Jae H. Kim Tae Kwon Do agrees with my mind and body
Friday, May 12, 2006
(Reviewed in May 2006 - some numbers may have changed)
Jae H. Kim Tae Kwon Do Institute is new to the area (they opened the Seattle branch just last year), but the grand master, Mr. Kim has been teaching in Boston area since 1971. The Seattle school currently has about 80 students enrolled, and is in Wallingford area. (They'll cap the enrollment at 300 - I think - and people will start getting wait listed.)
Good things about a new school:
- You get LOTS of personal attention (they give you some private lessons before you join a class if you are a beginner)
- Great teacher to student ratio
- Nice facility
- Most students are beginners so you don't feel left out
This new branch is being run by Ms. Gailyn Perrin, who is an impressive athlete - she used to row on the U.S. National rowing team, and also coached the crew team at Boston Univ. With all her credentials you could expect her to be more scary, but she's totally nice and laid back - great with her praises and always full of smiles! She's nothing but reliable and fun to train with.
One thing that drew me to this school is that the grand master of this school is above politics often associated with a martial art school, and the school embodies and emphasizes the mental discipline of the sport. They definitely would not train you to become some aggressive fighter. (If anything, they'll probably teach you how to avoid conflicts.) I've dealt with lots of martial art school owners who were wrapped up in the politics of "which school is the best" or "which is the original teaching", "which is the most authentic", etc. - esp. Aikido and Karate, sometimes Yoga - that kind of politics only detracts from what you are trying to accomplish, and to me it discredits the owner for being a true master mentally.
Well philosophy aside, Ms. Perrin is awesome to train with, and while I never took their kids' classes, when I spoke to a parent whose kids are enrolled, she was very happy with the teachers. And I would imagine if you had a girl, it would be a great boost to have such a strong female role model.
Also, they are very cognizant of what YOU are comfortable with and what YOU are trying to accomplish. They realize one size doesn't fit all, so they won't challenge you to do something if that's not what you're interested in (e.g. they are not going to force you to do a full sparring, if you feel that's not what you're after). With that said, you'll always learn new things and realize your new abilities.
Heads-up, they do have you sign a 6-month tuition agreement (taken as monthly payments) like a gym, but to me it was worth it. With that you get initial private lessons and unlimited classes.