White Belt to Yellow Stripe

Fundamental Exercises:

Saju Jirugi ( 4 directional punch)
Saju Makgi( 4 directional block)

Self-Defense:

Two hand choke from the front
Two hand choke from the rear

Sparring: (audio)

Semi free

Breaking: (audio)

White board, technique of choice

Theory:

Who is General Choi?
General Choi is the creator of Taekwon-do

Who created Taekwon-do?
General Choi

What degree black belt was General Choi?
He was a 9th degree black belt

Yellow Stripe to Yellow Belt

Patterns:

Last fundamental exercise (Saju Jirugi or Saju Makgi)
Chon-Ji Tul

Self-Defense:

One arm choke from the rear
Front collar grab

Sparring: (audio)
3 step one way, #1 & 2
30 second free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Yellow board, technique of choice

Theory:

Tenants of Taekwon-do (audio)
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-Control
Indomitable Spirit

Meaning of white belt
Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-do.

Definition of Chon-Ji (audio)
Means literally “the Heaven the Earth.” In the orient it is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history. Therefore, it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern has two similar parts one to represent the heaven the other the earth.

Yellow Belt to Green Stripe

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Dan-Gun Tul

Self-Defense:

Same side wrist grab-low
Same side wrist grab-high
Opposite side wrist grab-low
Opposite wrist grab-high

Sparring:

3 step one way, # 3 & 4
30 Seconds free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Orange board, technique of choice

Theory:

Definition of Dan-Gun (audio)
Dan-Gun is named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 BC

Meaning of Yellow Belt
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwon-do foundation is being laid

Meaning of Taekwon-do (audio)
Taekwon-do is a version of unarmed combat for the purpose of self-defense. More specifically Taekwon-do is the art of hand and foot fighting and the scientific use of the body in methods of self defense.

Literally translated Taekwon-do means: “the art of hand and footfighting”

Tae: …to kick, jump, or smash with foot
Kwon …denotes fist, mainly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist
Do: …the art, the way, the method

Green Stripe to Green Belt

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Do-San

Self-Defense:

Front shoulder grab-same side
Front shoulder grab-opposite side
Rear shoulder grab-same side
Rear shoulder grab-opposite side

Sparring:

3 step two way, # 1 – 4
free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Green board, technique of choice

Theory:

Definition of Do-San (audio)
Do-San is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876-1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement.

Recite the student oath (audio)
I shall observe the tenants of Taekwon-do
I shall respect the instructor and seniors
I shall never misuse Taekwon-do
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
I shall build a more peaceful world

Green Belt to Blue Stripe

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Won-Hyo

Self-Defense:

Rear bear hug-under arms
Rear bear hug-over arms
Front bear hug-under arms
Front bear hug-over arms

Sparring:

2 step # 1 & 2
free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Green board front snap kick

Theory:

Definition of Won-Hyo (audio)
Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the silla dynasty in the year 686 AD.

List three points of the student/instructor relationship (audio)

1. Never tire of learning. A good student can learn anywhere any time

2. A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his/her art and instructor. Many students feel that their training is a commodity bought with monthly dues and are unwilling to take part in demonstrations, teaching, and work around the Dojang. An instructor can afford to lose this type of student

3. Always set a good example for junior ranking students.

4. Always be loyal and never criticize the instuctor, Taekwon-do, or teaching methods.

5. If an instructor teaches a technique, practice it and attempt to utilize it.

6. Remember that a student’s conduct outside the Dojang reflects on the ART, the instructor and the club.

7. If a student adopts a technique from another club and the instructor disapproves of it, the student must discard it immediately.

8. Never disrespect the instructor. Though a student is allowed to disagree with the instructor, the student must forst follow the instruction and then discuss the matter with the instructor privately.

9. A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions.

10. Never betray the instructor.

Meaning of green belt
Signifies the plant’s grow, as the Taekwon-do skill begins to develop.

Blue Stripe to Blue Belt

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Yul-Gok

Self-Defense:

Full Nelson
Front head lock
Side head lock
Hair grab

Sparring:

2 step, # 3 & 4
free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Green board spinning back kick
Blue board, technique of choice

Theory:

Definition of Yul-Gok (audio)
Yul-Gok is the pseudonym of the grear philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536-1584) nicknamed the “Confusius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38 degree latitude and the diagram represents “scholar”.

Date Taekwon-do was named
April 11, 1955

Date of the Formation of the ICTF
October 24/25, 2003

Date of General Choi’s, Birth/Death
Birth: November 9, 1918
Death: June 15, 2002

Blue Belt to Red Stripe

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Joon-Gun

Self-Defense:

Sitting on stomach securing wrists
Kneeling between legs applying two hand choke
Laying on side applying head lock
Kneeling beside applying choke
Kneeling above applying choke

Sparring: (audio)

1 step / 3 different
free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Green board hand/elbow technique
Blue board technique of choice

Theory:

Definition of Joon-Gun (audio)
Jon-Gun is named after Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. The 32 movements in this pattern represent Mr. Ahn’s age when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison (1910).

All points of the student/instructor relationship (audio)
1. Never tire of learning. A good student can learn anywhere any time

2. A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his/her art and instructor. Many students feel that their training is a commodity bought with monthly dues and are unwilling to take part in demonstrations, teaching, and work around the Dojang. An instructor can afford to lose this type of student

3. Always set a good example for junior ranking students.

4. Always be loyal and never criticize the instuctor, Taekwon-do, or teaching methods.

5. If an instructor teaches a technique, practice it and attempt to utilize it.

6. Remember that a student’s conduct outside the Dojang reflects on the ART, the instructor and the club.

7. If a student adopts a technique from another club and the instructor disapproves of it, the student must discard it immediately.

8. Never disrespect the instructor. Though a student is allowed to disagree with the instructor, the student must forst follow the instruction and then discuss the matter with the instructor privately.

9. A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions.

10. Never betray the instructor.

Meaning of blue belt
Signifies the heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as Taekwon-do training progresses.

Red Stripe to Red Belt

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Toi-Gae

Self-Defense:

Defense against side kick
Defense against front kick
Defense against turning kick
Defense against hooking punch
Perform a hip toss

Sparring: (audio)

Model / 3 different
free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Green board turning kick
Green board axe kick
Green board knife hand
Brown board technique of choice

Theory:

Definition of Toi-Gae (audio)
Toi-Gae is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Century), an authority on neo-confucianism. The 37 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37 degree latitude and the diagram represents “scholar”

Training secrets of Taekwon-do (audio)
These acronyms will help you learn the training secrets:

Power, Purpose, Focus, Relax, Motion, Sine wave, Breath, Tool, Position. 

However, you are required to learn and understand the full meaning.

1) Study the theory of power thoroughly.

2) Understand the purpose and method of each movement clearly.

3) Bring the movement of hands, eyes, feet and breath into one coordinated motion.

4) Keep both arms and legs slightly bent while the movement is in motion.

5) All movements mus begin with a backward motion with very few exceptions. However, once a movement is in motion it should not be stopped before reaching the target.

6) Create a sine wave during the movement by utilizing the knee spring properly.
There are three types of sine wave: on the spot, moving, turning

7) Exhale briefly at the moment of each movement except in a connecting motion.

8) Choose the appropriate attacking tool for each vital spot.

9) Become familiar witht he correct angle and distance for attack and defense.

List the three types of sine wave and be able to demonstrate
1) on the spot
2) moving
3) turning

Red Belt to Black Stripe

Patterns:

Any Junior Pattern
Hwa-Rang

Self-Defense:

Pinned against the wall by a one hand choke from the front
Pinned against the wall from rear
One attacker securing each wrist
One attacker holding from rear, while one menaces from the front
Knife technique

Sparring: (audio)

Prearranged free for 30 seconds
2 on 1 free sparring

Breaking: (audio)

Black board side kick
1 board spinning hook kick
1 board jumping technique hand / foot
(Board must break before your feet hit the ground)
4 boards/ 4 directional hand & foot technique, using different techniques from above

Theory:

Definition of Hwa-Rang (audio)
Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry division where Taekwon-do developed into maturity.

Common terms in Korean (audio)
Basabum: Assistant Instructor(I-III)
Sabum: Instructor (IV-VI)
Sahyum: Master (VII-VIII)
Saseong: Grand Master (IX)
Jeja: Student
Gup: Colour Belt Grade
Dan: Black Belt Grade
Charyot: Attention
Kyong Ye: Bow
Hae San: Dismiss
Junbi: Ready
Si Jak: Begin
Guman: Stop
Paro: Return
Swiyo: Relax
Sogi: Stance
Matsogi: Sparring
Narani: Parallel
Annun: Sitting
Gunnan: Walking
Niunja: L-stance
Moa: Closed

Meaning of red belt
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and the opponent to stay away.

Black Stripe to Black Belt

Patterns:

Two color belt patterns – examiners choice
Hwa-Rang
Choong-Moo

Self-Defense:

8 self defense techniques – examiners choice
1 – 2 minute demonstration

Sparring:

Any type

Breaking:

3 board side kick (2 women)
8 board, 4 directional kick (4 board women)
2 board hand technique ( 1 women)
1 board jumping foot technique
1 board flying foot technique
2 board back kick
1 board jumping hand technique

Theory:
List and explain the theory of power (audio)

Reaction Force:  For every action (force) there is an equal and opposite reaction (Newton’s third law). Another reaction force is your own. A punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip

Concentration: The smaller the focal point of youer weapon the more force there will be on a given target.

Equilibrium: To have maximum power you must maintain your balance. Without balance, your power can easily be diverted. The center of balance must be on a staight line midway between the legs.

Breath Control: Controlled breathing is important for a number of reasons. It protects the body against attack and creates more power in your technique by tightening your muscles. Breath can be turned into a yell to bolster your courage and startle your apponent. It can also improve your stamina and speed.

Mass: Use sine wave and hip jerk to increase power. (the moer mass you have the more power you should be able to generate).

Speed: Speed is the most essential factor to create power.
History of Taekwon-do

History of Taekwon-do (audio)
See manual page 1 

Terminology of Taekwon-do (audio)
See Red Belt to Black Stripe

All pattern definitions
See Color belt trstings

Count to 10 in Korean (audio)
1. Hana         6. Yosot
2. Dool          7. Ligop
3. Set              8. Yodul
4. Net             9. Ahop
5. Dosot      10. Yul

Junior Black Belt (under 14 years)

Patterns:

1 color belt pattern – examiners choice
Hwa-Rang
Choong-Moo (audio)

Self-Defense:

6 self-defense techniques – examiners choice

Sparring:

Any type sparring

Breaking:

2 board foot technique
2 board hand technique
4 boards/ 4 directional kick combination
3 board/ 3-hand technique combination
1 board high kick
1 board jumping back kick

Theory:

Essay on what Teakwon-do means to you

1st – 2nd Dan Black Belt

Patterns:

One color belt patterns – examiners choice
Choong-Moo (audio)
Kwang-Gae (audio)
Po-Eun (audio)
Ge-Baek (audio)

Self-Defense:

8 self defense techniques – examiners choice
2 wrist locks-inner and outer
3 neck restraints
8 pressure points
3 defenses against knife attacks-straight thrust, downward attack and inward slash

Sparring:

Model sparring (audio)
Step sparring
Free sparring

Breaking:

4 board side kick (3 women)
8 board, 4 directional elbow strike
3 board back kick (2 for women)
360 degree kick (back or turning)
2 board suspenden break (1 for women)
2 board jumping combination kick (i.e split kick, double front kick)
Target kicking (pen out of mouth, cup off head)

Theory:

Etiquette (rules)
– Respect the training area (Dojang)
– Respect yourself and others
– Bow inwards when entering and exiting the Dojang
– No talking without permission during class training
– Do no wear jewlery while training (watches, rings, necklaces etc.)
– No swearing
– Do not stand with your hands on your hips or arms crossed (stand with both hands behind your back in a relaxed motion)
– No chewing gum in class
– If arriving late, wait for permission to join the class.
– Do not leave class without the instructor’s permission .
– Official Dobok and sparring gear must be worn during class.

History of Taekwon-do (audio)
See book Page 1

Commands (procedures etc)

2nd – 3rd Dan Black Belt

Patterns:

2 Junior patterns – examiners choice
Eui-Am (audio)
Choong-Jang (audio)
Ch’ang-Hon (audio) or Ko-Dang (audio)

Self-Defense:

8 self-defense techniques – examiners choice

Sparring:

3 Model Sparring
3 One Step Sparring
Free Sparring

Breaking:

5 board side piercing kick (4 women)
3 board jumping back kick
8 boards/ 4 directional hand/foot
2 twin hand technique
3 board downward hand technique
3 elbow (any)
1 suspended foot technique
2 consecutive foot technique
2 reverse turning

Theory:

Etiquette (rules)

History (TKD) (audio)

Commands (procedures etc.)

3rd – 4th Dan Black Belt

Patterns:

2 Junior patterns
Sam-II (audio)
Yoo-Sin (audio)
Choi Yong (audio)

Self-Defense:

Scenario of at least 10 moves

Breaking:

2 board suspended, hand or foot
2 board mid air kicks, one board at each target
4 board stomp kick
2 bricks either hand or foot technique, horizontal or downward
3 board turning kick
12 boards, 6 targets all must be different techniques, using hand and foot

Theory:

Questions (?)

Yellow Stripe (audio)

Demonstrate:

Proper way to enter and exit the dojang
Lining up
Charyot – Attention
Kyong Ye – Bow (say Taekwon)
Junbi – Ready stance (parallel ready stance)
Kiup – Vocal power boast
Proper fist

Self-Defense:

What is the #1 rule of self-defense?
Never go anywhere alone.

Theory:

How do you address or answer a Black Belt, or senior belt?
Yes Sir, or yes

Yellow Badge (earth) (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything in Yellow Stripe
Swiyo – Relax (hands go behind your back, standing still)
Hae San – Dismiss (three steps backward bow, then walk away)

Pattern:

Earth (6 moves) 3 middle puches forward and 3 middle punches backward in walking stance

Self-Defense:

Confidence, you need to show and walk with confidence.

Theory:

Who is General Choi?
The founder of Taekwon-do

Green Stripe (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything up to double Yellow Stripe
Narani Junbi Sogi – Parallel Ready Stance
Annun Junbi Sogi – Sitting Ready Stance

Pattern:

Earth (3 middle punches forward, 3 middle punches backward, in walking stance)
Wood (4 middle puches forward, 4 rising blocks backwards, in walking stance)

Self-defense:

What is a safe place?
Anywhere there are people.
Examples: Police Station, Fire Station, School, Hospital, Store

Theory:

What does Junbi mean?
Ready

Green Badge (wood) (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything up to Green Stripe
Gunnan Junbi Sogi – Walking Ready Stance
Niunja Soji – L-Stance or fighting stance
Proper knifehand

Pattern:

Wood (4 middle puches forward, 4 rising blocks backwards, in walking stance)
Water (forward; 2 low blocks, 2 middle punches, backwards; 2 rising blocks, to high punches all in walking stance)

Self-defense:

Where do you go when you feel threatened or uneasy?
A safe place…..and name one.

Theory:

Where was Taekwon-do invented?
Korea

Blue Stripe (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything up to double Green Stripe
Tirotora – About turn

Pattern:

Water (forward; 2 low blocks, 2 middle punches. backwards; 2 rising blocks, 2 high punches, in walking stance)
Fire (jump twin middle punches, jump double side punches, 2 front snap kicks into guarding block, 2 guarding blocks backwards, repeat opening punches)

Self-defense:

What do you do if a stranger offers you candy or a gift?
Say NO firmly and walk away.

Theory:

One tenant of Taekwon-do
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-control
Indomitable Spirit

Blue Badge (water) (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything up to Blue Stripe

Pattern:

Fire (jump twin middle punches, jump double side punches, 2 front snap kicks into guarding block, 2 guarding blocks backwards, repeat opening punches)
Metal (first 2 moves Saju Jirugi repeated with no turns right side. Then first 2 moves Saju Jirugi repeated with no turns left side. Next first 2 moves Saju Makgi repeated with no turns right side. Lastly first 2 moves of Saju Makgi repeated with no turns left side.)

Self-defense:

What do you do if a stranger asks you to go with him or help with directions?
Say NO, go tell a parent

Theory:

2 Tenants of Taekwon-do
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-control
Indomitable Spirit

How do you show respect to Black Belts or senior belts?
Bow and say yes sir or yes ma’am.

Red Stripe (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything up to double Blue Stripe
Targeting – demonstrate with a white board
Front Snap Kick
Side Piercing Kick
Hand Technique (knifehand, elbow, middle punch)

Pattern:

All Shadow Warrior Patterns, Earth, Wood, Water, Fire, and Metal (with correct stances and tools)

Self-defense:

What do you do is someone grabs you?
YELL, SCREAM (not my mom – dad) pinch, scratch, wiggle…..

Questions:

Two tenents of Taekwon-do
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-Control
Indomitable Spirit

What degree was General Choi and why?
9th degree Black Belt, as nobody is perfect

Red Badge (Fire) (audio)

Demonstrate:

Everything up to Red Stripe

Fundamental Exercise:

Saju Jirugi – 4 directional punch

Self-Defense:

Wrist Grab – same side and opposite
Distract, release, run – screaming making a scene!

Sparring:

Semi Free

Theory:

Where and when do you use Taekwon-do?
Dojang, self-defense…

Where not to use Teakwon-do
On your friends, siblings…..