Stage 3 of 6 · Ages 7–13
Youth Tae Kwon Do for ages 7 to 13.
Forms, sparring and belt testing, White belt to Black, beginner to advanced. Older beginners are placed by Grandmaster Howard Chung after a first class.
Where Youth sits on the path
What Youth classes are
Youth classes teach forms, sparring and self-defense through structure, with a clear path to black belt. Classes are grouped by belt and age. Kids move up from Children's classes at 7, or sooner if their instructors think they're ready.
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art. Many parents search for it as karate. Chung TKD is a kids-only school, so a Youth class is a class of kids, not a mixed class with adults.
What your child learns
- The color-belt forms, one after another, up to Choong-Moo
- Technique, sparring drills, breaking and terminology, with more asked at every belt
What changes as they progress
New students start in a White belt class for their age. Older kids are welcome too: older beginners and transfers are placed by Grandmaster Chung after a first class, and transfers keep their rank pending review.
Each belt asks more in attendance, forms, technique, sparring drills, breaking and terminology. Black belts go on to the forms Kwang-Gae and Koryo.
Further along the path are the Black Belt Club, a multi-year commitment to black belt for current students; the Competition Team, which trains invited students to compete; and the Masters Club, leadership training for black belts. The Competition Team and the Masters Club are by invitation.
An after-school option is available for enrolled students; ask us when you visit.
How belt testing works here
Below brown belt, your child tests when their instructors say they are ready. From brown belt on, tests are on set dates.
- Families have a seat and watch.
- 9th-Dan Grandmaster Howard Chung runs and oversees every test, with an instructor helping the kids.
- Tests get progressively more demanding.
- Black belt tests are major events.
The character side
Youth classes are built on structure, focus and leadership.
Along the way, children practice standing still, listening, trying again after getting it wrong, and helping a younger student tie a belt.
- Since 19709th-Dan Grandmaster Chung has been teaching since 1970.
- ChampionsHe personally trained World Champion John Chung and World Champion Helen Chung.
- LineageHe trained in the direct lineage of Supreme Grand Master Jhoon Rhee. Jhoon Rhee is widely known as the father of American Tae Kwon Do.
- In classProfessional instructors he trained teach the classes.
First step
Start with a free class for ages 7 to 13.
Two details. The school calls you back. No account, no card.
Questions parents ask
What ages do you teach?
Kids ages 2 to 13: Pee-Wee 2–3 (Mommy & Me 2–3, independent at 3½), Children (4 to 6) and Youth (7 to 13). Older kids are placed by Grandmaster Chung after a first class.
Do you have adult classes?
No. Chung TKD teaches kids only, ages 2 to 13, and older kids by placement. Parents are always welcome to watch.
How do we get started?
Book two free trial classes online, or call or text (516) 457-1893. Tell us your child’s age, and we’ll suggest a first class and tell you what to bring. Every new student starts in a White belt class. On the day, text the school an hour before you come.
How do belts work?
There are nine belt colors, from White to Black. Each marks a clear stage, and we’ll walk you through testing when you visit.