Taekwondo Boston

When people mention Boston, they may not immediately think of an Asian martial art. However, within the lively streets of this city, the blending of these two seemingly different worlds creates a distinctive story. It epitomizes Boston’s hidden strengths, encapsulated in the phrase “Taekwondo Boston.”

Boston’s Tapestry of History and Culture

Nestled in Massachusetts, Boston unfolds a rich history and a lively culture. As the largest city in New England, it showcases centuries of education, innovation, and immigration. This historic city invites students from around the world to prestigious institutions like Harvard University and MIT.

Since the arrival of the first colonists in 1630, Boston has served as a gateway for immigrants from diverse backgrounds. Playing a crucial role in the American Revolution, it hosted events such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. The city’s population reflects its diverse heritage, including individuals of Irish, Italian, Chinese, African, Latin American, and other ancestries. Bostonians, known for their curiosity and openness, eagerly embrace new ideas and cultures.

Cultural and Culinary Haven

Beyond its historical importance, Boston is a hub for cultural and culinary exploration. Museums, theaters, restaurants, and festivals fill the city with a variety of experiences. Influenced by immigrant communities, the international cuisine paints a tasty picture of Boston’s culinary diversity.

In the midst of this cultural mosaic, Boston offers a unique opportunity for those interested in martial arts. Taekwondo, a Korean martial art seamlessly combining punching, kicking, and self-defense techniques, has found a home in the heart of Boston.

Grandmaster Jae H. Kim’s Journey to Boston

The roots of Taekwondo in Boston can be traced back to 1971 when Grandmaster Jae H. Kim arrived. A distinguished martial artist, Grandmaster Kim refined his skills under renowned masters worldwide, including General Choi Hong Hi and Grandmaster Jung Tae Park, shaping modern-day Taekwondo.

Beginning his teaching journey in Boston, Grandmaster Kim founded Taekwon-do clubs in local universities, drawing the interest of many students. Responding to demand, he opened his first school in 1974, initiating a transformative era in Taekwondo education in Boston.

A Legacy of Dedication, Expertise, and Innovation

Now marking 50 years of operation, Grandmaster Kim’s schools have become pillars of excellence in Taekwondo. His success is not mere luck but is grounded in unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise, and innovative teaching methods. Having graduated from Harvard and MIT, Grandmaster Kim seamlessly blended the best of Western and Eastern teaching methodologies.

As a student of General Choi, Grandmaster Kim diligently shared his knowledge and skills with his students. His schools, synonymous with top-quality Taekwondo instruction, are globally recognized among the best. With four strategically located Jae H. Kim schools in the Boston area, they serve a diverse community of learners, contributing to the legacy of Taekwondo and enhancing the cultural fabric of this historically significant city.

Check out our school homepage.

End of the year 2023

In today’s newsletter…

We can’t believe it’s the end of the year 2023 already! There is a LOT of news in the newsletter this time:

• Holidays are here! We are closed Dec 22-25!
• Test Photos! Congrats everyone!
• Holiday gift certificates! Give the gift of TKD!
• Reviews: please review us on Google <3
• Get ready for the January attendance challenge! You might win a new uniform for yourself!
• Black belt program schedules for January/February
• Next test date: Mark your calendar for February 23rd!
• Yellow belts: some info about sparring for you

❄️ Holidays are here! ❄️

For Christmas we are closed this Friday through Monday (December 22 through 25th). And then next week we are also closed Friday through Monday (December 29 – January 1).

All other days we are open regular hours.

Congrats New Ranks!

Congratulations everyone who passed the December belt promotion test! (In addition to the folks who moved up in rank shown below, we had several students take the 1st Dan black belt test at the Boston school, and one the 2nd dan test, so look for news about them, next time!)

The next test date will be February 23rd (a Friday) with kids testing at 4:30 pm, and adults testing at 6:30 pm, as usual.

Remember that it may take several months to master the skills needed to move up to the next rank. There are no “automatic” promotions. It isn’t just about whether you can memorize the form and one-steps. As the ranks get higher the instructors are also looking for improvements in speed, balance, and power in techniques. Sometimes it just takes time to build up the muscles and the reflexes. Be sure to attend class regularly to improve in all areas.

Give the Gift of Taekwondo!

Once a year we offer this to our members only: purchase a one-month beginner package that includes the uniform, lessons, and one month of class attendance for only $199. (Normally $285.) or two months for $299! (Normally $464!)

If there’s someone you’d like to gift it to, just let us know and we can invoice you by email for the amount. If you know their height we can even give you the uniform if you’d like to give it to them as a gift.

The gift you can give to us this season…

Every school like ours is relying more and more on Google to lead new people to us. One of the most important aspects of our listing is reviews from our members.

Your journey in Taekwondo matters, and your review can inspire others to join our community. In this digital age, your satisfaction shared is a gift to those seeking a path in martial arts. Your voice makes a difference—let it resonate!

Here’s a link to leave a review. We appreciate every single one!

Get ready for the January attendance challenge!

Once a year we give members age 14 and up a chance to earn a new uniform through hard work! Attend class on 20 different days in January and you will win a new uniform as a prize! And whoever has the most attendance during the month will win $100! (Split amongst the winners in the case of a tie.)

See you on January 2nd to get started! Sign up at the front desk!

Black Belt Program Schedules

New schedules are out for the upcoming clinics and special classes for members of the black belt program! Kids BB program meets Saturdays at 1pm in Cambridge, and adults at 2pm.

If you would like to know more about the black belt program, please speak with Mr. Hwang or someone at the front desk.

TKD FAQ: About Sparring

We get a lot of questions about Sparring Class. Once a student reaches yellow belt, they should start sparring class. The class does require each student to have their own safety equipment. The equipment should last for many years.

To advance in rank, sparring is required on the test from green stripe and up.

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about sparring!

What is sparring class?

Sparring is freeform fight practice. Unlike the regular class, whereas each movement is predictable, meanwhile in sparring practice two partners practice fighting without knowing in advance what each other are going to try to do. It’s a chance to try out the skills learned in the regular class in a fast-moving environment.

Who should take sparring class? 

Once students attain their yellow stripe, than they can start participating in sparring.
After yellow belt, sparring is required to continue moving up in rank. All ages can practice sparring. The classes are divided into age 5-8, 9-12, and adults.

Is sparring dangerous? 

Our goal in sparring class is to train our reflexes to respond in a fighting situation, and to help each other meet that goal. When sparring, each student is directed not to make hard contact and only to attack padded areas. But when everyone is moving at the same time, there are opportunities for injuries to occur. This is why we require every student to own their own protective padding and gear and to wear it at all times during sparring classes.

What equipment is required? 

Safety equipment is required for every student to participate in sparring. Each student should have their own gear. Every student should be wearing: helmet, chest guard, sparring gloves, elbow guards, knee pads, shin guards, forearm guards, and protective cup. We sell all the pieces as a package that includes a school duffel bag to keep it all in. The full package is $289 and after payment it takes about a week to come from our supplier. You can pay for equipment at the front desk, or by phone with a credit card, or we can email you a payment link.

Please write your name on EVERY piece of sparring equipment to prevent losing it. (All equipment looks alike and is easy to mix up.)

When is sparring class? 

Kids age 5-8 have sparring on Thursdays at 4pm.
Age 9-12 are Thursdays at 5pm.
Adults are Wednesday nights at 7pm.

This month’s best photo…

New belts are the best! Congrats Eshaan and Felipe (with Adi)

Black Friday Sale and November Newsletter

Grateful for our diverse and welcoming school community fostering learning and personal growth. Don’t miss the Black Friday sale! Mark your calendars for the upcoming test on Dec. 15th, and stay updated on the Winter Holidays schedule. New students, check out the FAQ for helpful information.

Happy Thanksgiving! We are very thankful for the loving and welcoming community of people who have come together in our school. We are from many countries and places but everyone comes together to learn and become better people.
* Black Friday sale!
* Next test date is coming up Dec. 15th!
* Winter Holidays schedule
* New Student FAQ!

Black Friday Sale!
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We have a special deal for those thinking about extending or upgrading their programs!

If you are in the regular program, prepay for a one-year extension and get $200 off the regular rate! (Regular $1879, sale price $1679.)

If you are in the Black Belt program, get $400 off of a two-year extension!

If you are not in the Black Belt program but you would like to be, get $600 off an upgrade into the program!

See anyone at the front desk. Form and payment must be received by November 25th.

Next Test Date:
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The next testing date coming up for colored belts will be Friday, December 15th. The kids test will be at 4:30 PM and the adults at 6:30 PM.

The last day to register for the test will be Tuesday, December 12th.

Remember, if you’re thinking about testing, be sure you are coming to forms class and/or test review class. The instructors will tell you what you, personally, need to work on more in order to be ready. If for some reason you are unable to attend forms review classes, please speak to an instructor so we can make sure to go over the material with you another day.

On the day of the test, be sure to arrive around 30 minutes before test time with a clean uniform, your name tag and patch applied, and any equipment you may need. (Sparring gear is mandatory for students testing for green stripe and above.)

Upcoming Holidays
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We will be closed on the following dates to celebrate the holidays. We are open on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so come on in and work out your Turkey!
Thanksgiving: Closed November 23-24
Christmas: Closed December 22-25
New Year: Closed December 29 – January 1

All other days we are open regular hours.

New Student F.A.Q.
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Got a question? Let us know and maybe it will be added to our Frequently Asked Questions list!

What does “student check in” mean?

Every student should “check in” when they attend class by typing their phone number or student ID number into the touchpad on the front desk. We will often write the 4-digit student ID number on each student’s belt when they are new as a reminder to do it. Our computer will track each student’s attendance through this system.

How does belt testing work?

Promotion tests take place about every other month. Students should not test before they are ready. To get ready, the quickest way is to make sure you are attending Forms Class. KIDS: If for some reason your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend the Friday Forms class, we will also work the test material into regular class whenever a testing date draws near. The test for each belt level includes some basic movements (just like in class), a different form for each level, and a different set of One Step Movements. Above yellow belt, no-contact sparring is also included in the test.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Some students are highly motivated by moving up in rank, while others just enjoy a good workout and a feeling of gradual progress, so each student’s journey to black belt is different. Those who are really motivated, attend frequently and regularly, and don’t have injury or illness holding them back can achieve a black belt in under 4 years, but it’s much more typical for people to take longer. It’s not a race. The most important thing is that students continue to feel motivated to learn new things and continually hone their skills. Many will achieve it within 5-7 years, but taking longer is not unusual.

How do I wash my uniform?

Wash your uniform jacket and pants in the laundry with other white clothes. (DON’T WASH your belt!) Use cold water to prevent shrinking. Don’t use bleach or it will discolor the school patch. If you take it out of the dryer as soon as it is done, you should not have to iron the uniform. Make sure to never leave it in your gym bag or locker while it is still damp or sweaty or it will get mold spots on it. Always let it dry out after you work out and wash it frequently. If you sweat a lot and take class often, you may want to get a second (or even third) uniform to rotate through.

** Next month’s best photo…
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Have a submission for best photo? Email it to [email protected]
or post on social media and tag us! We are:

Facebook: Jae H. Kim Taekwondo Institute Cambridge
Instagram: jaekim.tkd.cambridge
Twitter: jhkim_cambridge

COVID-19 Protocols and Rules

The pandemic is not over, but we are in a different phase from earlier. These are our current COVID-19 Protocols and Rules:

1. Do not come to class if you have any “cold or flu” symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, or fever. This is true whether we are in a pandemic or not! Do not come to class if you are sick.
2. We will send anyone who does come to class and is feverish, coughing, or otherwise seems ill back to home.
3. Do not come to class if you know you have been exposed to COVID within the past 5 days, even if you are currently negative. This also includes a family or household member that tests positive, or someone in your classroom if you are a student. If exposed, self-monitor for COVID symptoms and take tests for one week. (It’s possible to have COVID and spread it to other even if you don’t experience any symptoms.)
4. While masks inside the dojang are optional, we strongly recommend using them. N95 and KN94 masks have proven effectiveness in preventing infection. (If an indoor mask mandate returns in Cambridge or Massachusetts we will of course have to abide by it.)
5. If you test positive for COVID and think you either caught it at the dojang or might have exposed others at the dojang, please inform us when you were here. (We will inform others who were present via email that there was an exposure. We will not use any names.)
6. For now, we are still limiting the number of people inside the dojang. This means that during class, friends and family cannot stay inside. If you would like to observe someone in class, please make an appointment for a 30 minute visit by calling the dojang at 617-492-5070. If waiting to pick someone up, please wait outside. We will instruct kids to wait inside between the glass doors.
7. During tests, each student testing may only have one visitor to watch the test.

WHEN SHOULD YOU RETURN TO THE DOJANG IF YOU HAVE HAD COVID?

We are following the CDC guidelines for return to activity. Here are the steps.

1. From the day you test positive, count that as Day 0. You should isolate (stay out of work, school, or the dojang) until Day 5.
2. On Day 5, if you are not still experiencing symptoms, then start testing. If you get a negative antigen test at home two days in a row — i.e. on Day 5 and Day 6, or Day 6 and Day 7 — then you can return to work, school, or the dojang. However, you MUST USE A MASK and continuing to test daily to monitor.
3. If you develop symptoms again or begin to test positive again (“rebound”), then you start the clock over again with Day 1. You need to isolate again through another Day 5.
4. If you don’t develop symptoms again and continue to test negative on Days 5-10, then you are considered free from COVID after that and have no restrictions.
5. Ensuring sufficient rest is crucial to preventing a COVID infection from evolving into Long COVID. If you are still feeling fatigue or reduced lung capacity, even if you test negative, we recommend you give yourself at least a few more days. It is even better to rest for a full week, before you return to normal workouts. Take it slow when you return. This is not a time to “push through” if you feel tired, as it can lead to a serious condition worsening your capacity in the long term.

Remember, any symptoms of cold or flu and you should not come to class anyway, even if you are negative for COVID. 

Thanks, everyone, for working so hard to stay healthy and keep everyone at the dojang healthy as well.

 

In today’s post: Next Test Date for Kids And Adults! Tues. December 14th Winter Holiday Schedule Black belt program schedules Sparring Class Update November Class Schedule: Same as October! Next Test Date: The next testing date coming up for colored belts — both ADULTS and KIDS will be Tuesday, December 14th! The test will begin at 6:00 pm. Please arrive by 5:30 pm. Visitors and parents are welcome to observe. This will be our first formal test for adults since the pandemic began. Remember, if you’re thinking about testing, be sure you are coming to forms class and/or test review class. The instructors will tell you what you, personally, need to work on more in order to be ready. On the day of the test, be sure to arrive around 30 minutes before test time with a clean uniform, your name tag and patch applied, and any equipment you may need. Sparring will be required for yellow belts and above on this test.  Upcoming Holidays Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are coming up, and we will be closed on the following days. All other days we are open regular hours. Please note that on Tuesday, December 14, because of the test, there will be no classes from 5pm on. Thanksgiving: Closed November 25-26 Christmas: Closed December 23–24–25 New Year’s: Closed December 30-January 1

Black Belt Program Schedules New schedules are out for the upcoming clinics and special classes for members of the black belt program! ADULTS: please note the two sparring seminars in December. These are going to be especially good for folks who haven’t sparred in a while and are just getting back to it or who are trying sparring for the first time. The emphasis will be on basics and drills. Every black belt program member should try to make it to at least one of the two classes. Equipment will be needed for the classes: please make sure yours is still intact after a year and a half in your closet!

Sparring Class Update It’s been great to see many folks getting back into sparring after such a long time off. Others are just starting for the first time! Here are some tips compiled from our students: Sparring can be kind of scary at first. The more often you do it, the less scary it will be. In sparring class, we should all be helping each other to hone our fighting skills. Sparring class is not a competition. You give your partner a chance to practice and they give the chance to you. One key element of in sparring practice is reflexes. You need to react quickly without having time to stop and think about your move first. With practice this becomes faster and more “automatic.” Safety equipment is required for sparring. It’s no fun to get injured, and not good for keeping up your training. Your equipment protects both you and your sparring partner. The full package can be ordered through our school. If you have equipment that is getting old or worn out, please see us about replacing any worn out pieces.

November Class Schedule We are making no changes from October to November on the class schedule.

Infection rates are finally coming DOWN in Cambridge, and all of our staff are now fully vaccinated. So we are thrilled to announce a new class schedule that should hopefully help with the problem that they were filling up to capacity too often!

In-person classes have expanded from 15 to 25 per week.

We will allow 12 students per class (instead of 10).

Reservations are still required! Please call the day before to reserve a slot.

If the class you want is already full when you call to reserve, you will be offered a priority slot in the next class of your choice.

Masks are still required.

Maintaining distance and temp checks are still

required.

Changes in Forms Classes:

Forms classes are now either Zoom or in-person, not both.

Kids have In Person forms in designated slots Fridays (same as before)

Kids have Zoom Only forms in designated slots Thursdays 4-6pm.

Adults have in-person forms Tuesday 6pm (same as before)

Adults have Zoom Only forms Tuesday at 7pm.

An additional forms class for adults will be Monday 12 noon.

 

Other new classes to note:

Kids age 4-5 classes are offered three days a week

Kids ages 6-8 in-person class are offered four days a week.

Kids ages 9-12 in-person classes are offered five days a week, including a new class on Saturday mornings at 10AM.

Adults in-person is now every night at 6pm, plus some 7pm offerings.

Wednesday night 7pm is a special class for adult white belts and yellow stripes only.

 

Not shown on the schedule:

The kids Competition Team will continue to meet on Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm.

 

We will continue monitoring the restrictions from the City of Cambridge, infection rates, and advice from the CDC as we plan the class schedule for June, July, and August. We hope to soon be able to lift attendance restrictions.