School Motto
Improvement of Mind and Body Taekwondo is an unarmed Korean martial art that is not only a way of kicking and punching, but also a way of thinking and living. Ethical Self-Conduct While we teach and practice very effective and powerful kicking and punching techniques to help our students develop their physical technique and skills, we also emphasize the virtues of acting with wisdom, compassion and courage in all aspects of Taekwondo practice and life. Unity Among Members We would like our students to consider our school to be their home as martial artists. Because Manhattan is one of the most diverse cities in the world, our students come from varied backgrounds, ethnicities and experiences. When we practice Taekwondo, it is our desire to learn that brings us together as a family. Meaning of the Belts White belt - Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do. Yellow belt - Signifies Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as Taekwon-Do foundation is being laid. Green belt - Signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Do skill begins to develop. Blue belt - Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses. Red belt - Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away. Black belt Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear. Patterns White belt to Yellow belt - Chun Ji Yellow belt to Green belt - Dan Gun, Do San Green belt to Blue belt - Won Hyo, Yul Gok Blue belt to Red belt - Joong Gun, Toi Gye Red belt to 1st Dan Black belt - Hwa Rang, Choong Moo 1st Dan to 2nd Dan - Kwang Gae, Po Eun, Ge Baek 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan - Eui Am, Choong Jang, Ko Dang 3rd Dan to 4th Dan - Sam Il, Yoo Sin, Choi Yong 4th Dan to 5th Dan - Yon Gae, Ul Ji, Moon Moo 5th Dan to 6th Dan - So San, Se Jong 6th Dan to 7th Dan - Tong Il More on specific patterns here. School Rules and Guidelines Dojang Rules 1. Students must bow to the flags when entering and leaving the Do Jang. 2. Students must bow to Sah-Bum-Nim upon greeting. 3. Students must use the words "Sir" or "Ma'am" when speaking to black belt instructors. 4. Students must attend classes regularly. 5. Students must keep the Do Jang clean. Dojang Guidelines School guidelines should be followed at all times. The Dojang is a formal training hall of higher learning where students of all ages and physical ability can learn the skills of Taekwon-Do, which can greatly improve their lives and help them achieve their fullest potential. Conduct and behavior, regardless of rank, must at all times reflect the respect that the Dojang deserves. General Dojang Etiquette 1. When entering the Dojang students must salute by announcing, “Taekwon,” and by bowing sharply. This gesture shows respect and acknowledges that this is a Taekwon-Do school and a place of learning. 2. Students must bow to Grandmaster Kim in greeting. Bowing has no religious connotations and is solely a gesture of respect. This gesture of respect is an integral part of a student’s experience in Taekwon-Do. 3. Students must use the words “Sir” or “Ma’am” when speaking to black belt instructors. 4. Try not to be late for class. If you are late for class, wait at the mat and the instructor will motion you to join class. 5.If you must leave while class is in progress, ask the instructor for permission and leave without disturbing the class. Bow before leaving the mat. 6. Students must remove their watches and all jewelry (with the exception of flat wedding bands) before taking class. Jewelry and accessories may cause injury to the student and others and they might become damaged. 7. Drinking water, chewing gum and eating are not permitted during class. In general, conversations should be limited at all times. 8. Students should always stand properly and be attentive during class. Students should not stand with their hands on their hips or lean against walls or equipment. 9. During class if a student’s belt is loose or uniform needs adjusting the student should turn his/her back toward the front of the class before making any adjustments. 10. Students must bow before entering and leaving the mat. 11. If you are going to be absent, out of courtesy, notify the school as soon as possible. Practice and Free Fighting 1. When practicing, students should practice with sincerity. 2. Students should follow the instructions of the instructor. 3. Since free-fighting is an important part of Taekwon-Do, students must observe the following: a. Students must observe the safety of others at all times. b. Losing self-control and horseplay is not part of learning. Students must adhere to the tenets of Taekwon-Do at all times. c. Unnecessary roughness against a weaker or smaller person (bullying) is not permitted. d. Intentional excessive contact is prohibited. All students not following the above rules will be banned from free-fighting. 4. There shall be no free-fighting without an instructor’s permission and supervision. All students must comply with the dojang’s protective gear policy and safety rules. Miscellaneous 1. Students should take out their attendance card each day and leave it in the pile on the front desk. Periodically, students should review their cards to make sure that there are no errors and that the information is up to date. 2. Students must wear a school uniform and belt during class. 3. Hygiene is important. Students should begin each class with a clean uniform. It is not hygienic to wear the same uniform class after class without cleaning it. 4. Toenails and fingernails should be cut short, and the body and feet should be kept clean. 5. All students must work to keep the doang and the changing rooms clean. 6. The changing rooms are not a place for conversation, comment or gossip; it is a place to get changed. Ethical self-conduct must be maintained and such conversations are inappropriate. 7. Avoid bringing valuables to the school. The school and the instructors are not responsible for any student’s personal property. Basic Korean Language and Terminology Grand Master- Kwan Jang Nim Instructor- Sah Bum Nim Taekwon-Do School - Dojang Attention - Cha Ryut Bow - Kyung Net Ready - Joon Bee Begin - Shi Jak Pattern - Tul One - Hana Two - Dul Three - Set Four - Net Five - Da Sut Six - Ya Sut Seven - Il Gop Eight - Yo Dul Nine - Ah Hop Ten - Yul |