About Brandons Taekwondo Academy

Master Richard A. Fernandes has taught Taekwondo to thousands of students from 1987 till date. Brandons Taekwondo Academy, Pune also famously known as BTA was established by him in 1992.

BTA is one of the premium institutes engaged in training all those individual dedicated, sincere, willing and interested in the art of Taekwondo, a Korean form of martial art. The Brandons Taekwondo Academy is affiliated to Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy, Seoul, South Korea.

Taekwondo is an art of body, mind and spirit and develops courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit. We have students as young as two years old training in our Academy. We are proud to state that one of our students, Brandon P. Fernandes, is a Limca Book of Record Holders, (Page 51, 1998 edition) for being the youngest to be awarded his 1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo which he received at “Kukkiwon” The World Taekwondo Federation, Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea on October 27th 1996 and presently is India’s youngest 5th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, achieved at age 22 years, 6 months and 5 days as on 5th March, 2013.

Taekwondo Promotes

  • Discipline
  • Self-Respect
  • Confidence
  • Concentration
  • Courtesy
  • Stress Relief
  • Self-Defense
  • Mind & Body Fitness

Why Learn Taekwondo

  1. For Self-Defense, Competitive Level, and Fitness

    One may never know when he or she may be attacked, since we normally do not carry side arms. The most effective way to defend ourselves and our loved ones is “empty hand fighting” and Taekwondo reveals the ancient secrets. Knowledge of these secrets can be lifesaving in times of danger.

  2. For Health

    Taekwondo is far more than just defensive methods. It is a superb means of mental and physical development. Taekwondo practitioners are noted for their excellent health gained from the discipline and patience required by the art.

  3. For Self-Confidence and Poise

    Taekwondo first and foremost requires that all students be polite and respectful and never use their knowledge for frivolous purpose or wanton harm, yet a true student is able to dispel fear.

What Can Be Achieved Through Taekwondo Training

The student of Taekwondo develops an unbeatable self-defense through rigid training and professional supervised instruction. In addition Taekwondo builds dynamic tension and makes balanced use of a large number of body muscles. It provides excellent all around exercise and develops co-ordination and agility. Taekwondo trains student in Character, SincerIty, Effort, Etiquette and Self-Control.

Who May Learn Taekwondo

Classes are open to children from two years of age to men, women and adults, age has no bound as it is one of the only true family sports. All can learn and practice together. The degree of progress for any student is based on the individual co-ordination and attentiveness. Physical fitness is essential for a happy, productive life, and invariably, people who are capable of defending themselves are less troublesome and better citizens.

Physical Benefits of Taekwondo for Children

The Physical benefits of Taekwondo will be immediately noticeable for children of all ages. The rudimentary self-defence moves of Taekwondo, such as kicking, Punching, Striking, and Blocking teach children coordination and concentration, as children become more advanced, they will learn the more dynamic techniques of Taekwondo, such as combinations kicks, jumping and spinning kicks. Overall, Taekwondo offers a full mind and body workout for children. The techniques and format of the classes are aerobic and engaging by bringing out the athlete in each child.

Unlike other after school sports, Taekwondo practice is extremely individual and personal to each child which may vary from student to student. Everyone participates equally in class and each students goal and achievement is unique and personal to him or herself. We monitor each student’s progress carefully and set individualized goals for them to achieve. Our objectives is to help all our students reach their potential in the martial arts field through Taekwondo, but more importantly, we hope our students will grow up strong and healthy with a solid foundation in physical fitness.

Mental and Behavioral Benefits of Taekwondo

Brandons Taekwondo Academy is a traditional school of martial arts, and as such, the students are held to a high standard of discipline and conduct. Our students are taught to answer their instructors with “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am” on the very first day and are then slowly introduced to the other basic workout, Through little courtesies like bowing students learn discipline and respect which often carry through to their homes and school lives. Beyond that, we also teach students the Tenets of Taekwondo and expect higher standards during practice. The FIVE Tenets of Taekwondo are : Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. By focusing on these virtues, we try to develop self-esteem, kindness, confidence and spirit in all our students. We also ask our parents to participate in various other activities like Camping, Trekking, Tournaments, and every year we make it a point to celebrate our annual day on 31st August and reach out to the underprivileged or not so fortunate by organizing games, prizes, snacks or lunch/dinner, return gifts and donations collected from our very own students, parents and well wishers.

To name a few:

  • The Cipla Foundation for the terminally ill cancer patients at Warje Malwadi
  • St. Anthony’s Home for the Orphans at St. Patrick’s High School
  • The Berchman College for the Jesuits at Vithalwadi
  • Manavya, home for nursing, caring and sheltering orphaned and destitute children and women afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
  • The destitute children of an NGO called SADDAC at Daund.

Taekwondo in Fitness Centres

As a personal trainer Mr Richard Fernandes had the privilege to train NIKHIL SAKHRANI a keen and enthusiastic person who wanted to train in Taekwondo, as a crash course and a very determined Nikhil posed a great physique having personal trainers for Gym, Aerobics, Abs, Cardio and Taekwondo helped him achieve his goal and went on to be a star by acting in serials etc.

At Brandons Taekwondo Academy, Taekwondo is not just Athletics, Kicking and Punching, it is a Martial Art that seeks to develop Character and cultivate both the mind and body of the practitioner. It is with this discipline and focus that we train our students to become responsible and better citizens of our country.