What age groups do you teach?

We offer:

A Toddler Program for ages 3 to 5
After School, Summer Camp, and Youth Programs for ages 6 to 12
A Teen/Adult Program for ages 13 and up

What are the different ranks and why are they important?

Students begin with no belt on. The first belt you will begin with will be the white belt. Then comes white/yellow, yellow, orange, orange one stripe, green, green one stripe, green two stripes, red, four more levels of red, and finally midnight blue (black - in Korean culture, black symbolizes an ending, so a dark blue is worn as the 1st Dan is thought of as a beginner among the many levels of Dans). Our Toddler Program has its own ranking structure based upon this structure.

Our belt ranking system helps children, teens, and adults to be able to chart their progress. Through the belt ranking system, students learn about setting goals, self-discipline to achieve those goals, and perseverance for sticking to that goal.

How long will it take to reach a Black Belt?

There is no guarantee on the amount of time it will take an individual to advance in the martial arts. Advancement is based upon individual progression and completion of the necessary prerequisites.

With consistent attendance, rigorous training and dedication, the average time to 1st Dan is 4 to 5 years and for children and 3 to 4 years for teens and adults.

Am I too old to begin training in the martial arts?

We have had students in their 40's, 50's, 60's, and even 70's train in Tang Soo Do at Shelton Martial Arts. We believe in safety first, which means we can work around your physical limitations to help you achieve the highest success possible in martial arts!

Do you teach weapons?

Yes, weapons are included in Tang Soo Do. Students begin working with the Bo Staff at the Green Belt (intermediate) level, and the Nunchaku at the Red Belt (advanced) level. Dans (black belts) work with Bo, Katana, Straight Sword, Sai, Nunchaku, Knife, Short Stick, Cane, Double Sticks, Kama, and Fan.

Is sparring necessary?

Our students do learn how to spar, but only after achieving their Yellow Belt rank are they allowed to participate in sparring, and only after Orange Belt is sparring manditory. Sparring helps to sharpen reaction time, equip students with better coordination, increase balance and agility, and develop expert self-defense timing, and control. The instructors at Shelton Martial Arts always keep safety at the forefront and teach self-control to all of our students.

Aren't injuries prone to occur when training in the martial arts?

As with any physical exercise program, injuries could occur. But our staff knows safety comes first! We strive to make our method of teaching the safest and best structured in the area. This means we will always consider your individual health issues before asking you to do something that could cause you injury.