RESOURCES & FAQS
BEGINNER TIPS
Bring a water bottle! Staying hydrated is important to prevent injuries!
Don’t be afraid to ask masters, instructors and senior students for help!
Need help tying your belt? It can be tricky! Ask us for help and we’ll show you!
Customs & courtesies
We always bow before entering the dojang floor, and before and after class we bow to the flags as a sign of respect!
Why bare feet? It helps us grip the floor better when we kick and do certain stances!
We line up with our most senior on the right of each line. Seniority is determined in the order of rank, if two or more people are the same rank, who ever attained it first is the senior. If that is still the same, then go by age!
Kihap! That’s the loud yell you hear when we’re kicking, punching, breaking boards and sometimes when we’re just moving! It’s a form of expression of energy, and shows you’re serious and focused!
Remember to have fun and don’t worry, you’ll learn along the way!
CLUB ETIQUETTE
Be on time!
Early is on time
On time is late
Late is unacceptable!
Attire
Uniform should be clean and not wrinkled (can wear plain undershirt)
Must wear full uniform for testing
T-shirt & uniform pants acceptable for regular class
No jewelry
Finger and toe nails kept short
Hair kept out of face (tie up long hair)
Bare feet (taekwondo shoes and socks due to covid are okay)
You should bow:
When entering and exiting the training area
When greeting masters and instructors
To your training partner
Address masters and instructors as “Sir” or “Ma’am”
No chewing gum when training
Ask permission before leaving the class/joining the class late
Respect peers, the dojang, and equipment
Listen quietly and pay attention when instructors are speaking
Keep unnecessary talking to a minimum during class!
Come with an open mind, ready to move and learn
KOREAN TERMINOLOGY
Korean
Cha-ryeot
Kyeong-nae
Joon-bi
Shi-jak
Baro
Shio
English
Attention
Bow
Ready
Start
Return to ready
Relax
Korean
Han-na
Dul
Set
Net
Da-seot
Yeo-seot
Il-geop
Yeo-dul
Ah-hop
Yul
English
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Poomsae Order
Il
Ee
Sam
Sah
Oh
Yuk
Chil
Pal
Basic Commands
Counting
COLOUR BELT AND BLACK BELT SYSTEM
POOMSAE AND BOARD BREAKING
How does testing work?
Your instructor will inform you when you are ready! While we do have testing monthly, you won't be testing every month!
How long does it take to become a Black Belt?
Each student is different, and everyone progresses in a unique way - there is no standard timeline to achieve your Black Belt however if you train diligently you could earn your Black Belt after 3.5 years. It is important to remember that a Black Belt is not the end of a journey, rather it is the beginning! Once you have your Black Belt you should train to continuously improve!
What is the Kukkiwon?
Kukkiwon is the international governing body for taekwondo, based in South Korea, where they oversee all Black Belt certifications across the world.
How often should I train?
In order to maintain your skill, and improve, we recommend that you at minimum attend two classes a week. As you progress you may want to increase your training to match your goals!
How do I know who is a Master?
Anyone who is 4th degree Black Belt or higher over the age of 18 is considered a Master. If you are not sure, you can ask politely, or refer to them as Sir or Ma’am!