ABOUT the ARTS

TAEKWONDO

Taekwondo is a korean martial art meaning "the way of the feet and fist." In Korean, derived from hanja, tae (跆) means to destroy with the feet; kwon (拳) means to strike or smash with the hand; and do (道) means "path", "way" or "method". Your studies include the philosophy of Taekwondo (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit), the art of Taekwondo (beautiful forms of movement) and for some, the sport of Taekwondo (competitive sparring highlighted by Taekwondo's uniquely devastating kicks).

The art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. In sparring, turning, front, reverse turning and side kicks are often used, as well as the backfist and reverse punch; advanced kicks include jump, spin, sliding, and skip kicks, often in combination. Taekwondo training often includes a system of blocks, punches, open-handed strikes and may include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks, though it generally does not emphasize grappling.

HAPKIDO

Hapkido is "the way of coordinated power." Your Hapkido studies will be the foundation of learning self-defense. With Hapkido, you will learn the holds, joint locks, pressure points, releases, defenses, and strikes that will enable you to defend yourself in the real world. You will also learn to focus your entire mind and body energy, enabling to coordinate your power with that of your opponent for self-defense. There are also a range of cold weapons including short stick, cane, knife, sword and staff.

JIU JITSU

Jiu-Jitsu, literally meaning the "art or science of softness", is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint-locks and chokeholds to force an opponent to submit. The art was based on early 20th century Kodokan Judo, which was itself then a recently-developed system derived from multiple schools (or Ryu) of Japanese Jiujitsu.

JUDO

Judo, meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by applying a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) - as well as weapons defences - are a part of Judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (Kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).

SELF DEFENSE

The Omega Martial Art student is well versed in a wide range of Self Defense techniques, including open attacks, kneeling, two-step, long distance defense (walking and running), stick and knife defense, bo, nunchaku, sai and tonfa, and more. Omega also specializes in women's self defense and regularly gives seminars to women to learn street safety and defense techniques.

OKINAWAN WEAPONRY

Not only does the Omega Martial Art student learn to use their own body as a weapon and self defense tool, but they will also comprehensively learn to use Okinawan Weaponry (bo, nunchaku, sai and tonfa) in traditional martial art forms, in competition, and in self defense. Students also have the opportunity to learn the sword, knife, and weapon variations, depending on their level of expertise and interest.
- Bo: The bo is a long staff used in thrusting, swinging, and striking techniques that often resemble empty-hand movements. The bō is considered an "extension of one’s limbs".
- Nunchaku: Nunchaku (also called "nunchucks", "numchuks", or "chain sticks") is a traditional weapon that consists of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. A sansetsukon is a similar weapon with three sticks attached on chains instead of two.
- Sai: The sai is a pointed, rod-shaped baton, with two long, unsharpened projections (tsuba) attached to the handle. The very end of the handle is called the knuckle. The sai is primarily used as a striking weapon or for short jabs as well as a blocking defense against many other types of weapons.
- Tonfa: The tonfa is a traditional Okinawan weapon from which the modern side-handled police baton is derived.

SPARRING

Sparring is an intregral part of your martial art training, because it forces the student to think under pressure, to improvise, to consistently use proper technique and to keep their emotions under control. Students are required to have their own sparring gear, which includes head gear, forearm and shin guards, mouth guard, and cup (for men), chest protectors are provided by the school. There are two main types of sparring:
- Point Sparring: In Point Style Sparring every time judges believe a competitor has scored a point, play is stopped, point(s) is given and play is resumed. Points are given when the competitors’ kick or punch to the body (on the chest protector) and the head (also protected). Each round is 2 minutes and won when a competitor reaches 5 points.
- Continuous Sparring: A Continuous Sparring match is an Olympic Style of sparring where competitors score points by kicks and punches to the body (on the chest protector) and the head (also protected). This is a dynamic, full contact kicking event.

BOARD & BRICK BREAKING

Board and brick breaking is a highlight at Omega's tests and live demonstrations. Students learn to break as early as yellow belt and advance quickly in their breaking techniques through the ranks to black belt...flying, blindfolded, speed, and chi breaks are commonly seen at our tests - a truly inspiring performance of focus and skill. The purpose of board and brick breaking is symbolic of breaking through obstacles that we encounter throughout life.