Taekwondo FAQ
Quick answers about training with Santa Cruz Taekwondo Academy.
Where and when are classes held?
At the Social Development Commission (SDC) Office, Centre Road, Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, every Friday: ages 5 – 8 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM, and ages 9 and up from 3:45 – 5:00 PM.
Who teaches the classes?
Master Kenroy Clarke, President of World Taekwondo Jamaica. The academy is affiliated to World Taekwondo Mandeville and World Taekwondo Jamaica.
Can my child try a class first?
Yes. Call or message us on WhatsApp (876-784-1808) and we will confirm a class for you to try.
How much are classes?
Call or message us on WhatsApp (876-784-1808) for current fees.
How do I register?
Complete the online registration form, or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you through it.
Do parents stay during class?
For new white belts, yes — we ask a parent or guardian to stay involved for the first two to three months. It helps young students settle in and progress faster.
What belt certification do you use?
Kukkiwon-certified ranks — the worldwide standard for taekwondo, issued by the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Black belt (Poom and Dan) ranks are registered with the Kukkiwon.
What is the difference between “Taekwondo” and “Taekwon-Do”?
The spelling usually tells you the style. Taekwondo is the Olympic style governed by World Taekwondo, with belt ranks certified by the Kukkiwon in Seoul. Taekwon-Do, with a hyphen, is generally used by the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), which has its own patterns, rules and gradings. Both are respected martial arts, but only World Taekwondo-style taekwondo is contested at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Santa Cruz Taekwondo Academy teaches Olympic-style taekwondo as a member club of World Taekwondo Jamaica, Jamaica's national federation.
Is taekwondo an Olympic sport?
Yes. Taekwondo became a full Olympic sport at Sydney 2000, and Para taekwondo joined the Paralympic Games at Tokyo 2020. Students at Santa Cruz Taekwondo Academy train in the same Olympic style, with a pathway to national team selection through World Taekwondo Jamaica.
Is taekwondo difficult to learn?
No. Everyone starts as a white belt and learns step by step: stances, blocks, punches and kicks first, then forms (poomsae) and sparring. Flexibility and fitness build up with regular training, and belt gradings give clear goals along the way.
Which is better, taekwondo or karate?
Neither is better — they are different. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for fast, high and spinning kicks, and it is an Olympic and Paralympic sport. Karate is a Japanese martial art with more emphasis on hand techniques. Both build fitness, discipline and confidence; the best choice is the one your child enjoys, taught by a qualified instructor.