Welcome to the UNITED TAEKWON-DO STUDIO website many of our adults, children and often whole families chose our studio to learn martial arts, build confidence, lose weight and become both physically and mentally healthier people.

Photo of Mr. Montero And his Beautiful wife Tiffany.

WE CAN HELP YOU TOO WITH WHAT EVER YOUR GOAL IS!

• Get in the Best Shape of Your life.
• Improve your cardiovascular endurance.
• Develop and tone muscle.
• Learn Realistic and Practical self defence.
• Relieve work or School Stress.
• Gain Better Focus and Concentration.
• Build Confidence.

“Every long journey starts with one small step.”  Take your first step and make the phone call that will begin your exciting journey.

Call us today at 215 679-3424

For the New york tournament information packet please visit www.qtc-itf.com 

To whom it may concern;

First, let me begin by introducing myself, my name is Miguel Angel Montero, Jr. I am a 5th degree black belt in the ITF (International Taekwon-do Federation), as well as, the chief instructor of United Taekwon-do Studio. I have been training Taekwon-do for about 18 years now. I have been teaching Taekwon-do for over 15 years. I got my first start at teaching at local recreation centers in the neighborhood I grew up in. I currently own and run the United Taekwon-do Studios in Philadelphia and Pennsburg, PA.  I am also a national and an international competitor. I have competed in the U.S., as well as, Canada, Argentina, and England.  I have captured 2 world titles in competition and several national championships but my proudest moment is when my 2 sons won there first ever competitions in sparring and patterns. 

My oldest son Mikey, who is 8 years old, holds a ranking of a red belt.  My youngest boy Marco, who is 6 years old, presently holds a ranking of  green belt with a blue stripe.

Second, I would like to explain Taekwon-do teaching and training philosophy. Taekwon-do is a Korean martial art which has been developed through centuries of Eastern civilization. Today, Taekwon-do has evolved into not only the most effective method of weaponless self-defense but also an attractive method of maintaining physical fitness. Most importantly, Taekwon-do helps to build confidence, self-esteem, discipline, and character. It is one of the most all around methods of physical fitness, since it utilizes every muscle of the body. It is also considered the ultimate in unarmed self-defense because of the demonstrations displaying various techniques, merely shows the power and speed the human body is capable of training in Taekwon-do.

Third, I would like to mention some of the opportunities I accredit to Taekwon-do. For example, Taekwon-do has allowed me to be an entrepreneur. I have successfully run my own Taekwon-do do-jang (United Taekwon-do Studio) with many students of whom I am proud. I have been allowed to share my passion for Taekwon-do with others through teaching. “Some of those students are instructor as well.” Again Taekwon-do has allowed me to travel the world. I have gotten to visit many parts of the world through competition.

TaeKwon-Do for Children :

 This essay is based on the aspects and effects of Tae kwon-do on children. For example, the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers, as well as an endless supply of action movies, have made martial arts highly popular among children of all ages. Yet many parents wonder if such activity is appropriate for their kids. There is an old Korean adage, “parents may procreate children but not their purpose in life.” The greatest challenge and reward for a parent is being able to provide the guidance that will make the child a useful and respected member of the society.

Obviously, it is a parent’s responsibility to provide the proper education which will broaden the child’s knowledge and make them better people. It is often impossible for the parents themselves, however, to provide the correct education the child needs. This is because the parent hesitates to force discipline on their children in an objective manner. There is a subconscious fear that it will create a breach in their relationship. Confucius advised, “Children should be exchanged and taught by concerned parents.”

To teach another’s child to become a person of good character according to the wishes of his/her own parents is a great responsibility. In the eyes of the student, his/her teacher will occupy an equal position with his/her own parents. The answer may lie in finding a school and martial art that promotes the values and attitudes you consider important. In Tae kwon-do–do meaning art. Let me put the emphasis on art in martial arts. I view Tae kwon-do as a way to improve one’s body mind and character, and not just a form of physical competition. Still kids think it is fun to do.

By choosing Tae kwon-do, you will be taking the first and most important step in your child’s development in the martial arts training.

Tae kwon-do originated by combining movements of Japanese Karate and traditional, but crude Korean martial arts of Soo bak Gi and Tae kyon. Through extensive research and testing, Tae kwon-do has evolved into one the most beautiful and effective martial arts in the world. Today, it has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world because anyone regardless of age, sex, and size can benefit from its training. As mentioned previously, Tae kwon-do offers a wide array of physical and mental benefits for children. It is also an activity that parents can participate in with their children and use to strengthen family bonds. Lastly, Tae kwon-do promotes peace. Unfortunately, many people today believe that the martial arts spawn violence. This is not true. The Tae kwon-do student is trained to avoid conflict if possible and to use their skills when all other measures have been exhausted. The philosophy of Tae kwon-do can be summed up by the following tenets:

1. COURTESY
2. INTEGRITY
3. PERSEVERANCE
4. SELF-CONTROL
5. INDOMITALBLE SPIRIT

The goal of all children is to incorporate these tenets into their daily lives’. Another example of the ideals Tae kwon-do aims to achieve is evident in its oath:

1. I SHALL OBSERVE THE TENENTS OF TAEKWON-DO
2. I SHALL RESPECT MY INSTRUCTER AND SENIORS.
3. I SHALL NEVER MISUSE TAEKWON-DO
4. I SHALL BE A CHAMPION OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE
5. I SHALL BUILD A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD

Perhaps you have wondered why such fighting systems, karate and Tae kwon-do for example, are referred to as “Martial Arts.” “Martial means military and, of course, this refers to the self defense fighting skills and physical training aspects of these systems. Referring to something as an “art” simply means that it is a way of doing something. When someone practices an art very well, we then refer to that person a great or excellent artist; and if his/her achievements are very great, we call that person a master.

But the oriental martial arts go beyond this simple definition. For when the sincere and devoted student begins to gain understanding of the true nature and purpose of his/her art, it becomes a way-a way of living, a way of being.

For this reason, a child’s training will not be just physically devoted to the improvement of their body, but it will include lessons in the philosophy of the martial arts, which will aim at the improvement of the child’s spirit and mind, thus bettering your child as a whole individual. It is enough to say that, like the physical aspects of your child’s art which reflect natural movements and natural laws, the philosophy calls for harmony within the individual child and the harmony of the individual child and his/her world.

I realize that the ability of a child to defend himself/herself is very important. But far more important are the tools the child will need to develop into a well rounded adult. Therefore, children learn respect, courtesy, and self-control while participating in a good martial arts program. As children of the martial arts, they build confidence and self-esteem while they progress through the art. Each of these characteristics improves attitudes and grades. Tae kwon-do has an objective for all children which are to improve in all aspects of their lives.

As children successfully accomplish and reach for new goals their confidence level grows, their self-esteem is enhanced, and the need to be self- disciplined becomes an accepted standard as part of the art. Tae kwon-do includes visible as well as intangible rewards for children. The visible rewards include different colored belts that are symbols of ever increasing levels of expertise in the martial arts, patches for their accomplishment of specific projects such as the honor roll, different titles for the achievement of greater levels, the encouragement to continue when they seem difficult, and the verbal acknowledgment of goals reached and awards earned. Each of these enhances the child’s character and contributes to his/her self worth.

The aspects of Tae kwon-do for a child:

MEDITATION

This is performed at the beginning and the end of each session. The purpose of meditation at the begging of each class is to allow the child to focus on the upcoming task. The mind must be cleared of outside thoughts, concerns, and responsibilities. This is essential for preparing for a class which will be both physical and mentally draining. Meditation is also performed at the end of each class in order to allow children to visualize them selves executing the techniques they just learned. This visualization process is very helpful for the perfection of techniques of all levels of training.

PATTERNS

These are a series of pre-arranged blocks and strikes executed in succession against a variety of imaginary opponents. The purpose of patterns is to develop balance, breath control, coordination, power, and technique. In these patterns lies the true beauty of Tae kwon-do combining power and grace. There are 24 patterns in Tae kwon-do and these patterns range from 19 to 68 movements each. The novice learns one pattern at each belt rank while black belts learn up to three at each degree (DAN).

SELF DEFENCE

Tae kwon-do provides students with an excellent method of self defense. It enables them to defend them selves against an attacker from a distance as well as up close. By utilizing the many kicking techniques available, the Tae kwon-do practitioner can prevent an attacker from grabbing or striking them. If the attacker is able to grab them, then there are a variety of self defense techniques, which include pressure points, wrist locks, joint locks, and takedowns that the student could utilize. Therefore, a well trained and condition student will feel confident and prepared to defend them selves in any situation.

BREAKING

The purpose of breaking is to enable the child to develop focus, power, concentration, and distance while performing the proper execution of a strike. Breaking also allows the child to see the amount of power that they are capable of developing through the training. Pine wood, ten inches in diameter and one inch thick, is used for power breaking. Black belts are required to break a minimum of 4-5 boards with a single kick or punch. It is not uncommon to see advanced black belt break up to nine boards with a single kick. For some of the more difficult aerial breaks, which require two, three, and four kicks before landing, half inch pine wood is used. These breaks demonstrate the beauty and difficulty of the jumping and kicking techniques that separate Tae kwon-do from all other martial arts.

FREE SPARRING

This aspect of Tae kwon-do places one or more students against one another with the purpose of improving distance, timing, balance, speed, and strategy. The children are allowed to execute a variety of kicking, and hand strikes and blocks against one another. The goal is to overcome their opponent with well executed techniques stopped just short of the body.

Obviously, children participating in Tae kwon-do become extremely physically fit. But more importantly, children gain inner qualities not available elsewhere. Children learn meditation, patterns, self defense, breaking, and free sparring through these things they gain a better awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. As they continue their training and their confidence grows, they are about to confront and over come there weaknesses. A child will also obtain self respect and respect of others. This inner training extends well beyond the training hall but into everyday life which is why, I believe, children are more focused and can concentrate better in the classroom and in sports.

Additionally, I teach children to assist in and lead classes, helping to build leadership, patience and humility. As the time passes and the child becomes more serious about their training, Tae kwon-do can become a way of life.

If you would ask me what is my favorite thing about Tae kwon-do I would have to say teaching children is my favorite. There is a certain kind of rush I get when I see a new white belt perform four direction punch correctly for the first time or a green belt just hit his/her first reverse turning kick in sparring and to know I had something to do with that.

In conclusion, my research was based on real life experiences in the do-jang as well as my references to the Tae kwon-do Encyclopedia.

Philosophy of Taekwon-Do:

In recent years, there has been an upsurge in violence and a loss of morality in all levels of society, especially among the young. There are, of course a number of reasons for this.

Many psychologists today feel that this problem stems from frustration. Analysts, on the other hand, point out that these misguided people are indeed a disillusioned segment of society searching for values and relevance in what they consider deceitful, materialistic, and absurd world of wars and decadence.

Unfortunately, however, instead of constructively channeling their extraordinary energy and potential, far too many strike out in blind anger, destroying rather than building, or merely running away from it all by isolating themselves with drugs and their own worlds of fantasy.

Presently, the tendency of “the stronger preying upon the weaker” appears to be at its peak. Frankly, the present world closely resembles a “corrupt age.”

It is obvious that this phenomenon of society is not merely because of the struggle for survival, but mainly because of an overdeveloped material and scientific civilization. The former misleads the young to the extreme materialism or egoism, while the latter seized human beings with fear, though playing an essential role in public welfare.

Then what would be the remedy? Needless to say, it is the development of moral civilization–the proper mental states of human being as the lord of creation, enough to prevail or at least keep abreast with the development of material and scientific civilization.

The utmost purpose of Taekwon-do is to eliminate fighting by discouraging the stronger’s oppression of the weaker with a power that must be based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom, and faith; thus helping to build a better and more peaceful world.

All men, regardless of age, have felt that death is a shame and lamented that they cannot live as long as the pine trees or the turtles that seem to live a thousand years. Righteous men, on the other hand, deplore the fact that justice does not always triumph over the tyranny of power. However, there are two ways to deal with these problems: the former, through discipline; the latter, through physical training.

It is my firm belief that through Taekwon-do, anyone can garner enough strength to become a guardian of justice, to challenge social disunity, and to cultivate the human spirit to the highest level attainable. It is in this spirit, I am dedicating the art of Taekwon-do to the people of the world.

The philosophy of Taekwon-do is based on the ethical, moral, and spiritual standards by which men can live together in harmony, and its art patterns are inspired by the ideals and exploits of great men from Korean history. Korea’s famous military and civil leaders who in nearly five thousand years of Korean history have never invaded their neighbor yet who fought bravely and made great self-sacrifices to defend their homeland against invading enemies. I also include the names of patriots who willingly gave up their lives to regain Korea’s freedom and independence from the Japanese occupation.

Each tul (pattern) of Taekwon-do expresses the thoughts and the actions of these great men, so the students of Taekwon-do must reflect the true intention of those whose name each tul bears. Therefore, under no circumstances should Taekwon-do be used for any commercial or political purpose whatsoever.

I have set forth the following philosophy and guidelines which will be the cornerstone of Taekwon-do and by which all serious students of this art are encouraged to live by:

1. Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.

2. Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.

3. Be content with what you have in money and position but never in skills.

4. Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.

5. Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race, or ideology.

6. Never yield to repression or threat in the pursuit of a noble cause.

7. Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.

8. Always be yourself even though your circumstances may change.

9. Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with words when old, and by moral precept even after death.

Improved Report Cards:

Our curriculum is designed to children the importance concentration.  Improved concentration means that your child learns more at school.  Therefore, you can expect your child to receive better grades both academics and attitude.  In our school, children who receive A’s and B’s on their report card receive a patch for their uniform indicating that they’re Academic “Achievers.” 

Martial Arts Builds Healthy Kids:

Taekwon-do and boxing is a great work-out  Your child will breathe better, eat better and sleep better  Children who take Martial Arts are slimmer, make better decisions about food, and in general, learn to take care of themselves.  You won’t see any of our Black Belt Students smoking or using drugs.  We always say to our children being a Black Belt isn’t because of the belt around your waist.  “It is a state of mind!”  Be an example of good moral character and a leader.

Positive Attitude:

 Kids in our program learn to have a positive.  You won’t find yourself repeating yourself over and over, or arguing with your chil like most parents do.  Kids learn to be respectful of their parents and teachers.  You might even cacth your chid saying: Yes Ma’am or Yes Sir!

Self Confidence:

It’s true, kids who take Martial Arts develop better self-confidence.  They’re encouraged to take chances, to push themselves further than they thought possible.  The success they experience through Martial Arts teaches them that can be successful at anything if they truly believe they can and are willing to work hard.  Improved confidence leads to better grades, a better circle of friends, better performance in sports and extracurricular activities in general.

Self-Defense:

Taekwon-do and boxing teach two forms of  self-defense.  One is physical, you will improve his or her strength, flexibility and overall health.  Additionally, your child will learn to strike with tremendous power and effectiveness.  Hopefully children will never need to fight…but should the occasion arise, shouldn’t everyone Know how to protect themselves?  The second form of self-defense the Martial arts teach internal.  Children learn to spot danger and avoid dangerous people, places and activities.  Martial arts can help your child avoid the need for physical confrontations.  This second form of self-defense is perhaps the most valuable of the two. 

Taekwon-do and boxing helps you lose Weight:

You  can expect major changes in your body with our classes.  You’ll burn lots of calories, tone muscle, and in general, get your metabolism kicked into high gear.  Our work-outs are a great way to help you shed those unwanted pounds.  Additionally, you’ll reshape your body… stick with it long enough and you may be in the best shape of your life!

Improved Health:

Our Taekwon-do and boxing classes will dramatically improve your cardio-vascular health.  Your resting heart rate will come down and your ability to maintain an increased heart rate will increase.  You’ll breathe better, sleep better and even feel an increase in energy and effectiveness all day long.  You may even discover you are more resistant to colds and flu.  Plus, even when you do become sick, recovery time will be better than ever.

Positive Attitude:

Our programs are designed to be positive and inspirational.  We’ll keep you motivated and thinking about progress and goals.  Our Staff and students are all success oriented and focused on looking for the good in all situations.  You can expect to go home from class with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

Self Confidence:

It’s true, adults who take martial arts develop better self-confidence.  You’ll be encouraged to take chances, to push yourself further than you ever thought possible.  The success you experience through our program teaches you that you can be successful at anything if you truly believe you can.  Improved confidence leads to better performance at work, a better circle of friends, better performance in sports and extracurricular activities in general.  You’re improved self-confidence will help you deal with all of life’s challenges with a more positive outlook.

Self-Defense:

Taekwon-do and boxing teach two forms of  self-defense.  One is physical, you will improve your strength, flexibility and overall health.  Additionally, you will learn to strike with tremendous power and effectiveness.  Hopefully you will never need to fight…but should the occasion arise, shouldn’t everyone Know how to protect themselves?  The second form of self-defense the Martial arts teach internal.  Our students learn to spot danger and avoid dangerous people, places and activities.  Martial arts can help you avoid the need for physical confrontations.  This second form of self-defense is perhaps the most valuable of the two.