FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Taekwon-Do?
What are the belts / ranks / levels?
What are the benefits?
Taekwon-Do (translated "the way of the hand and foot") is a martial art from Korea that was first published on April 11, 1955.
The main root of traditional Taekwon-Do is Shotokan Karate and Taekkyeon.
This martial art features intense and challenging physical exercises that raises the strength and cardio levels of its participants - all while learig self-defense.
It also has a strong moral culture and character development program. The end goal is to create a happier and healtier community (and build a more peaceful world).
Taekwon-Do is also an amazing place for anyone to hit all four major chemical components which are directly linked in our human biology to the feelings of achievement, status, joy and personal fulfillment. Those chemicals are:
- Endorphins
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Oxytocin
What are the benefits?
What are the belts / ranks / levels?
What are the benefits?
Whether you are a child, teen or an adult... The benefits of training in Taekwon-Do can be divided up into 3 sections:
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Become stronger
More flexible
Increased cadio
Better coordination
MENTAL BENEFITS
Higher concentration levels
Develop hyper focus
Goal setting & achieving
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Self-confidence
Self-Esteem
Fulfillment
Each level in Taekwon-Do will present challenges that will lead the practitionner to achieving the benefits mentioned above.
What are the belts / ranks / levels?
What are the belts / ranks / levels?
What are the belts / ranks / levels?
There are 19 total levels in Taekwon-Do. The first 10 levels are color belt levels that are called "Kups" or "Grades" and the last 9 levels are black belt levels called "Dan" or "Degree".
COLOR BELT LEVELS ARE:
White Belt (10th Kup)
Yellow Stripe (9th Kup)
Yellow Belt (8th Kup)
Green Stripe (7th Kup)
Green Belt (6th Kup)
Blue Stripe (5th Kup)
Blue Belt (4th Kup)
Red Stripe (3rd Kup)
Red Belt (2nd Kup)
Black Stripe (1st Kup)
BLACK BELT LEVELS ARE:
1st to 3rd Degree - Assistant Instructor
4th to 6th Degree - International Instructor
7th and 8th Degree - Master or Expert
9th Degree - Grand Master (Sage)
THE JOURNEY IN TAEKWON-DO
REGULAR TRAINING
REGULAR TRAINING
REGULAR TRAINING
The first step is TRAINING. This means come to class regularly, trying you best and learning your techniques.
STRIPE TESTING
REGULAR TRAINING
REGULAR TRAINING
Once you start developing skills from training, it is time to go to Stripe Testing. There are 3-Physical Stripes to conquer.
COMPETITIONS
REGULAR TRAINING
TRAINING SEMINARS
Competitions are a healthy part of the program where students test themselves and their skills outside of regular class.
TRAINING SEMINARS
TRAINING SEMINARS
TRAINING SEMINARS
Seminars are special classes with guest instructors that provide students with new opportunities for growth and development.
RANK TESTING
TRAINING SEMINARS
BELT GRADUATION
Once you have completed all the necessary training requirements it is then time to apply and attempt the rank testing.
BELT GRADUATION
TRAINING SEMINARS
BELT GRADUATION
Attending our belt graduations are such an amazing way to celebrate the accomplishments of our members.
REGULAR TRAINING
Step One
This is how it all starts... Every student should come to class as often as possile (based on your membership program and goals). Be sure to attend regularly and consistently. This way it becomes easier on your mind and body.
When you attend classes do everything in your power to put as much effort as possibe. This way you will see and feel the resuls. Here are some ideas to help you be successful in your journey:
- Show up to class at least 10 minutes early (helps get you in the right mindset)
- Don't be on your phone, tablet or computer at least 30 minutes before class
- Make healthy choices... no sugary snacks before class and drink water
- Get to know everyone in your class (develop a sense of community for support)
LASTLY - You should note that the more our team has access to working with you on the floor - the more we can help you! Don't be shy to ask questions or ask for help. We are here to serve and are passionate about your growth!
STRIPE TESTING
Step Two
Stripe testing is the first stage in qualifying for the next level. It is a series of mini-tests that evaluate four different areas of the curriculum.
STRIPE #1 - FUNDAMENTALS (CORE)
This section covers all your hand and foot movements (punches, strikes, blocks, kicks etc). To pass this area you must show that the student has become skilled at their fundamental movements.
STRIPE #2 - PATTERNS & STEP-SPARRING (MEMORY)
This section covers Patterns and Step Sparring (either 3-Step, 2-Step or 1-Step Sparring). This area is stripe is comprised of items that are memorized, choreographed and follow a certain rhythm.
STRIPE #3 - SPARRING & SELF-DEFENSE (PRACTICAL)
This section covers sparring drills, movement drills, self-defense exercises and drills. It involves the practical applications of items learned in Stripe #1 & Stripe #2. It is the final physical stripe before qualifying for rank testing.
STRIPE #4 - KNOWLEDGE STRIPE (UNDERSTANDING)
This section of the program is an "open-book" type of exam where the goal is to inspire each student raise their knowledge and interest by questing for answers and asking more questions to the instructors. The information covered in each test are on the physical and moral aspects of the program as well as the school (Warrior Code) and the art of Taekwon-Do itself.
Stripe testing is offered for an entire week each month. Students should not be aiming to simply get the stripes. The stripes are merely symbols of the skills we intend each student to achieve. When a student demonstrates the skills, they will EARN the stripes.
The Knowledge Stripe can be earned at any time by simply completed the assignment and submitting it to the instructors. To be eligable for rank testing, the homework assignment must be turned in at least 3 weeks before the date of the rank testing.
TRAINING SEMINARS
Step Four
Our school is always looking for ways to grow and develop. Another perk of being a member of the International Taekwon-Do Federation is having access to world-class development for our members. Whether it is additional trainings for students, higher level coaching for athletes or developing umpires or coaching; our academy operates with a growth mindset.
Every year we host three to four seminars with guest instructors. These seminars feature specialties from world renowned Grand Masters, Masters, Coaches and World Champion Athletes.
This additional training opportunity helps us continuouslt raise the technical level of our school and the confience level of our students.
RANK TESTING
Step Five
Rank testing is the final stage of challenges before being promoted to the next level in Taekwon-Do. Each belt level will provide different challenges and requirements may slightly vary.
In order to qualify for rank testing, each student must have completed:
- training consistently for the minimum number of months (without a break / pause)
- completed the minimum number of classes
- completed the 3-physical stripes (see the stripe testing above)
- completed the knowledge stripe (homework stripe)
- participated in a competition (for certain levels)
- participated in a seminar (for certain levels)
BELT GRADUATIONS
Final Step... Time to Celebrate!
Belt Graduations are the final step in the growth process. It is a celebration of all the work, struggle and growth that was done while looking ahead at future challenges. When we take moments like these with our families, and community to celebrate the achievements of the graduating members, we raise their level of serotonin which helps instill pride and confidence as it is also known as the LEADERSHIP and STATUS chemical in our bodies and minds.
When people are given something, they feel good; when they earn something and are recognized for it - they develop true confidence because no one can take it away from them.
For this reason we believe that each belt graduation is a life transformation.