In the martial art of Taekwondo, you learn self-defence and confidence. But there is more to Taekwondo then just that. Respect and Discipline also play a big part in Taekwondo. What is the difference between respect and discipline?

-Respect is when you show courtesy and proper behavior towards another person. It is always important to show respect towards Master Wesley and towards your fellow Taekwondo classmates. If you want to receive respect from others, you must first show others respect. Ex.) If your instructor asks you to do something, it is respectful to follow their instructions and not talk-back.

-Discipline is when you show self-control and follow the rules. This is important because not only do you help youself when you follow the rules, but you also help and protect others. Ex.) If your intructor asks you not to move, then you would show discipline by not moving and following their instructions.

Though Respect and Discipline go hand-in-hand, it is very important to show both at all times. If everyone shows respect and discipline, then you will have the entire experience of Taekwondo!

This month’s Student of the Month: February 2012 is Stephany Rivero.  Stephany is currently an Advanced Green belt and is an extremely devoted student. She always does her best, pays attention at all times, and is a very helpful student. Previously she has received an award for her academic achievement in which her average was all straight A’s. Stephany is a very deserving student and we would all love to say a big Congratulations! Keep up the good work, Stephany!

*In Taekwondo, it is very important to understand and master the four basic kicks. These kicks are the building blocks/foundation of learning the art of Taekwondo. Without these kicks, it is difficult to move onto more challenging technique. Understanding the basic kicks will prepare you for what is to come in learning further knowledge of Taekwondo. Here are some quick tips on perfecting the four basic kicks:

Front Kick: In order to have a proper front kick, it is important to know which part of your foot you are kicking with. When you front kick, kick with the ball of your foot. This can be done by pointing your toes toward yourself when you kick. This will add much more power to your kick. Also remember to keep the foot in which you are not kicking with, on the ground and not lifting your heel off the ground. Keep your upper body upright and penetrate your kick forward, not just raising your foot up and down.

Side Kick: In order to have a proper side kick, first bring your knee up. Make sure your bent leg and knee are parallel to the ground. Your heel, hip, and shoulder should all be in a straight line when you bring your knee/leg up. Then kick your foot out and remember to kick with the knife edge of your foot. After kicking, bend your knee back and step down into fighting stance.

Swing Kick: In order to have a proper swing kick, the most important step is to turn the foot in which you are not kicking with slightly sideways first. This will help your kicking leg swing around and be able to kick. Similar to side kick, remember to swing your knee around before you kick. Then kick with either the instep of your foot or the ball of your foot. After kicking, bend your knee back and step down into a strong fighting stance.

Back Kick: In order to have a proper back kick, always remember to look first. This will make sure you are able to see where you are kicking. Then bring your knee up as close to the non-kicking leg as you can. Do not “scoop your kick”. This means that you should not swing your foot around because when you do that you create a longer distance for your foot to travel thus making your kick slower. Always kick straight behind you. Lastly you then kick with the heel of your foot, not your toes.

*Don’t become discouraged if your kicks are not perfect the first time, practicing these kicks will definitely improve them. After all, perfect practice makes perfect!

Good news! There is an upcoming tournament! The 2011 Master Camacho Taekwondo Championship!

When: Saturday, December 17, 2011

Where: RC Fitness 3130 N. 35th Ave Suite 8, Phoenix, AZ  623-308-4775

Cost: Only $25.00

This competition is Sparring Only. This is a great opportunity to fight a new person and learn from the experience.

Please note: The registration form is due on December 3, 2011. There will be No on-site registration, so be sure to turn in the registration form before the deadline. Please see Master Wesley to get a registration form.

Hope to see you there and good luck to everyone!

All of us at Choi’s Black Belt Academy would love to say a big congratulations to this December’s Student of the Month, Jacob “JJ” Downey. Jacob is currently a green belt and shows a high amount of Discipline, Respect, and Dedication. This is an honorable award and Jacob will recieve a ‘Student of the Month’ patch, a certificate, and his picture hung on the wall for this month of December. Jacob is a wonderful student who is always paying attention and shows a great amount of dedication and respect. We are all so very proud of you Jacob, and keep up the good work!



Have you ever wondered if there are some helpful tips to becoming the best martial artist you can be?

These are the top ten Taekwondo tips:

1. Confidence: Always believe in yourself and be confident in what you do. Self-confidence is very important.

2. Never give up: Never give up on yourself. When you start to feel that you can no longer continue, push yourself to last just a little bit longer. This will show you how much you can accomplish and give you that extra boost of confidence.

3. Anger is only one letter short of Danger: Never become angry under any circumstance. Not only do  you put yourself in danger of doing something rash or reckless, but you also put your other classmates in danger of getting hurt.

4. Ask Questions: Feel free to ask your instructor to repeat something or explain it a little bit more. If you don’t understand something ask a question, because if you don’t you will never understand or learn.

5. Know the difference between ‘Paying Attention’ and ‘Focusing’: It is very important to know the difference because these two things are not the same. ‘Paying Attention’ is when you are with a group of people and you are following them because you are not sure. ‘Focusing’ is when you are alone and you have no one else to help you but yourself.

6. Follow Directions: Always follow directions and listen to your instructor. This will help you and your other classmates learn faster.

7. Leave Your Troubles Behind: When you come into taekwondo, never worry about your current troubles. Dedicate yourself fully to the task in front of you and you will be surprised at how much you will feel better.

8. Always Come to TKD Prepared: Come to your class prepared and ready to learn. Always bring your belt and uniform to class. If you also have purchased sparring gear then bring all of your gear to class. Just like any other sport, if you dont come fully prepared then you are not ready to participate. Ex.) In baseball, if you forget your baseball bat and your baseball shoes then you cannot play baseball.

9. Always Stretch Before Class: When you arrive to class, always sit down and stretch. This will not only prevent muscle injuries, but also then it will not be necessary to take time out of class for stretching.

10. Respect: It is very important to show respect to your instructor and your classmates. Always bow to Master Wesley when you arrive at TKD and also bow to your other classmates to show respect.

If you follow these Ten Taekwondo Tips, then you will be the best martial artist you can be.

• Did you know you need to wash your gear every now and then?
• Did you know if you don’t wash your sparring gear once in a while it will stink!

When you first get your gear, most of us were not aware that it is OK to wash your chest protector. If you don’t wash occasionally, your chest protector will deteriorate faster from your perspiration (a.k.a. sweat). So, washing you’re chest protector once in a while will help it last longer.

Washing Your TaeKwonDo Gear

To wash your chest protector lay it out on the lawn and hose it down. Then let it dry in a nice shady spot. Best to do this on a warm day as it will dry faster.

It’s also good to throw your arm, shin and foot pads in the washing machine and dryer every couple of months as well, if not more often to keep them clean too.

Need Some Gear?

If you don’t have your sparring gear yet, talk to Master Wesley or Mrs. Timmie about getting some gear, to protect yourself in class and at competition. Your gear will keep you safe, so make sure you take care of it.

Testing for a New Belt Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do

If you have been given a Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do testing application, you’ll find the criteria you will be tested on the back side. If you are unsure about any of the techniques make sure you talk with your instructor to get the extra support you might need.

Friends and family are always welcome to come, watch and take pictures or video at a Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do test. make sure you set aside several hours for testing and make sure to eat a healthy meal before testing! Testing can take more time than a normal class and can strenuous. Bring and drink water!

Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do Testing is usually held on the last Friday evening (for adults) and the last Saturday morning (for kids) each month. And belt presentations are usually held the following day you train. Again make sure mom or dad is there with the camera to capture you receiving your new belt!

Check out some Adult testing pictures at Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do on Facebook. Oh and while you’re visiting our Facebook page, please Like us, be a fan!

Arizona Latino Tae Kwon Do Championship a Success

Wes Choi’s had a great turn out with a good number of spectators and participants at the AZ Latino Tae Kwon Do Championship yesterday. When we cheered, you knew we were there! And our experience at the fighting only Tae Kwon Do Championship was a success! We had several students take 1st and 2nd place.

The demos at this Tae Kwon Do Championship were smaller than some we’ve seen in the past but they were still impressive. And it was still a good reminder of why we practice, for strength and protection!

Champion pictures and the 1st,2nd & 3rd places pictures boxes were out of range of personal cameras and video recorders. A new twist that not everyone was excited about. But my mom did get some great fighting shots and a few groups shots below. If you would like hi res images so you can print or order your own, please contact her at My Studio Space Best Blog Design and let her know who you are.

Thanks to all of our friends and family for attending and supporting us at the AZ Latino Tae Kwon Do Championship. And to all of my fellow students who got in the ring and fought, remember its not all about winning. It’s about doing your best and being able to take something away from the experience that you can use to improve who you are. AH SAH!

AZ Latino TKD Championship Photo Gallery

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Sofia Deva writes for Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do and competed at the AZ Latino Tae Kwon Do Championship. She also writes for Love Child Kids Resale in Tempe AZ.

What to Expect at a Tae Kwon Do Tournament

Whether it’s your first tae kwon do tournament or you are a seasoned veteran, making sure you are prepared, you now what to expect and that you have what you need for your tournament carries the same amount of importance. Being prepared is half the battle!

Hurry Up and Wait

So you know, Tae Kwon Do Tournaments will rarely start on time. And you will have to wait for your turn to compete, so bring a book or an ipod. Don’t go exploring as you don’t want to miss your call to compete. Find a quite spot to relax. Conserve you energy for your fight. Don’t run around with your friends or kick targets, save all that energy for your turn on the mat.

Food, You Are What You Eat

Don’t consume a lot of sugary foods or drinks before the Tae Kwon Do tournament. Choose complex carbs and proteins as these will stick with you and provide the energy needed to win! Drink lots of water.

When It’s Your Turn to Fight

Always keep in mind that even if this is your 20th or your very first competition, walking into the sparring ring is terrifying. Everyone, even experienced fighters feel this way. And when the ref asks you to step into fighting stance, key-hup with strength and confidence!

Your best friend when you’re in the ring is your coach. During the Tae Kwon Do tournament they can see what you can’t see and their input is always helpful.

What to Bring to a Tae Kwon Do Tournament – A Checklist

• Clean Tobok Belt
• Hogu (Chestpad)
• Headgear
• Mouthpiece
• Arm pads
• Shin and instep pads
• Groin cup
• Hair Bands (if needed)
• Water bottle/Gatorade
• Nailclippers (nails MUST be cut to a reasonable length)
• Cameras/Video Cameras
• Snacks (granola bars, sandwiches etc.) – Some tournaments sell snacks, some do not.
• And a positive tae kwon do tournament attitude!

Have you been to tournament? I’d love to hear your experience, please post your stories in the comments below. Thanks!

Sofia Deva is a purple belt at Wes Choi’s Tae Kwon Do in Mesa who has attended several tae kwon do tournaments. She writes for Wes Choi’s TKD Blog and other local businesses. She and her mom manages this website.