[ Updated: March 26, 2004 ]

INTRODUCTION

This page has been compiled to provide new students with an introduction to Taekwondo as practiced by student of Omaha Elite Taekwondo. Use this guide as a resource to reinforce what you learn in class. This booklet contains a brief introduction to our Taekwondo program at the YMCA as well as some basic information about the world’s most popular martial art. For copy of our White Belt booklet, please see Ms. Remmen.

WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?

Taekwondo “The Way of Hand and Foot Fighting” is a martial art known for its refined kicking techniques and is practiced by millions of people all over the world. Taekwondo finds its origins in over 2000 years of Korean history and culture. In 1988 Korea introduced Taekwondo in the Seoul Olympics. Taekwondo finally appeared as a full medal sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

 

 

To master Taekwondo takes many, many years of dedicated practice and hard
work. Some of the benefits derived through consistent training include...

• Self Respect	• Improved Physical Fitness
• Coordination	• Etiquette
• Goal Setting	• Self Defense
• Confidence	• Improved Concentration

INSTRUCTOR JOHN SCOTT STEVENS

My name is Scott Stevens and I am 4th Degree Black Belt. I began taking Taekwondo lessons when I was seven years old. As I continued to train and progress from one belt to another, I experienced my share of bumps and bruises as well as many losses and personal victories. I've learned about physical training, techniques, strategy, speed, strength and self defense… but more importantly Taekwondo has taught me about inner-strength, perseverance, restraint, responsibility, respect, discovering a person's hidden potential and the value of human life. Through Taekwondo I have had the opportunity to meet people of all walks of life and to see them in a unique light. For one hour a day, we put aside our differences, leave our personal lives behind and work together to turn our weaknesses into strengths. I've always loved practicing Taekwondo and now I love teaching as well. As a student, I will to continue to learn and research the newest training methods in order to be the best instructor I can. As your instructor, I will do my best to help you discover your potential and share all the positive lessons that Taekwondo has to offer.

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

• Only use your Taekwondo skills outside of training to defend yourself or others.

RULES OF APPEARANCE AND HYGIENE

• All students should wear an approved Do-Bok and it should be clean, neatly pressed and presentable. Proper hygiene should be observed at all times.
• Long hair must be pulled back tight and neatly tied.
• Absolutely no jewelry is to be worn during class time. This includes watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and any object that might cut or tear skin, or get caught in clothing and hair.
• Absolutely no makeup is to be worn during class time.
• Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed regularly to prevent injury.

BOWING

The first thing a student is taught is how to bow when entering
the practice floor. In Taekwondo, bowing is way of showing
respect; it is not a sign of subservience or worship.We bow
upon entering the practice floor in order to show respect for the
martial art.We bow to each other to show respect for the hard
work we have performed, as well as appreciation for each
other’s worth as human beings.

 

 

 

 

THE UNIFORM – “Do-Bok”

All students must obtain a Taekwondo uniform called a Do-Bok (pronounced “dough bok”).
Treat your Do-Bok with respect and do not wear it outside of Taekwondo class.
All uniforms must be solid white. No writing is allowed on the uniform except for your name on the lapel.
Uniforms should be lightweight and consist of a v-neck style, pullover top.
Uniforms must bear the approval of the World Taekwondo Federation (W.T.F.).

THE BELT – “Dee”

The Korean word for the belt worn during Taekwondo practice is “Dee.” The color of the belt worn indicates the level of experience and skill of the practitioner. The darker the belt the
more experienced the practitioner.
At Omaha Elite Taekwondo belt colors progress in the following order:
1) White (Novice)
2) Yellow
3) Green
4) Blue
5) Red
6) Black 1st degree (Beginner) - Black 9th degree (Grandmaster)

TYING THE BELT Method 1

Place one end of the belt (B) on your left thigh, a few inches lower than where it would hang normally. Wrap the right end (A) around your waist twice and pull tight. Cross the free end of the belt (A) over the top of the hanging side (B) and then pass it upward next to your uniform behind both layers of the belt. Place the right side (A) over the left (B) and pass it up through the middle of the two ends. Pull both ends tight and let the ends hang freely. When the belt is tied properly you will have made a square knot. Both ends should hang evenly with one another. Make sure that the belt is not kinked or twisted.

FORMS

Taekwondo forms are interchangeably referred to as Hyung, Poom-sae, Forms and Patterns. Taekwondo forms are similar to a dance routine except all the movements are done with destructive power and against imaginary opponents. Taekwondo forms are patterns of techniques taught to students that must be learned before testing for the next rank. These patterns introduce new techniques and theory to students and become more difficult to master as the student progresses through the various belt ranks. The movements of a Taekwondo form must be done with rhythm, balance, speed, power, breath control and the utmost concentration. There are many different sets of Taekwondo forms in existence and different forms may be practiced from one Taekwondo school to another.

 

 

 

Taegeuk Il-Jang

Taegeuk Il-Jang is the name of the first form taught to white belt students. This form introduces the first set
of basic movements required of white belt students: walking stance, front stance, down block, inner forearm
block, rising block, front kick and midsection punch.

TECHNIQUES INTRODUCED IN Taegeuk Il-Jang

ENGLISH	KOREAN
Walking Stance	Ahp Seogi
Front Stance	Ahp Kubi Seogi
Low Block	Arae Makki
Mid-Section Forearm Block	Ahn Momtong Makki
Rising Block	Olgul Makki
Front Kick	Ahp Chagi
Midsection Punch	Momtong Jirugi
Taekwondo Yell	Kihap

In addition to teaching self-defense, Taekwondo attempts to instill a strong value system in its practitioners.The instructor will call upon students to recite the following from memory. Students will be tested on these during promotional exams. Students should take care to understand their meaning and incorporate them into daily life.

TENETS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS

TESTING

When students have attended 15 classes and demonstrated knowledge of all required techniques they may test for their next belt. Students will be tested over various techniques, vocabulary and subjects taught during regular class times. Before a student is permitted to test for the Yellow Belt, he or she must memorize and be proficient in the following areas:

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Our students do not begin training in contact drills and sparring until they have earned a Yellow Belt. From Yellow Belt on, all students are required to bring the following safety equipment to every class: