GW Taekwon-Do

Constitution

Preamble

GW Taekwon-Do Club exists to promote the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do and provide instruction to the GW community with the goal of teaching self-defense while fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among its members.

Article I: Name

This organization shall be known as “GW Taekwon-Do,” with all addresses, statements, or communication to and from bearing this designation.

Article II: Purpose

Section 1: Mission Statement

The mission of GW Taekwon-Do (henceforth “GWTKD”) is multi-faceted. First and foremost, it exists to instruct the GW community in Taekwon-Do in a fun, friendly and safe environment. GWTKD welcomes students new to Taekwon-Do or students with previous experience, though no such experience is necessary.

Taekwon-Do is a martial art that originated in Korea about 50 years ago and consists of training of the mind and body in the use of techniques of unarmed combat for self-defense and health. It involves the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with the bare hands and feet for the rapid immobilization of one or more opponents. Taekwon-Do also carries an emphasis on discipline and character development.

GWTKD strives to promote Taekwon-Do as taught by General Choi Hong-Hi, father of Taekwon-Do, and Grandmaster Charles E. Sereff, president of the United States Taekwon-Do Federation (USTF). Instructors are USTF certified. Students will be offered color belt and degree advancement per USTF guidelines (For information on students with rank from another organization, see Article III, Section 3)

GWTKD acts as a club for collective training and mutual support. Every member is a student of the art, including instructors. GWTKD does not exist for material gain, and will only charge its members nominal dues, if any at all.

Section 2: Organizational Conduct

GWTKD promises to abide by and support all policies, rules, and regulations of the George Washington University.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

Membership in GWTKD is limited to GW students and faculty. Students must be registered as a full or part-time student in undergraduate or graduate study. Prospective members will need to register, pay dues (if applicable), and sign a waiver of liability before attending or at the time of their first class. First-time participants must also bring proof of medical insurance. Those interested should contact Robert Martin (303-514-4878, bmartin9@gwu.edu).

Section 2: Registration and Membership Duration

As previously mentioned, those interested in joining GWTKD should contact Robert Martin (303-514-4878, bmartin9@gwu.edu).

Registration will take place at the beginning of each semester (new students can register at any point while the semester is in progress), and each student will need to renew membership each semester. Any payment of dues (if applicable) will occur within three weeks of the start of the semester or before a deadline set by the President and/or Treasurer. If the new student registers more than half-way through the semester, they will be charged a pro-rated amount.

Students who do not renew membership or pay dues at the appropriate time will be granted a two-week grace period during which they will be allowed to participate in all club activities. Students who fail to renew membership or pay dues during this period will be classified as “inactive” and will not be allowed to attend classes or participate in club activities. At which time any inactive student fulfills these requirements, he or she will be allowed to participate.

While members of GWTKD, students will be required to abide by all club regulations and those of the university. Any student wishing to withdraw membership from the organization for any reason may do so at any time. No refunds will be given if dues have been paid.

Section 3: Rank transfer

All students with color or black belt ranks from USTF or ITF schools will be recognized provided they submit a copy of their USTF or ITF membership card and a copy of their most recent rank certificate.

Students with colored belt rank from other styles of Taekwon-Do (other than USTF or ITF) generally will be allowed to keep their rank with the understanding that advancement will only occur when the student has fulfilled all requirements and learned all material up to that rank. Such students will need to submit a copy of their most recent rank certificate.

Students with black belt rank from other styles of Taekwon-Do (other than USTF or ITF) will be handled on a case by case basis.

Students with rank from other martial arts (other than Taekwon-Do) will be required to start at white belt.

All cases are subject to the decision of the Head Instructor.

Section 4: Disciplinary Action

GWTKD reserves the right to suspend and/or expel any member for violation(s) of club or university policy. A board of review consisting of the President and the Vice-President will handle any such disciplinary action.

Section 5: Non-discrimination Policy:

GWTKD will grant membership to any person who fulfills the requirements listed above, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, ideology, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or citizenship. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects this policy.

Article IV: Officers

Section 1: Division of Offices

The traditional hierarchy of Taekwon-Do is based on rank. While this system does well for class operations, it doesn’t always translate well for organizational structure. For example, a black belt instructor is obviously more qualified to instruct than a white belt, but a white belt may be better qualified as a treasurer. Therefore, two parallel chains of command will exist for organizational structure. One for “instructors” will be based on the Taekwon-Do, rank-determined system. The other, for “officers,” is related to day-to-day operations that may not be associated with rank. More specific information is listed below.

Section 2: Instructors

As aforementioned, this is a pre-determined hierarchy that is based on rank and is not subject to elections. As two black belts are the founding members of GWTKD, there are only two instructors at the time of this draft. The Head Instructor is Mr. Robert Martin, IV Dan, while the Senior Instructor is Mr. Ryan Festag, II Dan.

For the future, after such a time that other black belts wish to join GWTKD or the club promotes its own, any black belt who wishes to teach must be a USTF/ITF certified and be approved by the Head Instructor and President.

The instructors are in charge of the class. They plan lessons (formally or informally), lead the class, correct and evaluate, answer questions, and provide feedback. All instructors answer to the Head Instructor, and the Head Instructor has the authority to remove instructors whose performance is poor or who commit a major infraction of etiquette or club or university regulations, though removal is considered a last resort.

Section 3: Officers

These offices are only partially determined by rank. As of the time of this drafting, the club is small enough that conducting elections would be cumbersome and inefficient.  Any democratic action will take place among the Executive Committee, which will consist of all instructors and officers. All these positions will be determined by appointment at this time.

The President is the executive officer of the club, responsible for day-to-day managerial tasks as well as being the club’s main representative in all outside dealings, including those with the university as well as the Student Association. At the founding of GWTKD, the appointed President is Robert Martin

The Vice President assists the President in these operations, offers advice, and fulfills the President’s duties in the event he or she is incapacitated or otherwise prevented from doing so. The Vice President also serves as the link between the President and the rest of the officers. At the founding of GWTKD, the appointed Vice President is Ryan Festag.

The Treasurer deals with all matters of finance, including but not limited to grant applications to the SA, collection of dues, and the allocation of resources. At the founding of GWTKD, the appointed Treasurer is Ryan Festag.

The Equipment Manager serves as the person of contact should students wish to purchase uniforms or protective gear through the club. He or she will be responsible for taking orders, and acquiring and distributing goods. At the founding of GWTKD, the appointed Equipment Manager is Robert Martin.

The removal of officers can take place on account of poor performance, or major infraction of club or university policy. A board of review consisting of the President and Vice President must unanimously vote to remove an officer.

Section 4: Pluralism

A single person may hold more than one office. This is simply due to necessity at the time of this founding. In an ideal situation, an individual would have no more than two positions, one as an instructor, and one as an officer, but no such requirement will exist. Regardless of how many positions an individual holds, he or she will only be granted one vote as a member of the Executive Committee.

Section 5: Elastic Clause

The President and Vice-President have the power to deal with matters of membership, member conduct, class operations, and disciplinary action that may arise, but are not covered by this document.

Article V: Operations

Section 1: Election Philosophy

At the time of this draft, officers have been agreed upon and appointed by consensus of the founding members. Until the club is at a point where there is competition to fill vacant positions, GWTKD will hold no elections, but rather, the President and Vice President will approve volunteers by consensus.

Section 2: President and Vice President

The instruction and operation of a Taekwon-Do club, requiring extensive knowledge of the art and typical club operations, is best left to experienced practicioners. Therefore, GWTKD will require that the President and Vice President be black belts. These positions carry a term as long as the office holder is a member of the club. In the event that the President leaves office for any reason, the Vice President will assume his or her duties, with a election among the Executive Committee to be held at the end of the semester, with the new term commencing at the start of the next semester. In the event that the Vice President leaves office, the President has the power to appoint a replacement.

Section 3: Other Officers

Terms will be one academic year (fall and spring semester). Appointments for the following academic year will be made no later than May 1, as to allow for transition time. In the event of a vacancy, the President and Vice President will either assume the duties of the vacant position themselves or delegate them to an interim officer. A special election will be held as soon as possible with each member of the Executive Committee getting one vote to appoint a replacement. In the event of a tie, if no consensus can be reached among the committee, the Head Instructor shall cast the tiebreaker.

Section 4: Amendments

As shall be discussed in Article VIII, at such time that the club is large enough to warrant it, amendments may be added to the Constitution to expand the electoral process or reform the appointment of officers.

Article VI: Finances and Allocation of Funds

Section 1: Organization

GWTKD is committed to running a frugal organization. Each year, if deemed necessary by the Executive Committee, the Treasurer will follow all requisite procedures to request SA funds according to the Information Guide to the SA Financial Process. At the time of the founding of GWTKD, the club will charge no dues to its members. However, at such a time that further financial support is necessary, the Executive Committee has the power to vote on the charging of dues. In such an event, the Treasurer will be responsible for the collection of dues, as well as the management of any club bank accounts. The Treasurer will also approve all reimbursements and funds transfers for expenditures, as well as keep financial records electronically, with the goal of keeping club finances as transparent as possible.

Article VII: Amendments to the Constitution

Section 1: Philosophy

GWTKD, being a new organization, will be constantly subject to growth and changing conditions. Therefore, it is only natural that this Constitution be a living document capable of revision to reflect current realities.

Section 2: Process

Any member of the Executive Committee may propose an amendment at any time. Amendment proposals must be submitted in writing to the President and Vice President. A vote will be held approximately two weeks following submission. In order to pass, at least three fourths of the Committee members must approve the amendment.