What is Taekwondo?

Tae Kwon Do is the Korean art for self-defense and physical fitness. It is considered the most
modern of existing self-defense arts. In addition to being a martial art, Tae Kwon Do is also
recognized as one of the most effective methods for improving health, physical fitness,
flexibility, balance and agility.

Translated from Korean, "Tae" means foot or kick, "Kwon" means fist or punch, and "Do"
means the way. Taken collectively, Tae Kwon Do means "Art of kick and punches". All of the
basic movements in this art of self-defense are intended to strengthen and coordinate each part of
the body, so that every hand and foot technique has incredible power and speed. Tae Kwon Do is
intended to protect one from attack by an enemy and help gain immunity to physical and mental
illness. Anyone learning this art from a qualified instructor gains the peace of mind which all
people seek.

Tae Kwon Do is an exact system of symmetrical exercises designed for unarmed self-defense
and counter-attack. The significance of this definition, however, is only physical and superficial,
for Tae Kwon Do means, more importantly, a way of life. Self-control, kindness and humility
must accompany physical strength and skill. Tae Kwon Do training instills the desire to handle
confrontation without violence except when the safety of oneself or others in ones care is in
jeopardy. When physical contact is unavoidable, Tae Kwon Do training assures the safety of the
student while minimizing injury to the attacker.

Taekwondo Student Oath Tenets of Taekwondo

I shall observe the Tenets of Taekwondo Courtesy (Ye-ui) ভদ্রতা

I shall respect my instructors and my seniors Integrity (Yom-chi) সততা

I shall never misuse Tae Kwon Do Perseverance (In-nae) ঐকান্তিকতা

I shall be a champion of freedom and justice Self-control (Geuk-gi) আত্মন্তিয়ন্ত্রণ

I shall build a more peaceful world Indomitable Spirit (Baek-jeol-bul-gul) অদম্য

উৎসাহ
 Terminology (Commonly used Taekwondo Terms)
Instructor Sabom/Sabomnim Back to Ready Baro
Attention Charyot Begin Shijak
Training Hall Dojang End Komahn
Uniform Dobok Turn Around Dwi Ro Dorah
Grade Gup Black Belt Yudanja
Belt Dhee Punch Jirugi
The Black Belt level Dan Kick Bal Chagi
Black belt under 15 years Poom Block Mahkgi
Yelling Kehap Form Poomse
Red Hong Sparring Kyorugi
Blue Chong Breaking Kyukpa
Bow Kyungrae Self-defense Hoshinsool
Ready Joonbee Stance Suhgi

Numbers

1 Ha Na 1st El
2 Dul 2nd E
3 Set 3rd Sam
4 Net 4th Sa
5 Da Sut 5th O
6 Yo Sut 6th Yuk
7 Il Gob 7th Chil
8 Yo Dul 8th Pul
9 A Hop 9th Koo
10 10 – Yol 10th Sib
Belts & Grades
System of rank is based on the traditional WTF coloured belt system which contains 8 colours
from White Belt to Black Belt. This includes striped intermissions as the student progresses
through the Gups (levels) from the beginning 8th Gup through to 1st Gup which is the final
coloured belt stage prior to testing for a 1st Degree Black Belt. Each colour has a significance
and meaning in taekwondo, which co-relates to the Marital Arts in general. These meanings will
be introduced and recognized in the traditional part of the curriculum, and will be included at
each appropriate level of training.

Meaning of Belts
White Belt

The colour white indicates that a person is "innocent", has no knowledge of the sport taekwondo.
The white-belt is automatically gained by taking taekwondo classes.

Yellow Belt

The colour yellow indicates the person is getting the basic techniques; this colour of the belt is
compared to a plant growing its roots.

Green Belt

The colour green indicates that a student is growing as a taekwondo student. The colour of the
belt is compared to a plant growing its leaves.

Blue Belt

The colour blue indicates that a student is reaching higher, like a plant that is growing towards
the sky.

Red Belt

The colour red indicates danger. The student is warned to practice the control of his/her
movements. The colour red also warns opponents.

Black Belt

Black is the opposite of white and means the maturity of the student in the art. It also is an
indication of being impenetrable for fear and darkness.
 Grade
Meaning Poomse
Belt Level

White - Signifies innocence, as that

10th of the beginning student who has
Kibon Basic #1
Geup no previous knowledge of
Taekwondo

9th
White with yellow tag Taegeuk #1
Geup

Yellow - Signifies the earth from

8th which a plant sprouts and takes
Taegeuk #2
Geup root as the foundation of Taekwon-
Do is being laid.

7th
Yellow with green tag Taegeuk #3
Geup

Green - Signifies the plant's growth

6th
as Taekwon-Do skills begin to Taegeuk #4
Geup
develop.

5th
Green with blue tag Taegeuk #5
Geup

Blue - Signifies the Heaven

4th towards which the plant matures
Taegeuk #6
Geup into a towering tree as training in
Taekwon-Do progresses.

3rd
Blue with red tag Taegeuk #7
Geup
 Red - Signifies Danger, cautioning
2nd
the student to exercise control and Taegeuk #8
Geup
warning the opponent to stay away.

1st
Red with black tag Koryo
Geup

Black - Opposite of white,

therefore signifying maturity and
proficiency in Taekwon-Do; also
1st Dan Koryo
indicates the wearer's
imperviousness to darkness and
fear.

2nd Assistant Instructor (must remain at

Keumgang
Dan this rank at least 2 years)

3rd Assistant Instructor (must remain at

Taebaek
Dan this rank at least 3 years)

International Instructor (must

4th remain at this rank at least 4 years).
Pyongwon
Dan At this point, a person may become
a "Sabumnim"

5th Instructor (must remain at this rank

Sipjin
Dan at least 5 years)

6th Instructor (must remain at this rank

Jitae
Dan at least 6 years)
Dojang Etiquette
As you become a member of the Dojang, you will begin to see the importance of the proper
etiquette to the process of training. The Dojang (the training area) is a very special place, unlike
any other. Not only are the standards of behavior high, but the rules of conduct are different as
well. For example, in the Dojang, we bow to our instructors, colleagues and friends, rather than
merely shake their hands of wave. Respect for each other is not only valued, but its
demonstration is also insisted upon. Below is a list of basic rules to be followed inside the
Dojang:

1. Senior grades introduce yourselves to fellow new students who you do not know and
make them feel welcome
2. Always wear a clean and ironed dobok (or other approved uniform)
3. Ensure you have clean hands and feet and short nails
4. Strictly no jewellery is allowed - necklaces, earrings, etc
5. Mobile phones must be turned off before entry into the dojang. Ensure family / friends
have the coach's phone numbers in case of emergency
6. Please ensure you bring a towel and sufficient water / drink to all your classes
7. Do not handle another person's possessions without their permission
8. Make sure you bring all necessary equipment to each class
9. Bow upon to entry and exit from the dojang (the dojang is a sacred place, please treat it
as such)
10. If there is a class in progress, please be courteous and do not talk unless it is essential,
quietly prepare for your class
11. Instructors will be called by their respective teaching title of 'SABOM'. If it is required to
address an instructor personally, then their first name follows Sabom'
12. When in the dojang proper respect and discipline must be maintained at all times
13. Enter each class with spirit and energy for learning
14. If you arrive late or must leave early, first receive recognition from your instructor
15. If you have to leave the dojang / training area for any reason during the class, approach
the instructor and ask for permission. Never just leave the training area
16. Form off quietly and swiftly. Students line up according to rank or height
17. Remain calm and focused. Carry out the directives of the Instructor promptly. Do not
keep the rest of the class waiting for you
18. Control any fear, anger or aggression
19. If for any reason you need to stop please approach your Instructor
20. Work hard and encourage your team mates to work hard as well
21. At the end of the class please wait until your instructor bows off the class before leaving
the mat / training area
22. Before leaving the training area / dojang please clean it up. Put away any equipment left
out, returning the dojang to its naturally neat state
23. Do not give a demonstration or teach taekwondo without the approval of your instructor
24. All testing fees should be paid one week prior to the testing date with training fee
25. Now if you have any questions or queries, please approach an instructor
Benefits of Taekwondo
Practicing Taekwondo in and of itself is a rewarding experience. In addition to a great workout
two or three times a week, students can expect to reap a whole host of benefits, both mental and
physical, from making Taekwondo a regular part of their lives.

EXPECT IMPROVED:

• Self-Defense
• Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
• Focus and Concentration
• Stress Relief
• Balance and Coordination
• Physical Fitness and Stamina
• Flexibility and Agility
• A more positive outlook on life

Difference between Judo, Karate and Taekwondo

Judo is basically an art of self defense. In this art the momentum and force of an attacker is used
against him by skillful use of throws, holds and chokes. It is obvious that attacks cannot be
initiated by a Judoka (Judo player).

Karate is an art of self defense by offence without any weapon mainly hands, elbows, forearms,
foot, knees, legs are used to strike as well as block or deflect attacks. Although both arms and
legs are used arms are more in use than legs.

Taekwondo is a Korean equivalent of Karate. The major difference however is that the kicks
predominate in the art. There is more use application of kicks rather than punches. This gives an
added advantage of longer, useful reach, more power and force in launching attacks.

Taekwondo is a Korean Martial art & exciting Olympic sports which is rapidly spreading
throughout the country & worldwide. Taekwondo is made from three Korean words i.e. Tae –
mean Kick, kwon mean Punch and do Mean - the right way.

World Taekwondo Federation (World Taekwondo) was founded on May 28, 1973. It currently
has about 145 countries as members. In 1974 it was admitted to the Asian Games as an official
sport. It was a competitive Olympic sport for the First Time at the 2000 Olympic Games in
Sydney, Australia.

Thank You