TAE KWON DO
Why Tae Kwon Do?
The human body has the same basic needs no matter what age or
sex. A body that isn't used deteriorates.
Scientific studies have shown that Tae Kwon-Do increases the
efficiency of the lungs and heart as it tones and strengthens
blood vessels and muscles. The man who exercises has twice the
chance of avoiding a heart attack as the sedentary man.
Men and women find that dieting alone results in loose,
unattractive skin. By practicing Tae Kwon-Do, fat will be
replaced by firm, smooth muscle.
Tae Kwon-Do training can affect your entire outlook on
life...you'll learn to relax, develop a better self-image, and
better handle the stresses of daily living. A vigorous class
will help relieve the tensions and pressures of a hectic day
of work or study.
Many changes are noticed in the students of Tae Kwon-Do,
including greater emotional stability and improved academic
achievement.
All parents want their children to develop courage,
concentration, perseverance, integrity and courtesy. Tae
Kwon-Do teaches each student to develop attitudes and patterns
necessary for the maximum achievement of his or her potential.
HISTORY OF THE ART
TAE (to kick) KWON
(to punch) DO (way)
Tae Kwon-Do is the most popular martial art in the world,
practiced by more than fourteen million people, 1.1 million in
the United States. Most American instructors refer to the art as
the Korean style of Karate although "karate" is actually a
Japanese word meaning "empty hand".
The roots of Tae Kwon-Do reach back into ancient history. 1300
years ago the peninsula which today is Korea, was divided into
three kingdoms. the smallest of the three, Silla, assembled an
elite fighting corps known as the Hwa Rang Do. Membership was
restricted to strong and disciplined youth of noble birth. The
Hwa Rang took the fighting art of the common people (Soo Bak)
and added mental discipline and patriotic principles,
transforming it into an effective weapon of war. This new art
became known as Tae Kyon.
Silla was eventually victorious over the two larger kingdoms and
the unified peninsula became Koryo (from which the Western name
Korea comes). The Koryo dynasty was a militaristic one and this
became a time of growth and refinement for Tae Kyon.
The Yi dynasty, which followed, was one of civil enlightenment
and anything related to military training was forced
underground. For generations, the art was passed on from master
to student in secrecy and by 1909, when Japan overran Korea, the
art was barely alive.
The Japanese, bent on destroying the national identity of the
Koreans, banned many things, including the practice of any
military arts. Many Koreans sought better opportunities in China
or in Japan itself and for the first time became exposed to
other forms of martial arts.
In 1945, when Korea was liberated, thousands came back home to
openly practice both Tae Kyon and newer martial arts. Master Won
Kook Lee opened the first dojang after the liberation. His style
was Chung Do Kwon. Master Ki Hwang followed closely, opening his
Moo Duk Kwon dojang. New styles and new schools sprang up all
over the country.
In 1955, the leading masters decided to meet and try to unify
the many styles. Korean Army General and Tae Kyon master, Choi
Hong Hi, suggested the name Tae Kwon Do, which was unanimously
accepted.
In the late fifties and early sixties, many Tae Kwon Do
instructors traveled to other countries to spread their art. In
1959, Jhoon Rhee, a student of Master Won's, arrived in Texas.
Allen Steen was one of his first American students. Steen opened
the first Tae Kwon Do school in Dallas in 1962 and within a few
years, he and his black belt instructors had built a network of
schools across the Southwest.
PHILOSOPHY
Due to the influence of the aforementioned Hwa Rang Do, modern
Taw Kwon Do still retains much of the moral foundations of
discipline, sympathy, and respect. The Orientals have for
centuries been taught that the acquisition of martial arts
skills contains a built-in responsibility for using such skills
in a mature manner. This blending of brutality and compassion,
competitiveness and courtesy, has not received as great an
emphasis in Western cultures. Indeed, many Orientals feel they
cannot comprehend or achieve the proper spiritual levels for Tae
Kwon Do or Karate and consequently, they do not even try.
Much of the ethical neglect in Tae Kwon Do can be blamed on
poorly qualified instructors who lack a thorough knowledge of
the historical background of the art. They often fail to instill
the proper attitudes in their students. Instructors must stress
that skills are not to be used offensively or just to "show
off". Indeed, when the desired level of competence is acquired,
the amount of self-confidence is usually also developed to the
point that the need to prove oneself no longer exists.
Maturity is required to conduct oneself responsively and with
restraint. If a student does not demonstrate desirable
personality traits, the instructor should withhold advanced
training until the student is socially and emotionally ready.
A Tae Kwon Do class must reflect these same spiritual qualities
upon which all martial arts are philosophically founded. In
addition to the development of physical skills, the conduct of a
karate class must be such that it helps instill mature attitudes
and behavior in students.
Discipline is the fundamental attitude. Silence should prevail
with respect for the teacher's instructions and out of respect
for fellow students. Punctuality is demanded for the same
reasons. By constantly stressing control in the dojang,
eventually self-control will develop and carry over into other
areas of one's life.
A class generally begins with the command "line up". After the
class has lined up, the highest ranking student will give the
commands to bow. The first bow is directed to the chief
instructor or Master. The second bow is to the flags, and the
third bow is to the highest ranking student. These are executed
to show respect.
Occasionally, an instructor will provide time for meditation or
breathing exercises at the beginning or end of class. It helps
to clear the mind or irrelevant thoughts so the entire mental
process can be devoted to learning Tae Kwon Do. The student will
be pleased to discover that the deep concentration during the
training sessions will leave his mind relaxed, refreshed, and
free of emotional turmoil.
GENERAL TECHNIQUE
Many hours of slow and
deliberate training are required to perfect technique. The
emphasis should be placed on sharp and smooth execution. The
hands, feet, elbows, and knees are the striking tools. When
executing techniques, their movement should precede the movement
of the trunk of the body. This prevents telegraphing the
technique to the opponent. Your eyes are also often guilty of
telegraphing. A steady controlled gaze will not give an opponent
the opportunity to anticipate your next move or strike.
Learn to fight from instinct. Do not react from fear or anger.
Do not freeze or go wild. You cannot expect an opponent to react
to a technique in a predetermined manner. Your ability to deal
with the unexpected could mean the difference between victory or
defeat, escape or injury, or possibly even life or death.
Through training and practice, the instinct will come. There is
no substitute for practice.
Your body size and composition may determine the techniques that
will work best for yourself. Your age and physical condition may
determine how you will use them. Speed is extremely important
with all kicks, punches, strikes, and blocks. Fight your
opponent at the distance most comfortable for you. The technique
you use may depend on your reach. You should use jamming
techniques, slip punches, and counter. Speed is extremely
important when fighting inside an opponent's reach.
Your attitude must be positive. Your mind must be totally absent
of any thought except that of your opponent. Let your instinct
direct your actions and reactions. Your eyes are the windows to
your mind. Do not lock yours eyes on any single part of your
opponent. Look at his whole body at once. Do not anticipate a
strike or kick by widening your eyes or directing your eyes to
your target. Clear your mind of all distractions and fight from
instinct only.
Technique does not have to be flashy to be effective. Jump kicks
or spinning kicks are only effective when properly set up and
executed with tremendous speed. Use techniques you can use with
confidence. Never let your opponent psyche you out with flashy
movements or intimidate you with loud demanding shouts.
The stance is important because it is the foundation for all of
your offensive and defensive techniques. Keep the body ata
forty-five degree angle from your opponent. This minimizes the
exposure of your body to your opponent and therefore reduces
their target area. At the same time, this will increase the
speed at which you can deliver back kicks, back fists, and
reverse punches. Never allow your stance to become rigid. Keep
some part of your body moving at all times.
Attempt to distract your opponent to provide the opportunity to
deliver a punch, strike, or kick when unexpected. Alternate the
use of the hands and feet to keep your opponent guessing as to
your next move. Fakes with the hands and feet then provide a
double threat. Learning to set up an opponent with both hand and
foot techniques is very important. This allows you to comprehend
against faster opponents and works good against everyone. Fakes
should be executed as if they were techniques intended to be
completed so that your opponent will respect all punches,
strikes, and kicks presented. Use broken rhythm to throw
opponents off guard.
BELT RANKING
Origin of our forms
CH - Chinese (Kung Fu)
O - Okinawa (Japanese Karate)
SL - Shaolin Temple
YW - Youn Wha
TKD -Tae Kwon Do (Korea)
Belt Ranking / Forms
9th Keup.................... 1st Yellow Add 1 stripe
Basic Forms 1, 2 & 3 TKD
8th Keup.................... 2nd Yellow Add 2nd stripe
Basic Forms 3, Palgue Forms 1 & 2 TKD
7th Keup.................... 1st Green Add 1 stripe
Palgue Forms 1, 2 & 3 TKD
6th Keup.................... 2nd Green Add 2nd stripe
Palgue Forms 2, 3 & 4 TKD
5th Keup.................... 1st Blue Add 1 stripe
Palgue Forms 3, 4 & 5 TKD
4th Keup.................... 2nd Blue Add 2nd stripe
Palgue Forms 4, 5 & 6 TKD
3rd Keup.................... 1st Red Add 1 stripe
Palgue Forms 5, 6 & 7 TKD
2nd Keup.................... 2nd Red Add 2nd stripe
Palgue Forms 6, 7 & 8 TKD
1st Keup.................... Brown
Palgue Forms 7 & 8 TKD, Koreo TKD
Dan.......................... Black
Palgue Forms 7 & 8 TKD, Koreo TKD, Batsai SL
1st Dan...................... 1st Degree Black Add 1 stripe
Koreo TKD, Batsai SL, Chulki 1 O/SL, Chulki 2 O/SL
2nd Dan..................... 2nd Degree Black Add 2nd stripe
Chulki 1 & 2 O/SL, Youn Wha YW, Nope O
3rd Dan..................... 3rd Degree Black Add 3rd stripe
Youn Wha YW, Nope O, Sip Soo SL, Youn Bi SL
4th Dan..................... 4th Degree Black Add 4th stripe
Sip Soo SL, Youn Bi SL, Chulki 3 O/SL, Pyung-Won TKD
5th Dan..................... 5th Degree Black Add 5th stripe
Chulki 3 O/SL, Pyung-Won TKD, Sip-Jin TKD, Kong-San-Koon CH
6th Dan..................... 6th Degree Black Add 6th stripe
Du-Tae TKD, 38-So CH, Hun-Kwon TKD
7th Dan..................... 7th Degree Black Add 7th stripe
Han-Soo TKD, Il-Yu TKD, Palgi-Kwon YW
8th Dan..................... 8th Degree Black Add 8th stripe
Youn-Wha-Jang YW, Kum-Gang-Jang YW
DOJANG ETIQUETTE
1. Always bow to Master Juan and to Senior ranking belts.
2. Remove shoes before entering the Dojang.
3. Always bow when entering or leaving the Dojang.
4. No profanity is allowed.
5. Be quiet during class - "GOLDEN RULE"
6. All students must wear the complete uniform or Academy
t-shirt.
7. All students must remain in the Dojang during class.
8. Address Juan Galvan as "Master Juan" or "Sabum Nim" and other
instructors by "Sir", "Mr. _______, "Ms. _______, or "Ma'am".
9. When the instructor gives an order or command, move quickly
and without question.
10. Bow to a partner before and after sparring.
11. Any questions should be saved for the rest period.
12. Respect fellow students.
13. No smoking or gum is permitted in the Dojang.
14. No food or drinks allowed in the Dojang during class.
15. Keep the Dojang clean.
16. Respect the training you are receiving and do not misuse it.
17. Students who fail to follow the Dojang rules will not be
instructed and will terminate their privilege to continue
classes at the Academy.
THE
STUDENT CREED
I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything
that will reduce my mental growth or physical health. I will use
what I learn in class constructively and defensively in order to
help other people and myself - never to be abusive or abrasive.
Manners Of Solemnity
1. View Rightly
2. Feel Rightly
3. Think Rightly
4. Speak Rightly
5. Order Rightly
6. Contribute Rightly
7. Have Ability
8. Conduct Rightly
MERIT PROGRAM
Gold = Karate Instructor:
The instructor will
provide this stripe for your child's effort, discipline, focus,
and enthusiasm in class.
Brown = Parent Stripe: Mom and Dad will provide a note
for their child's discipline at home, helping with siblings, and
doing their chores the first time asked.
Black = School
Teacher Stripe:
The student must provide a report card with A's & B's, and may
receive bonus stripes on 100% homework assignments from school.
Academic Patch =
Straight A's on Report Card
