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What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo 태권도 [tʰɛkwʌndo] 跆拳道
Tae means foot or kick,
Kwon means fist or punch,
Do means the way of life,
Taekwondo means the way of developing the lower and upper body and mental power!
However, there is much more than kicking and punching. It includes physical and mental discipline with a deep philosophy. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defense; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training. Though it is a martial art, its discipline, technique and mental training are the fundamentals for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve.
Taekwondo indicates the mental training and the techniques of unarmed combat for self-defense as well as health, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with bare hands and feet to the rapid destruction of the moving opponent or opponents.
Taekwondo definitely enables the weak to possess a fine weapon together with a confidence to defend him or herself and defeat the opponent as well. Of course, wrongly applied, Taekwondo can be a lethal weapon. Therefore mental training must always be stressed to prevent the student from misusing it.
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History of Taekwondo
Martial Arts in Korea
Martial Arts and its extensive training programs were developed as a collective youth’s education system called “Seonbae” in Koguryo dynasty (37 B.C. ~ 66 A.D.) and “Hwarang” for boys, “Wonhwa” for girls in Silla dynasty (57 B.C. ~ 935 A.D.). Packje (18 B.C. ~ 660 A.D. 8/29) has “Mujeol (Ssaulabi)”.
Following the Silla dynasty came the Koryo dynasty (935 AD – 1352 AD) from which Korea takes its name. Martial arts practice, known as “Subak Do”, became popular as an organized sport with detailed rules. The royal family sponsored competitions and demonstrations, and martial arts became deeply rooted in Korean culture.
Kukkiwon
Kukkiwon is the World Taekwondo Headquarters founded in 1972 in Seoul, South Korea. It is a hub for learning and research. It is also the home of the World Taekwondo Academy where trains and certifies Taekwondo Instructors.
It is the organization that issues dan rank and guidelines on belt promotion and certification including required poomsae, breaking and sparring (kyorugi) techniques. Additionally, it is the only Taekwondo organization whose dan ranks are recognized by World Taekwondo.
1973 the World Taekwondo Federation(WTF) was officially established at the Kukkiwon.
ITF
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) is an international Taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi in Seoul, South Korea. The ITF was founded to promote and encourage the growth of the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do.
Olympic Sport
In 1980 the World Taekwondo Federation became an International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized sports federation, making Taekwondo a demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea and 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Taekwondo became an official event at 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Taekwondo is practiced in 188 countries and there were over seven million individuals with black belts in the world as of the end of 2008.[/vc_column_text][kleo_gap size=”40px”][kleo_divider position=”left” icon=”star” icon_size=”large” text=”What is difference Taekwondo from other Martial Arts?”][vc_column_text animation=”animate-when-almost-visible” css_animation=”bottom-to-top”]
What is difference Taekwondo from other Martial Arts?
In terms of techniques, Taekwondo emphasizes kicks more than other martial arts, making it ideal for improving balance, flexibility and endurance. Taekwondo is famed for its employment of kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as Karate or certain southern styles of Kung Fu. The rationale is that the leg is the longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicking is four times stronger than punching.
Taekwondo as a sport and exercise is popular with people of both sexes and of many ages. Physically, Taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of boards. This requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one’s strength Taekwondo is the world’s most popular martial art in terms of the number of practitioners. Taekwondo is also used by the South Korean military as part of its training. Taekwondo Gyeorugi [ɡjʌɾuɡi], a type of sparring, was introduced as a new Olympic sport at the 2000, XXVII Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Currently, more people study the art of Taekwondo than all other forms of martial arts.
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Benefits of Taekwondo
| Self-Confidence |
This does not come naturally for many people, but self-confidence can be developed over a period of time. Through Taekwondo, as you accomplish new goals, your confidence level increases. Taekwondo instills a sense of discipline and self-confidence that can carry over to all aspects of your life. When you or your child enters a TG Taekwondo studio, the focus of your training is not only on physical strength and growth, but also on important skills that will help lead to personal successes in life. These life skills will benefit our students inside the classroom and beyond. A strong body and a strong mind characterize a healthy student so that you can handle any situation that comes your way.
| Self-Defense |
When the speed and power developed through Taekwondo is used in a self-defense situation against the vulnerable parts of an attacker’s body, the results can be incredible. Taekwondo allows a woman to emphasize many of her natural physical strengths, such as power in the legs, while learning a method of self-defense efficient against a much larger opponent. Knowing you can defend yourself, your confidence will grow, and confidence alone is usually enough to deter potential attackers.
| Discipline & Self-Respect |
Sometimes in life it becomes necessary to control your actions, though you may wish to express something that seems valuable to you. You should always be aware of what you do and say how it will affect others. Discipline yourself. When you can control what you do and say, you will know the satisfaction of having contributed your best whether it is by outward express or silence at the right time. Your ability to discipline yourself will have a direct effect on the degree of success you have in attempting to reach your goals. Your self- respect will be something that you deserved and earned.
| Respect |
The meaning of respect includes several things, all of which deal with your relationship with others. The degree to which you deal with your relationship with others, the degree to which you trust, love, attempt to understand others, this is the same degree of respect you have for them. If you ignore someone, obviously, your respect for that person is not great.
Attempt to extend yourself, to offer your undivided attention so that not only do you please others but you too gain from the experience. Enrich your life by respecting others.
| Fitness |
The principles of Taekwondo techniques are based on the design of your body. For power you develop the larger, powerful muscles of the torso. The speed of the techniques comes from the fast, agile muscles of the arms and legs. As you progress in Taekwondo, you will learn to coordinate this speed and power, and develop a concentration to focus all of your body’s strength into a small, hard striking surface like the edge of the hand or the heel of a foot.
| Flexibility |
Regardless of your fitness level most students come to us with limited flexibility. TG Taekwondo starts each class with stretches to warm up the muscles, which improves flexibility making the students training easier and safer. At the end of each class additional stretching is done to cool down and further stretch the muscles.[/vc_column_text][kleo_gap size=”40px”][kleo_divider position=”left” icon=”star” icon_size=”large” text=”Basic Terminology”][vc_column_text animation=”animate-when-almost-visible” css_animation=”bottom-to-top”]
Basic Terminology
Basic Terminology in class
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
| Attention | 차렷 | [chalyeos] |
| Bow | 경례 | [gyeonglye] |
| Hello / How are you? | 안녕하십니까? | [annyeonghasibnikka] |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | [gamsahabnida] |
| Master | 사범님 | [sabeomnim] |
| Ready Position | 준비 | [junbi] |
| Begin / Start | 시작 | [sijag] |
| Taekwondo School | 도장 | [dojang] |
| Taekwondo Uniform | 도복 | [dobog] |
| Belt | 띠 | [tti] |
| Taegeuk | 태극 | [taegeug] |
| Forms | 품새 | [poomsae] |
| Breaking | 격파 | [gyeogpa] |
| Sparring | 겨루기 | [gyeolugi] |
| Fist | 주먹 | [jumeog] |
| Back Fist | 등주먹 | [deungjumeog] |
| Hand Knife | 손날 | [sonnal] |
| Palm | 바탕손 | [batangson] |
| Foot | 발 | [bal] |
| Kicking | 발차기 | [balchagi] |
| Yell | 기합 | [gihab] |
| Punch | 지르기 | [jileugi] |
| Thrust | 찌르기 | [jjileugi] |
| Strike | 치기 | [chigi] |
| Block | 막기 | [maggi] |
| Walking Stance | 앞서기 | [apseogi] |
| Long Stance | 앞굽이 | [apgub-i] |
| Back Stance | 뒷굽이 | [dwisgub-i] |
| Tiger Stance | 범서기 | [beomseogi] |
| Cross Stance | 꼬아서기 | [kkoaseogi] |
| Low / Down Block | 아래막기 | [alaemaggi] |
| Middle / Trunk Block | 몸통막기 | [momtongmaggi] |
| High / Face Block | 얼굴막기 | [eolgulmaggi] |
| Front (Snap) Kick | 앞차기 | [apchagi] |
| Roundhouse Kick | 돌려차기 | [dollyeochagi] |
| Axe Kick | 내려차기 | [naelyeochagi] |
| Side Kick | 옆차기 | [yeopchagi] |
| Back Kick | 뒤차기 | [dwichagi] |
| Jumping Back Kick | 뛰어 뒤차기 | [ttwieo dwichagi] |
| Tornado Kick | 돌개차기 | [dolgaechagi] |
| Spinning Heel Kick | 뒤후려차기 | [dwihulyeochagi] |
| Attention, bow to master | 차렷, 사범님께 경례 | [chalyeos, sabeomnimkke gyeonglye] |
| Face the flag | 국기에 대한 경례 | [guggie daehan gyeonglye] |
Numbers
| Number | Korean | Pronunciation |
| 1 | 하나 | [hana] |
| 2 | 둘 | [dul] |
| 3 | 셋 | [ses] |
| 4 | 넷 | [nes] |
| 5 | 다섯 | [daseos] |
| 6 | 여섯 | [yeoseos] |
| 7 | 일곱 | [ilgob] |
| 8 | 여덟 | [yeodeolb] |
| 9 | 아홉 | [ahob] |
| 10 | 열 | [yeol] |
Sparring Terminology
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
| Attention | 차렷 | [chalyeos] |
| Bow | 경례 | [gyeonglye] |
| Sparring stance ready | 겨루기 준비 | [gyeolugi junbi] |
| Begin / Start | 시작 | [sijag] |
| Stop/ Halt | 그만 | [geuman] |
| Break | 갈려 | [gallyeo] |
| Red | 청 | [cheong] |
| Blue | 홍 | [hong] |
| Warning | 경고 | [gyeong-go] |
| Deduction | 감점 | [gamjeom] |
| Continue | 계속 | [gyesog] |
| Win | 승 | [seung] |
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TG Taekwondo
Mission Statement
A sound mind in a sound body.
TG Taekwondo was established in 2003 at El Cerrito, CA.
TG stands for the color belt Poomsae named ‘Tae Geuk’ which you can learn fundamental movements of Taekwondo.
TG means ‘Taegeuk'(태극,太極,Tai Chi) in Korean flag as also indicated in school logo.
TG inherit the spirit of ‘Tae Gwang’ Taekwondo dojang in South Korea – Be august! You only live once.
Last but not least, TG appreciate our daily life. Thanks, God!
- Traditional and Modern Taekwondo
We are a traditional Taekwondo school which is headquartered in South Korea, Tae Gwang Taekwondo. Masters are dedicated to Taekwondo for life time and developing contemporary Taekwondo skills from traditional training for recreational sports. - Quest for the Best
You can get quality instructions from experts:
– BA degree in Taekwondo and Sports Medicine at KyungHee University, South Korea
– The 1st place winner of 2008 World Taekwondo Hamadang
– Kukkiwon Certified Taekwondo Instructor
– ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) - Unique and Scientific Training
Instructions are based on traditional Taekwondo training improved by modern Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Psychology, Functional Anatomy and Special/Adapted Physical Exercise. - Educational Philosophy
A sound mind in a sound body. People can develop and motivate one’s mind by training body. Our instructors are motivator and inspirer to help people can control one’s mind and get confidence to treat oneself with self-respect by training Taekwondo. - Fun Exercise
| What is TaeGeuk (태극, 太極, Tai Chi)? [taegeug] | |
| Tae Geuk (literally Tae is ‘largeness’ and Geuk is ‘eternity’) is the name given to the red and blue circle on the Korean flag(Taegukki). Tae Geuk represents the unity of opposites that composes the cosmos. Its characteristics are often described as pacifism, unity, creative spirit, future spirit, eternity, and Um and Yang (Yin and Yang in Chinese). Um (earth, female – the blue lower half of the circle) and Yang (heaven, male – the red upper half) are themselves opposites in delicate balance. Remember that each is dependent upon the other: without ugliness there is no beauty; without night there is no day; without cold there is no hot; without winter there is no summer. By maintaining the balance and harmony of these opposing forces, characteristics and elements in everyday life, we experience the Do (or Tao in Chinese) that is at the heart of our chosen martial art: Taekwondo. |
| What is Dojang(도장, 道場)? [dojang] | |
| The DoJang (Taekwondo studio) is your place of learning. The word Do(the way) Jang(area) means “the area in which we learn the way.” Respect is given to the studio, as well as to remind us to be respectful of our Masters, other students and ourselves. |
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Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
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- Say “Hello”, “Good Bye” loud to all friends, friends’ parents and staffs in school when you come in and leave. Let staffs know who you are leaving with.
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- All Students must bow in attention posture when entering or leaving the mat. This is to show respect for the place where we build our character and strength.
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- Sit on the black mat for permission when you are late to the class.
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- Members and guests should not disturb class. The waiting area should remain quite.
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- Students should be dropped off and picked up in a timely fashion, and must wait inside the school.
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- While on the mat, always walk around other people. Never walk through a group.
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- No shoes on the mat. No eating food at school. No jewelry. No foul language.
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- When playing after class, do not push friends. Stay clear of the wall. Clean up before you leave.
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- Talk less, kick more!
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- Practice makes CONFIDENCE !
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How to tie your Belt
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How to earn a Black Belt
Your belt is a part of Taekwondo uniform. Always wear your belt proudly with uniform. You do not need to wash your belt. Your sweat, blood and dirt by training will turn your white belt into a black belt some day.
After getting a black belt, it will wear out into a white belt again by training.
| Color Belts | Minimum classes to apply for promotion test |
| White | 20 |
| Sr.White | |
| Yellow | |
| Sr.Yellow | |
| Orange | |
| Sr.Orange | |
| Green | 25 |
| Sr.Green | |
| Blue | |
| Sr.Blue | |
| Purple | |
| Sr.Purple | |
| Brown | |
| Sr.Brown | |
| Red | 30 |
| Sr.Red | |
| Jr.Black | 20 for each test #1, #2, #3 |
| Black Belts | Minimum Training term to apply for the next Dan |
| 1st Dan | 1 year |
| 2nd Dan | 2 year |
| 3rd Dan | 3 year |
| 4th Dan | 4 year |
| 5th Dan | 5 year |
| 6th Dan | 6 year |
| 7th Dan | 7 year |
| 8th Dan | 8 year |
| 9th Dan | 9 year |
| Promotion Test Every 3rd Friday of the Month |
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| There are total 18 different belt colors from white belt to black belt. Promotion Test is scheduled every 3rd Friday of the month. There is no class on testing day. Please request for makeup class if members’ regular class time is on testing day. Students who practiced enough will get pre-tested in class and if they pass each testing item, sticker will be given and rounded on the belt. Minimum attendance and all kinds of stickers are required to put one’s name tag on the testing list. Testing items are as follows;
Every student has different ability and level of movements. So student’s ability will be check by individual improvement. Having minimum attendance does not mean members are eligible to take the test. Having all kinds of stickers does not guarantee members can pass the test as well. Makeup test is for those who failed and missed testing. The following week after testing is belt ceremony week. Students who failed will have time to practice more and can take re-test at the week after belt ceremony week. |
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| Sparring Class Practical Self-Defense |
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| Taekwondo sparring is an Olympic Game which is a contact sport with full protectors. Everyone who is green and up belt can join this class with full equipment. | |
| Competition Performance & Sportsmanship |
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| Most of local Taekwondo competitions are for Poomsae and/or Sparring. Every student, even though one doesn’t take sparring classes, can participate in local or national events of Taekwondo Championship on the bulletin board. If you want to have more experience of competition, please refer to masters or front desk. Even though we do not support competition officially, masters will help you to prepare to the event. Through competitions, you will learn more details of Taekwondo, confidence and sportsmanship. | |
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Parents Checklist – Beginners
| Tuition Payment Month-to-month, No contract |
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| Tuition payment should be made by 7th every month. Payment can be made by personal check or cash.
$10 late fee will be applied from 8th of the month. Please make a check payable to TG Taekwondo with member’s name on it. Dropping off a check (no cash) into the slot on our entrance door is available. Bank fee of $25.00 for returned check. Individual payment by class is available. |
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| Tardy Policy |
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| Students more than 10 minutes late to class may be asked to reschedule the lesson. We do not supervise students outside of the school. Ask your kids to wait inside of the school. | |
| Makeup Class Allowed unless otherwise noted |
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| Should be made within two weeks from the dates of missed classes. Also members should be paid members (not during break) when they have make up classes. If members fail to make up within two weeks, no more extension or transfer to some other time. Please schedule your make up class and inform to front desk with minimum one day notice.
Make-up class for make-up class that is missed is not allowed. |
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