FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RHEE Tae Kwon-Do?

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is a form of martial art a lot like what people perceive Karate to be however Tae Kwon-Do originated in Korea where Karate is from Japan.

The words Tae Kwon-Do basically mean Tae (to kick) Kwon (to punch/strike) and Do (art/way/method).

 

What’s the difference between RHEE Tae Kwon-Do and other Tae Kwon-Do?

• World Master Rhee: this is where we get the name from. Tae kwon-Do is the type of martial art while RHEE is the style. In essence we do Master Rhee’s Way of Kicking and Punching. Master Rhee was the first to ever bring any form of Tae Kwon-Do to Australia in the 60’s an many of the Masters of the other styles of Tae Kwon-Do were originally students of Master Rhee’s before they decided to start their own version of Tae Kwon-Do. Master Rhee still travels to Bundaberg 4 times a year to hold a special Action Day for all students to attend (free of charge) and continue the learning of all the local Instructors to ensure all of our students are getting the most up to date information possible. “Straight from the horses mouth” so to speak.

 

How is RHEE Tae Kwon-Do better than any other style?

There are several differences between RHEE Tae Kwon-Do and others. The first being:

• Self Paced: we have a unique grading system which allows students to be promoted, free of charge at any time in any class (except for black belt promotions that are done at an Action Day). Therefore students get promoted when they’re ready to learn more, and not only when they can afford to. This way also shows that the students’ belt reflects their abilities, and not how long they’ve been training.
• Self defence specialists: RHEE Tae Kwon-Do is a non competition martial art, meaning we NEVER compete, not even internally. Instead we dedicate 100% of each class to teaching students self defence, respect and courtesy and not how to win a trophy by hurting someone. Our students are taught only to use these skills for self defence or defence of someone else.
• Professional Instructors: Each RHEE Tae Kwon-Do region is headed by a Regional Instructor (Kwan Jang Nim), kind of like a “head” instructor or Principal. In Bundaberg the Regional Instructor is a professional and not doing it as a hobby or part time job. This ensures that a superior standard is maintained through the area and that there will always be classes held. Think of it this way, if your child is sick do you take them to a full time doctor or one that’s a doctor twice a week for a couple hours and a labourer or different profession the rest of the time?
• Convenience: thanks to a professional Regional Instructor it means there are multiple opportunities for students to attend at a time that suits them. Most locations have at least 2 classes a week and many have several running back to back. All this for no extra cost.
• Education, not sport: RHEE Tae Kwon-Do is a school of self defence. Participants are called students, we charge tuition fees and the emphasis is on learning, not winning. Every class attended the student will have the opportunity to further their knowledge of the Art. This not only involves a series of self defence techniques but also leadership, fitness and basic Korean lingual skills.

 

How does the Free Trial work?

Anyone wanting to give it a go is welcome to book in for a free lesson or two providing they’re at least 5 years old and have no serious mental or health concerns. During that time the participant has the opportunity to learn some basic techniques and see if RHEE Tae Kwon-Do is the right martial art for them with no obligation what so ever. At the same time the Instructor will be examining the potential student to make sure they’re suitable to be accepted. In some cases the Instructor may advise a parent to bring a child back in a few months for another free trial if they feel that you wouldn’t be getting value for money at that time. What’s important though is to make sure everyone involved is Happy. The student joining must be happy that this is what they want to do, if under 18 the parent must be happy that this is what they want for their child and of course the Instructor must be happy that as a new student they will follow instruction and not use what’s being taught inappropriately.

 

What do I get for my money?

We believe RHEE Tae Kwon-Do provides the highest quality self defence instruction in the Bundaberg area. We’ve also worked out the easiest way for families to budget for our schooling by having a monthly tuition fee that doesn’t require you signing a lock in contract and there’s no minimum sign up. You simply pay for the months you intend to attend. And best of all there are no hidden costs. All gradings, belts, park/beach training, Action Days and unlimited classes per month are included. You’ll never be required to pay annual registration fees or for any of our multiple events.

 

Can I pay per Class?

To allow students to get the best value for money we don’t offer a pay per class system. While we don’t make it cheaper if you only attend one class a week we also don’t make it more expensive if you want to do several. If you’re going on holidays for a couple of weeks the instructor may be willing to offer a concession but generally since there are classes still being run the instructor is still turning up and paying for the hall whether you or your child turns up or not. Instead we recommend anyone who doesn’t think they’ll receive a reasonable amount of value to take the month off to practice at home. Sometimes this may actually be recommended by the Instructor.

 

What about School Holidays?

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do runs classes all year round. We take off a week or sometimes two over Christmas but otherwise most other school and public holidays we run a class. There may be times when the hall we use is unavailable or if it’s made clear that the vast majority of the class is not going to attend on that day then the Instructor will inform the class appropriately. If unsure ask the Instructor but generally if we haven’t told you that there’s NOT a class on then there will be.

Do you have special kids or adults classes?

Not very often, usually there’s no need and in many respects it’s inconvenient as it limits the amount of classes a student can attend. Once a student, regardless of age, you can attend all classes. All ranks from beginner to senior need to learn the same thing. A 6yo white belt needs to learn the same thing as a 16yo white belt for example. This also allows parents who wish to train with their kids to be able to come to the same class and not have to come back at a different time and do several trips. Generally speaking however; the earlier the class time the younger the average age (and the later the older average age).

Another benefit of this system is enables younger children to begin to learn to defend against an adult attacker. Something that can’t be done in kids only classes. RHEE Tae Kwon-Do instructors are very experienced at running classes this way.

 

How long does it take before I see results?

This varies from individual to individual as it’s not only a case of you get out what you put in it’s also dependant on the reason for joining. Do you want Self Defence? Fitness? Confidence? Or one of the many other benefits? Generally speaking however it should take no longer than an initial 3 months to begin seeing improvements. You’re Instructor will be more than happy to discuss your progress in private if asked.

 

Who’s running the classes?

All Rhee Tae Kwon-Do Instructors have been appointed and permitted to run a class with the approval of Master Rhee himself! This ensures that all Instructors are held accountable and responsible for teaching correctly and safely therefore maintaining a superior standard. All Bundaberg Rhee Tae Kwon-Do Branch Instructors are work with children Blue Card holders and first aid qualified. Anyone wanting a copy of our Risk Management plan is welcome to ask their instructor for one.

 

I’m just shopping around at the moment.

Not a problem. Obviously we’re biased and think that we’re the best but in truth there is no such thing as a bad Martial Art. In theory they’re all perfect and it’s the human factor that makes a “good” or “bad” one. Therefore you’ve got to find the one that suits you and your family the best. Some questions you may wish to be asking when shopping around are:

• What are all the costs? Some styles will charge a lower monthly rate but charge extra for promotions, insurances, registrations, uniforms, special events, belts, tournament fees etc. If they charge per class be sure to add up the cost per month on a rough estimate of how many times the student will be attending. It may also be good to ask yourself what it is you want from a martial art and how important it is for you or your family to learn. This might help you make a decision when it comes to budgeting on how much you’re willing to pay for the best Instruction possible.
• When and where are their classes? Are they convenient for you? Do they run all year round or are they seasonal and take off school and public holidays? Are there multiple times and locations and can all ages and ranks do the same classes or can they limited to only come at certain times? What happens when they’re no longer a “beginner”?
• Do they offer a free trial? You should be offered at least one no obligation class to try out their style. Should they be willing to accept but you’re still unsure they should offer a second class to give you a better idea.
• Is the Head Instructor a professional or part time Instructor? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a part time Instructor, Rhee Tae Kwon-Do has many and they’re all great, but what you might have to be careful of is what happens if their boss needs them to stay back late? or if they get caught up at work half way through a job? What happens if they lose their job? Will they have to move town for work or put up tuition costs? Will they be giving their class their full attention or will their mind be on a big contract coming up? With a professional Instructor at the head of the region you can ensure that there will always be a class on somewhere and that it will be conducted proficiently and regardless of which branch you attend the costs will remain the same. No Instructor should take offence to you asking about their background, what their occupation, their qualifications or how long they’ve been running classes.
• How do Gradings (promotions to the next belt) work? Are they done locally or do you have to travel? Is having to compete in a tournament one of the requirements for any rank?
• If you’re a parent and it’s for your child to learn do they let you sit and watch? Or come drop your kids off and come back at the end of class if more convenient?

At the free Trial:

• How do the other students react with the Instructor? The Instructor should be friendly but not a friend with the students. Too casual can be as bad as too strict.
• Does the Instructor instil discipline? It needn’t look like an Army boot camp but at the same time it shouldn’t be so relaxed as people are doing their own thing without supervision of a senior student. A martial art is dangerous if used incorrectly, much like a kitchen knife. What to look for is; are all the students following the instruction given and are the majority doing the same thing.
• Is the Instructor educating or ordering? Is the Instructor giving occasional quick explanations when necessary or is it simply monkey see, monkey do? Often too much information can just confuse a beginner but it’s also important students understand from their very first class where and when they can apply the techniques they’re learning to avoid injuries or incorrect use.
• Does the Instructor give you/your family/the other beginners the time of day by either taking you themselves or assigning you a senior student to ensure better student/instructor ratio? Or do they focus totally on the higher ranks and leave you to try to follow?
• Technique and standards. Even if you’ve never done a martial art before yourself you should be able to see if you think the techniques being taught would actually work. If unsure look to see what any senior students are doing to get a better view.
• Is it a positive environment? If a student makes a mistake are they punished or corrected? If the student is misbehaving are they yelled at or are they educated firmly? Are any games played in class to make learning more enjoyable?
• Finally go with your gut. If there’s something you feel is not right or you’re simply just not happy then I recommend moving on to find something that makes you feel more at ease. You should never have to “settle”.