Getting Started

USA Martial Arts Woodbury and Naugatuck Ct

Proud member of the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation

Contact Information

Woodbury Studio:
203-266-9172
Information & Schedule

Naugatuck Studio:
203-720-2147
Information & Schedule

Satellite Locations and
Park & Rec Programs:
203-558-4781
Locations & Schedules

Email:
DougWilke7@aol.com

We offer classes at all ages and skill levels.

Our curriculum is a balanced martial arts training program, incorporating Cheezic Tang Soo Do forms (kata), kicks and hand techniques, self-defense, oriental weapons and conditioning into an all encompassing program that will train your total mind and body. Our junior students are focused, more respectful and get better grades. Our teen and adult students are skilled, confident and in the best shape of their lives.

One of the most important aspects of martial arts is that everyone is a student and a teacher. From the minute that you master a movement, you then help someone else to learn it. This makes martial arts training ideal for families to do together. Children who can really teach a parent something as an equal quite simply have a self esteem that cannot be attained in any other way.

We have well over 50 families who train at USA Martial Arts. Mothers & sons, fathers & daughters, husbands & wives - and one family that consists of mom, dad, two teen daughters, one teen son, and one grandmother - all second or third degree black belts! We also have quite a few siblings...

Little Ninjas (age 3 - 4)

Our smallest people have the mostest fun while they're learning coordination, how to pay attention, and respect for others.

Kid Kicks (age 5 - 6)

This is our most popular class! The goal of this class is to teach basic karate skills in a safe and enjoyable environment. The kids have fun and the parents know they are learning how to focus themselves, becoming safer and getting exercise. We also teach safety and self-defense skills that are age-appropriate and fun.

Juniors Class (age 7 - 12)

The juniors classes are designed to benefit the students with improved physical fitness, instilling self-confidence and personal protection skills. The structure of the classes helps to provide students of this age with the mastery of self discipline. And - it's just plain fun and exhilarating!

Teen Class (age 13 - 17)

Teen years are tremulous, but karate training can help smooth the rough spots with strenuous exercise, focus, self discipline, and self confidence that translates to any situation that a teen might find themselves in. Some of our teens are third degree black belts, having been with us since they were 5 years old. Other teens start training in high school, and quickly discover that practicing a martial art raises their self esteem and encourages a camaraderie with other students that surpasses that between common sports teammates.

Adult Class (age 17 - 78)

Younger adults find an excellent mix of conditioning, fitness and personal protection skills. Older adults - many of our students are in their 40s, 50s, 60s & 70s - are encouraged to be their personal best within whatever physical limits they have. The benefits of martial arts training as an adult are tremendous - conditioning, fitness, camaraderie, self confidence. Karate is one of the few "exercise programs" that actually engages your mind with your body.

Black Belt Club : This is a members only club offered to red and apprentice black belts for advanced training to prepare for earning their black belt. Classes cover federation requirements for weapons, forms, sparring, breaking, self-defense, one-steps and more.

CHEEZIC TANG SOO DO DOJANG ETTIQETTE

The federation “dojang etiquette” was established to formalize acceptable attire, attitude, self-control and respect in the martial arts community.

Bowing (more about bowing below...)

· Bow when entering and leaving the dojang.

· Bow to master belts entering or leaving the dojang. The most senior member present will bring the class to attention and initiate a formal bow-in.

· Arrive 5 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. If you enter the dojang after class has started you must wait to be acknowledged and then bow in before entering the workout area.

· When sitting on the floor, legs should be crossed with hands on knees. No conversation.

Attire

· Dobahk must be neat and clean. Kwan patch should be over the heart, American flag on left and the Korean flag on the right sleeve.

· Street shoes, watches and jewelry must be removed upon entering workout area.

· Your belt should be tied with a traditional knot.

· Students should not face their instructor while attending to their uniform or belt. A respectful student will turn to the rear and to make adjustments.

Respect for Students, Instructors and Dojang

· Students will be positioned by seniority. The highest-ranking member will dress in the first row on the extreme right. Hands are behind your back while awaiting commands.

· There is one lead instructor per class. Do not question or challenge the instructor during class. If you have concerns about techniques, direction, forms or other issues, speak to the instructor in private. Safety concerns are the only exception to this tradition.

· The highest ranking student is responsible for the class should the instructor be absent.

· New material (forms, combinations, self-defense escapes, etc.) should initially be taught to the student by the head instructor. Seek help from those who are your immediate senior in belt before approaching senior black belts for assistance.

· Do not eat or chew gum in class. Students must avoid conversation once the class begins. When being addressed by an instructor or another student, all members should respond with “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am”.

· Sparring: Senior belt will dress to the right of center. When sparring, students should show consideration for their opponent’s rank, size and skill level. It would be disrespectful to humiliate another member of the association during a sparring drill. Bring all gear (uniforms, sparring gear, weapons, etc.) to all classes.

· In competition ask permission to address a judge. Accept the judge’s decision as final. Be humble in victory and defeat.

THE MARTIAL ARTS BOW

Martial arts practice is rooted in the tradition of respect. Respect is shown for self, others, training hall, art, instructor and organization. The most commonly recognized martial arts practice representing this sentiment is the bow. To be clear, the bow is not at all about religion, but rather a question of etiquette. It is a display of humility, respect, or a sign of thanks as a greeting or a departing gesture. The practice of bowing originated in the East and was passed on to generations through martial arts and cultural tradition. Some Asian cultures use the bow as Western cultures use the handshake. The practice of bowing is one of the oldest traditional practices in the martial arts.

There are several times during the regular course of martial arts practice when the bow is applied. They will vary according to the standards of the school to which you belong, but here are a few that are common:

1. Bow when entering the classroom
2. Bow when leaving the classroom
3. Bow when beginning/ending forms competition
4. Bow to opponent (with eyes up) and to referee (with eyes down) when beginning/ending sparring competition
5. Bow to Instructor (eyes down)

Bowing is done by bending the waist, not by arching the back. The height level and intensity of the bow varies among martial arts styles as well. In open martial arts competition and among most Korean martial arts styles, for example, a strong, full bow is standard. This is when the student or competitor bends their body in half then returns to full standing position before proceeding. Generally speaking, the deeper the bow, the more respect is communicated. Therefore, the bow that students may present to each other will be different in intensity to the bow they present to their Instructors. The positioning of hands, feet and eyes while bowing is specific to styles and school protocol.