Taekwondo is a proven discipline to learn if you want to know how to strike, kick, punch or evade an attacker effectively. It teaches you striking skills, inner-strength and the character trait of self discipline. When you gain skill in Taekwondo, you can defeat opponents by using a variety of punching, kicking and evasion techniques. Taekwondo also would also uses sweeps and various takedowns to overcome an attacker. Taekwondo will help you develop: - Efficient and effective kicking techniques
- Excellent fitness, fat loss, strength, and flexibility
- Cardiovascular development, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning
- In-depth understanding of an opponent’s reach and timing
Taekwondo means ‘the way to kick or smash with the foot or punch’ and is the national sport of South Korea. Taekwondo is the world’s most widely practiced martial art and is an official Olympic sport. Taekwondo is known for its vast array of exotic and practical kicking techniques which have become legendary in Hollywood action movies, freestyle martial arts competition (XMA), and Kickboxing. Taekwondo emphasizes use of the legs since the give the kicker a strength and range advantage in an attack. The kicking range thwarts most of the opponents defenses as they cannot get close enough to employ their attack before struck with a Taekwondo kick. Additionally, the leg is three to seven times stronger than the arms and therefore more formidable weapons to employ. Skilled Taekwondo practicioners can throw a variety of deceptive kicking techniques from mobile positions to a variety of vital points and vulnerable targets. Despite Taekwondo's specialty kicking, punches, takedowns, sweeps, open hand strikes and joint locks are also employed for self defense. USA Martial Arts Phoenix Integravitve Martial Arts (Mixed Martial Arts) MMA Reality Based Self Defense System Some modern Taekwondo schools incorporate Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune do or other systems to make sure students are well-rounded and highly skilled in practical street self defense. Such a school is USA Martial Arts Phoenix. Featuring a staff with over a century of combined martial arts expertise and experience, they bring in top champions, Masters and Grandmasters to cross train in a variety of styles. Many of the students earn multiple Black Belts and integrate skills based on their own unique goals, needs and body type. The TRUTH About Taekwondo is... A students education is based less on the style and more on the teacher and the curriculum at their school. Each martial arts school can develop his or her own curriculum, unless bound by a strict affiliation. The truth is that schools usually have a foundation in a classical system or base art such at Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu to develop a students character. Good instructors who continue their education will have trained in other arts and styles, often times earning Black Belt instructor ranks, thus offering their school and students a broader education. The quality of the training, experience and education is more determined by the school culture, curriculum and the leadership of the primary instructors than anything else. Taekwondo Philosophy Taekwondo emphasizes a personal development format, encouraging character and a positive attitude. The TENETS OF TAEKWONDO are among the most respected philosophical lessons in the martial arts community. At USA Martial Arts Phoenix these include: THE TENETS OF TAEKWONDO - MODESTY (Original tenet from General Choi Hong Hi of the ITF)
- COURTESY
- INTEGRITY
- PERSEVERANCE
- SELF CONTROL
- INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
These TENETS are part of a code of conduct and set of virtues for the Taekwondo student to aspire to in every day life. It is considered the highest practice of the art to internalize these and express them in daily living.
Taekwondo Black Belt Success Formula
Taekwondo is also known for it's streamlined learning format and emphasis on encouragement and reward. Due to the streamlined format it is considered by some to be one of the fastest ways to progress in basic punching, kicking and blocking skills to earn Black Belt. The global proliferation of Taekwondo, the large number of Black Belts is evidence that this process is highly effective in encouraging students to continue training. This rewards system of belt promotion, optional tournament competition, organizational structure and culture of character makes it ideal for men, women and children of all ages to participate and enjoy.
Taekwondo Belt Ranking White Gold (Yellow) Orange Green Purple
Blue Brown Red _______ Black 1-9th Degree Mastery
Taekwondo Belt Ranking Color Belt Through Black Belt
Taekwondo Belt Ranking varies from school to school and organization to organization. However, most are similar in their structure and colored belt rank progression. The above belt rank structure is from USA Martial Arts Phoenix, an integrated Taekwondo Martial Arts system that incorporates elements from other styles and disciplines while still teaching a complete traditional taekwondo curriculum. Some have more or less belts based on the breadth and depth of the school curriculum. Belt ranking also helps with matching Taekwondo or other students of similar skill level on competition or if they transfer to a different Dojang (Taekwondo School) or CheYuKwan (Taekwondo Gym).
How Taekwondo Students Promoted
Some martial arts schools match time and experience to rank while others match skills to rank. However, most match both time and rank with a students attendance, attitude, and progress. Most schools take into consideration the individual progress and development of color belt ranks, age, aptitude and individual goals. It is far more subjective than most people realize and relies heavily upon the judgment of the instructors and promoting Master Instructor.
Most Taekwondo students are promoted by a panel of Masters or senior ranking instructors from outside his or her own school. This is to provide objective testing standards, legitamacy of rank, official certification and to ensure standards are being met. Some schools belong to international, national or local organizations while others are maverick schools operating independently. Some schools pay association fees, certification fees, and master fees while other instructors keep it all themselves or don't even charge for testing. Legitimate and bonafide schools tend to have testing fees which go to further promote the art, pay for Master fees, certification or other administrative costs associated with certificates, documentation or the like. Some schools will hire and pay for masters to travel to attend and certify belt promotions, especially Black Belt ranks. Other schools may ask students to travel to a headquarters school for official testing, usually for Black Belt or advanced Black Belt rank.
Higher Rank Black Belt Dan Promotion in Taekwondo
At higher ranks, such as senior Black Belt ranking ie Master, practitioners may be required to travel to Korea to test at the Headquarters, such as the World Taekwondo Federation Kukkiwon in Seoul Korea. Others might put together a panel of senior ranking Grandmasters (usually 8th and 9th Degree Black Belt) to conduct testing. The traditional rule is that all promoting masters must be at least two Dan ranks higher than the promotion they are giving, however it varies from organization to organization. At USA Martial Arts Phoenix, all color belt tests are conducted only by an authentically certified Master Instructor, all Black Belt tests are presided over by Senior Masters and Grandmasters and Master promotions are made in Korea by a panel of Grandmasters. At USA Martial Arts, a students primary instructors are not allowed to issue rank for ethical reasons of a conflict of interest.
Adult Dan Black Belt Rank and Children's Poom Black Belt Rank
Most Taekwondo schools adhere to the "Keub" or "Gup" system which simply means "class" or "grade", much like grade school. Black Belt or "Dan" ranking is reserved for adults earning various "degrees" of Black Belt rank. The Keub system works in decending order: 9th Keup White Belt (Some consider white to be a non Keup rank) 8th Keup 7th Keup 6th Keup 5th Keup 4th Keup 3rd Keup 2nd Keup 1st Keup (usually Red Belt) 1st Poom (Junior) or Dan (Adult) Black Belt 2nd Poom or Dan Black Belt 3rd Poom or Dan Black Belt 4th Dan Black Belt (Sometimes Jr. Master) 5th Dan Black Belt (Sometimes Master) 6th Dan Black Belt (Sometimes Senior Master) 7th Dan Black Belt (Sometimes Senior Master) 8th Dan Black Belt (Grand Master or Kwan Jang Nim) 9th Dan Black Belt Grand Master Rank
Junior Black Belts are referred to as "Poom" and can go as high as 3rd Poom. Junior Black Belt Poom ranks can convert to "Dan" ranks upon reaching adulthood, usually with an affirming Belt Test in front of Masters. Most of the initial Black Belt rank promotions (1st Dan Black Belt through 5th Dan Black Belt) are based on a higher degree of physical skill and what an individual does in the Art of Taekwondo. The higher Dan or Degrees of Black Belt and Mastery are based on what an individual does FOR the Art of Taekwondo. Often these are honorary titles bestowed upon those who act selflessly for the art and future generations of Taekwondo Practicioners. It is also based on leadership, service and continued education and development to further the art and mission of Taekwondo.
Titles in Taekwondo
Titles vary in Taekwondo. Often mislabeled by the Japanese names of Sensei or Kyoshi, the correct titles in Taekwondo are based on Korean names for rank and leadership responsibilities. However most often the senior instructor in charge or junior Master is referred to as SA BUM NIM or SA BOM NIM. Grandmasters are usually referred to as KWAN JANG NIM. Today, school owners often use the title KwanJangNim and the head instructor goes by Sabumnim.
Basic Equipment in Taekwondo
Taekwondo Equipment usually includes: Dobok: Official Taekwondo Uniform Di: Official Taekwondo Belt of Rank
Taekwondo Sparring Equipment Hogu: Body armor Headgear, mouthpiece, forearm, shin pads, foot pads, gloves Taekwondo for Children
Taekwondo is also the preferred martial art by many parents, especially Mothers of young children. The fun format of kicking pads, running, jumping and coordination skills encourage many young parents to start their child in Taekwondo. Additionally the lessons children learn in good manners, practical life skills, safety and self defense reinforce values and lessons parents teach at home. It is beneficial not only for children's bodies but also their minds as Taekwondo prepares them for success in future life.
Taekwondo for Cross Training
Many professional athletes enroll their children in Taekwondo training because it is positive for their personal growth and development. A growing trend is for the athletes to enroll with their child to build a special bond, have more quality family time and build lasting memories.
Athletes also join Taekwondo due to its proven track record for conditioning, flexibility, physical and mental development. From focus and stress management skills to the sheer joy of kicking bags and throwing a great kick, Taekwondo can be very rewarding. Plus, nothing builds confidence like earning a Black Belt. Taekwondo for Beginners The important thing is to find a Martial Arts school that fits your needs, goals and work hard wherever you are. What you get out of any martial arts training, Taekwondo or otherwise, will be in direct proportion to the effort, commitment and dedication you put into it. Real martial arts skill begins with Black Belt and progresses from there. This is why most Masters teach that Black Belt simply means "serious student".
For more information about Taekwondo, ITF, ATA, WTF or USA Martial Arts contact John Nottingham at info@usa-martialarts.com http://usa-martialarts.com http://Phoenix-MartialArts.com WEBSPECIAL FOR KIDS http://KidsLoveMartialArtsPhoenix.com John Nottingham is a 6th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor in Taekwondo as well as multiple Black Belt ranks in other systems. He has taught the WTF, ITF and Jhoon Rhee system of Taekwondo. He is the owner of USA Martial Arts and Nottingham Sword and Shield Security Bodyguards in Phoenix Arizona. | 
