is ideal).

-Shoes should be removed as soon as you enter the school.

-When stepping onto or off the training floor, execute a bow of respect facing the displayed national flags (Canada and Korea).

-While waiting for your class to begin, take the opportunity to warm up and practice.

-There should be no loud talking, running around or climbing, or other ‘horseplay’ before class.

-Proper respect needs to be shown to every person.

-While the instructor is speaking or during group drills, there should be no talking between students.

-During class, never leave the floor without first speaking with the instructor.

-When asking a question of an instructor, it is appropriate to bow in greeting and again afterward to thank them for the answer.

-When speaking to an instructor (regardless of their belt rank) they should be addressed as Mr., Ms., or Mrs., followed by their last name. (If you do not know their name, then Sir or Ma’am should be used). This courtesy should be practiced both in and outside of class.

Class Attendance, Tuition, & Health Policy:

Our regular class season runs from September through June, with summer classes available. We are closed on Statutory Holidays and select Special Events. Monthly tuition is due at the beginning of each month. Post-Dated monthly cheques are accepted (and preferred) to eliminate the need for you to remember to bring tuition in each month.

Though regular attendance is important for steady progression, we understand that life sometimes gets in the way. If you are busy and cannot attend the occasional class, there is no need to call. If you will be away for an extended time, please reach out. In most situations, your membership can be put on hold until you are able to return.

If you are sick with any potentially contagious illness, please stay home and get better! Our policy is that you should never pay for a class you do not receive due to illness. Protecting the health of your fellow classmates is of primary importance. If you miss any classes because you are sick, simply let us know as soon as you can. Credit for the missed classes will be pro-rated to your membership and can be used toward any service or equipment purchase in the school.

Curriculum and Testing:

The belt system used in our style of Taekwon-Do consists of 10 levels between White Belt (where we all start) to Black Belt. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There is no average time frame for a student to progress from White Belt to Black Belt (often taking anywhere from 5 to 12 years). This is because every person is unique and progresses at their own pace. Of course, a Black Belt is not the end of the journey... but more like graduating from high school. There is still so much that can continue to be learned.

Between each belt level, students undergo testing. A belt test is a great tool for building confidence (both in their techniques, and personally... performing in front of their peers and family).

Uniforms and Safety Gear:

At White Belt (once the decision has been made to pursue ongoing training); an all-white martial arts uniform is required to be worn during every class. Any loose jewelry must be removed during classes; and finger/toe nails need to be trimmed.

At Yellow Belt, students begin to move into ‘light contact free-sparring’ during class. This sparring is a large part of every student’s curriculum at all levels moving forward. At this time, a basic level of Safety Gear is required (Mouth Guard, Gloves, and Shin/Instep protection). Students are of course welcome to purchase and use optional gear which exceeds the minimum standard at any time (such as Head padding, athletic cup, and chest protector). Once purchased, sparring gear should be brought with the student to each class.

Hopefully this information is helpful as you begin the exciting first steps into the world of martial arts. Please bookmark this website (dmacreston.com) and like us on Facebook to stay up to date on everything happening around the school. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss.

Thank you