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What
is a normal class like?
A normal class generally runs for one hour with 30 minutes of free practice afterward. In Korea, classes are held 6 days a week and attendance is expected at all classes. Saturday classes last many hours and have a more open and exploratory nature.
The class begins with a total body warm-up. Usually the class tries to determine a comfortable median between the lowest and highest levels of fitness, working those who are most fit while not draining those who are the least fit. Other times a sliding scale is applied to the class by rank. This lets members of each rank know precisely where they should be in terms of fitness and where they in fact are. Still, the major focus is on personal development not meeting the box-like ideal of another.
The second stage of a class involves executing basic cuts and stances. There are nine basic cuts with many attendant variations of each taught as a core curriculum to a beginning student. These basics are used as part of the warm-up drill in every class to develop the students' understanding, fitness, endurance and technique. Practice of the basic techniques can become a meditative aid for some students.
The third stage of class is divided by rank. Students are asked to perform their patterns and key-point drills in an order of rank determined by the needs of the class on each day. When the students finish their patterns they receive instruction. While the floor is occupied by other ranks, students work on their meditative breathing, watch the lesson or do candle exercises. Decorum is to be maintained at all times. It is important to state (in this crazy age) that anyone practicing with candles should remember not to allow their practice time to exceed 5 minutes due to the stress it places on the eyes.
The final stage of class is free practice which ranges from performing patterns and forms to limited types of free sparring. All classes begin and end formally with respect being paid to the flag, the instructor and one's fellow students.
