Koryo Karate School
Welcome to the Koryo Karate School web site!
The purpose of this web site it to provide information about the training you can receive at the Koryo Karate School. We train in the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do. Specifically, it is the Chang-Hon system of International Taekwon-Do. Incorporated into the training is the use of joint locks, throws, pressure points and some ground-fighting.
In order to check all the information contained on this site, be sure to navigate all areas, using the Menu on the left of this page. I am using all the sections from My Site News down to the Guestbook.
If you would like to contact me about classes, you can call me any time. Also, by clicking on my underlined name below the Menu, you are sent directly to my e-mail. Feel free to contact me in that way also. Although this is an Old Orchard Beach Recreation Program, enrollment is NOT limited to just OOB residents. Anyone who is interesting in training can join!
A brief explanation of each section from the Menu...
* If you see Updated next to one of the sections, it means that I have recently added information there. The Updated stays up for a week, so if you haven't been to the site in a few days, and you see Updated , be sure to take a look through that section.
Home
This page is the Home Page. All basic information related to navigating the rest of the site is here. Any special notices, such as Storm Day class cancellations, will be posted at the very top of this page, for a quick reference.
My Site News
All current news and information associated with classes. Any updated information concerning all things class-related will also be placed in this area.
Locations
We are a Recreation Program for OOB, and use a room in the basement of the Loranger Middle School as our primary training area. Locations and directions are accessed here.
Schedules
All class schedules, for every age and experience level, will be listed out in an easy to read format. Classes start the first Tuesday or Thursday of each month. However, you can come observe a class, or try a class, or join - at any time during the month.
Calendar
I list all classes, broken down by month - and then further broken down by class nights. I have certain nights that I commit to certain activities, like Tuls, or Pads, or Grappling, etc. These are all listed, as well as the nights you can expect to do some General Training. Once you are in Calendars, and you see anything listed on a certain date, just click on the underlined words, it will bring up a pop-up window that has more information listed in it. I try to keep this updated for the current month, and the following month...
Special Classes / Tournaments
From time to time I like to bring my students to other martial arts schools. There are 3-4 other schools that we do this with, and every few months we take our students to each others schools to train, and sometimes even to test. I like to do this, as it fosters the spirit of brotherhood amongst the schools, and since we all train in the same style, it's not confusing at all. It also gives students an idea of what it is like to train at other dojangs, which can only be a good thing! Look for any info on our travel plans in this section. All the local Tournaments are listed out, so you can decide if you would like to watch or compete. Knowing when and where they are allows you to make advance plans.
Prices
Current pricing, as well as specials and incentive programs, will all be listed here.
*I was initially unsure if I should post prices on the web site. I decided that posting my prices was a convenient way for people to "shop on-line". This class is a Rec Program, so prices are able to be kept low. But regardless of price, you should decide on a class based on what the class offers to you.
$$ Sales $$
Each month of the year has selected items "on sale". Check this section out to see what specials are being offered, so you can save additional money on items you need for class.
Albums
The Albums section of this website is not very user-friendly, so I have decided to post pictures of classes, events and testings on Facebook - look for "Koryo Karate School". Facebook will be where most of the photos will be stored, as well as some event notifications. And even if you're NOT on Facebook, I e-mail a link with to the photo site that will allow you to access the photos on Facebook anyhow!
(but you have to be on my email mailing list first...)
Testing / Promotions
General testing/rank requirements are listed out. I also post general and specific test dates for the calendar year. If/when you are invited to test, your name will be posted in this section. The criteria used during tested is detailed, which follows a similar idea to a grade school grading system. After a testing is completed, all the promotions will be listed here. I list the rank prior to testing, and the new rank earned after testing.
Black Belts!
All the Black Belts associated with the Koryo Karate School are listed, to include their promotion dates.
Black Belt Testing / Promotions
A seperate page for all the Black Belt tests that have occurred. Due to the nature of the Black Belt testing, I felt it was appropriate to give them their own page... Included are each Black Belts promotional dates, by rank, and their ranking within each of these ranks.
Women's Self-Defense and Awareness
The next class is scheduled for Saturday May 19th, 2012. This class will cover many aspects of self-defense and awareness, specifically designed for women ages 13 & up. This class will be done as a three hour class, completed in one training session. Classes will consist of lecture, practical drills, discussion and question & answers.
Links
I have added web sites that I think may be of interest to you. Not all of them are martial arts related. I tried to give you a variety of sites to check out, and you'll probably note that these are sites that I also have an interest in... If you know of any sites that you think should be added, please let me know and I'll be more than happy to add them. I try to support local people/businesses as much as possible!
Handouts
I have all the ranking requirements for each rank listed here. All students are required to maintain a notebook of information. If you are missing any of the ranking requirement info, you can get extra copies right from this section. I also have some of the basic files here, such as General Dojang Rules and the Sparring Rules. Pretty much anything you need for your NoteBook will be here!
Message Board
Please feel free to make any suggestions for this site. I want this to be a site that is "by and for" the students of the Koryo Karate School! Make any comments, or ask any questions, in this section. I check the site daily, so you're likely to get a response the same day! You can also e-mail me with any thoughts, comments or suggestions - or just talk to me at class... One thing about this section: You have to have an eteamz account to post here. It's no big deal to sign up, fill out a basic form, and you're in. (It's FREE)
Guestbook
Feel free to sign the Guestbook, and let me know what you think of the site. As with the Message Board, you'll need an eteamz account to access this area...
A Special Invitation
If you are a Black Belt from any school/style, and you find yourself in the greater OOB area for vacation, school or work, feel free to pop in to class. Whether you are from 1 mile away, or from across the country, we are an open dojang. Stop by and train with us. I'm sure it will be a rewarding experience for all involved. I like the idea of getting to train with people from different areas and/or styles. I have a very open-minded approach to training, and I am always eager to share what I know, as well as learn something new! I have been known to travel with my dobok, and have had the opportunity to pop into a class or two while away. I have to assume that others also travel with their karate gear, and I want you to consider this an open invitation to jump into class - Free of charge!
On a related note, if you were once a student of Taekwon-Do, or any form of martial art, and want to return to training, you are welcome to come watch or try a class. If you decide to join, you would not necessarily have to start back over as a White Belt. You would have a choice... Start over as a White Belt, and attain ranks specific to this Taekwon-Do training. Or retain your existing rank - with the understanding that you would probably be in that rank for an extended period of time. Once you attain the basic requirements for that corresponding Taekwon-Do rank, you would then be eligible to be promoted further.
I know that retaining rank is important to people, so I give this option. Either way is fine with me...
David H Bonneau - Sabum, 4th Degree