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Frequently Asked Questions
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the page.
What is Taekwon-Do?
Where does Taekwon-Do come from?
I've heard there are different
styles of Taekwon-Do, where does GWTKD fit in?
What will I learn?
What are the benefits of
Taekwon-Do?
Do I need to be in great shape?
Do I need any experience?
What if I have rank from
previous martial arts experience?
When are classes held? Why then?
Who are the instructors?
How does rank advancement work?
What costs are associated with
training?
Who do I contact if I'm
interested in joining?
What is Taekwon-Do?
Literally translated: Tae: Jumping, flying, to
kick or smash with the foot, Kwon: Fist, to punch or destroy with
the hand or fist, Do: The art or way. All together, Taekwon-Do is
"the mental training and techniques of unarmed combat for
self-defense as well as health. It involves the skilled application
of punches, kicks, blocks, and dodges with bare hands and feet for
the rapid destruction of a moving opponent or opponents." [1]
Where
does Taekwon-Do come from?
Taekwon-Do originated in Korea following World
War II. The late General Choi Hong-hi, the "Father of Taekwon-Do,"
was an early figure in Korean martial arts. He also was one of the
founding members of the South Korean army, where he used his
experience in Karate and ancient Korean fighting styles to
scientifically develop a martial art that was uniquely Korean. A panel of
Korean martial artists chose the name "Taekwon-Do," submitted by
General Choi, on April 11, 1955.
I've heard there are different "styles" of Taekwon-Do, where does
GWTKD fit in?
There are two major branches of Taekwon-Do. GWTKD
practices and teaches the style taught by General Choi and his
organization, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). This is
sometimes referred to as "ITF-style," "Chang-hôn
style", or "traditional" Taekwon-Do. The other major style, comes
from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and has been made famous
by its inclusion in the Olympics. It is sometimes referred to as "WTF
style," "Olympic style," or "sport" Taekwon-Do.
What will I learn?
Apart from kicks, punches, strikes, and blocks
that make up fundamental exercises, Taekwon-Do includes patterns
(prearranged sets of movements that simulate a fight), sparring
(step sparring and free sparring), breaking (of boards and tiles),
and ho-sin-sul (practical self-defense). In addition to focusing on
all-around physical fitness, high moral standards, character development and discipline
are also vital parts of Taekwon-Do training.
What are the benefits of Taekwon-Do?
Succinctly put, Taekwon-Do is a blast. The
physical training helps to promote all-around fitness and a
healthier lifestyle, and students will notice increased vitality and
lower stress as a result (essential for college students).
Additionally, the discipline and character development will also
extend to all facets of life and undoubtedly follow students during
the rest of their lives. Finally, GWTKD exists as a club for the
mutual support and benefit of its members.
Camaraderie and team spirit are
also a huge element. GWTKD exists as one club of many practicing the
same style of Taekwon-Do across the nation and world, meaning
besides offering advancement in an art that is internationally
recognized, seminars, tournaments, and workshops also offer students
the opportunity to travel.
Do I
need to be in great shape?
No. We'll help you get there. There's something
for everyone in Taekwon-Do, no matter what their natural talent
level is. Still, GWTKD recommends that prospective students check
with their physician to verify they're healthy enough for the
physical activity that Taekwon-Do entails.
Do I need any
experience?
No. No martial arts experience is required.
Anyone who does have previous martial arts experience is, of course,
welcome to join.
What if I have rank from previous martial arts experience?
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 recent participation in 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.
When are classes
held? Why then?
NOTE: TUESDAY NIGHT LOCATION HAS CHANGED!
2006-07 Class Schedule
| Day |
Time |
Location |
Type |
| Tuesday |
9:00 pm |
LHWC
4th floor squash courts |
All Ranks |
| Friday |
8:00 pm |
LHWC
2nd Floor Multipurpose room |
All Ranks |
As you can imagine, practice space is at a
premium here at GW, and being a new organization on campus, we have
to make do with what is available. Hopefully, the times we have
selected are still early enough to leave time in the day for going
out or doing homework, whichever the case may be.
Who are the
instructors?
Head Instructor
Robert Martin
Senior Instructor
Ryan Festag
Asst. Instructor
Hannah Korrell
More information.
How does
rank advancement work?
Rank in Taekwon-Do consists of ten color
belt grades (gup) and nine degrees (dan) of black belt. Color belt
ranks progress in a decreasing fashion while black belt degrees
count up.
| 10th
gup |
White belt |
| 9th gup |
White belt with
yellow stripe |
| 8th gup |
Yellow belt |
| 7th gup |
Yellow belt with
green stripe |
| 6th gup |
Green belt |
| 5th gup |
Green belt with
blue stripe |
| 4th gup |
Blue belt |
| 3rd gup |
Blue belt with red
stripe |
| 2nd gup |
Red belt |
| 1st gup |
Red belt with
black stripe |
| 1st through 9th
dan |
Black belt |
Color belt testings will
occur every three to four months (or about once a semester).
Students who attend class regularly and work hard can usually
expect to test, although it is always the decision of the
instructor (it's considered poor etiquette to ask).
What costs are
associated with training?
GWTKD's goal is to make Taekwon-Do available to
anyone, no matter the financial situation. Therefore, the club
itself charges no dues or tuition at this time. Any other costs can
be spread out over a period of time. Within a few weeks of starting
class, students will need to purchase a uniform ($30) through GW
Taekwon-Do (talk to an instructor if you already have a uniform). Testings also
require fees, as do tournaments and seminars, but these events are
staggered throughout the year. Experienced students interested in
tournament competition will need to purchase protective gear
(gloves, footpads, headgear, etc) and this costs anywhere from
$50-$100 total. Sparring gear can be purchased through the club.
Who do I
contact if I'm interested in joining?
Robert Martin
(taekwon@gwu.edu ,
303-514-4878)
[1] From the USTF Testing Syllabus
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