About Taekwon-do
Taekwon-do is a Korean unarmed art of self-defense that is similar to Karate. Taekwon-do
is more than just kicking and punching. The core principles of Taekwondo stress
self-discipline and a high code of personal conduct. While there is a sport/competition
aspect to Taekwon-do, this makes up only part of the entire curriculum.
Although its roots reach back over 2,000 years, what we know today as Taekwon-do
was developed only after World War II. Using their understanding of biomechanics
and physics, the founders of Taekwon-do analyzed the best parts of an ancient Korean
martial art called Tae kyon, Japanese karate, and other well-known martial arts
to assemble an effective system of self-defense.
For example, Taekwon-do emphasizes kicking since the leg is the longest and strongest
tool the martial artist has readily available. To facilitate fast, turning kicks,
Taekwon-do uses stances that are, generally, more narrow and longer than the broader,
wide stances used by martial arts such as karate.
About Southbury Taekwon-do
Southbury Taekwon-do is the martial arts program offered though the Southbury Parks & Recreation department. Started in 1988, it is the longest-running
program in the department and has taught generations of Southbury residents the
value of sportsmanship, discipline, and physical fitness.
All classes are held at the Parks and Recreation Building located at 561 Main Street
South, Southbury, CT on Mondays and Wednesdays:
- 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm Beginners (Ages 7 through Adult)
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Advanced (Ages 7 through Adult)
Semesters run January through March, April through June, July through September,
and October through December. Usually, there is a week or so break between semesters
and no classes on holidays.
For Southbury residents, tuition is only $145 for the first family member and $120
for each additional family member. Non-residents pay an additional $20 per semester.
By offering classes through the town, using the town's facilities and resources,
students pay only about a third of what they might at private martial arts schools
in the area.
You can enroll using the town's website
or in person at the Parks and Recreation Building.
James De Carli, Ph.D.
James De Carli is an example that it is never too late to start martial arts. He began training in Taekwon-do at the age of 42 and
earned a black belt four years later, in 2011. He achieved second-degree status two years later and then began training under Master Brian Douglas in
Brookfield, Connecticut where, in 2016, Mr. De Carli achieved his third-degree honors. In 2019, James De Carli was promoted to 4th Dan by
Grandmaster Suk Jun Kim,
President and Founder of Taekwon-do International and who trained directly under General Choi Hong-Hi,
the founder of Taekwon-do.
Master De Carli has been active in several regional and international martial arts leagues. He has earned National Champion in
2011 for sparring, in 2012 for traditional forms, and 2013 for traditional forms within the KRANE International martial arts league. Since 2016,
he has repeatedly earned a Top 10 World Ranking from the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA). In May
2018, James De Carli was inducted into the
USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and, in a May 2023 ceremony to take place in Orlando, Florida, Mr. De Carli will be presented with
the Korean Martial Arts Journeyman Award from the "World Head of Family Sokeship Council" (WHFSC) Hall of Fame.
James De Carli has a long history in teaching and education. In 2015, he began teaching at Southbury Taekwon-do and became Chief Instructor at
the school in 2019. Prior to teaching Taekwon-do, he taught at Fairfield University’s School of Engineering as an Associate Professor and
lectured at several other northeastern universities, including the University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, Columbia University, and
the University of Massachusetts. In 2019, Mr. De Carli was conferred Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Asian Martial Arts Studies.
He has written extensively including three published books and numerous magazine articles, including articles in
Totally TaeKwonDo Magazine and HOONLYUN:
The Journal of the United States Taekwondo Association. In 2023, Mr. De Carli was inducted into
Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Honors for “Excellence in Publishing in the Martial Arts.”
Mr. De Carli has offered over 20 years of community service at several non-profit organizations dedicated to health and education. He regularly conducts
semi-annual Self-Defense seminars to raise funds for Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, a non-profit
organization that operates an emergency shelter and provides support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.