TKD Syllabus
Taekwon-do
Taekwondo is a modern martial art, characterised by its fast, high and spinning kicks. There are multiple interpretations of the name Taekwondo. Taekwondo is often translated as 'the way of hand and foot.' Tae = 'Foot' or 'to kick' or 'to jump' K'won = 'Fist' or 'to strike or block with hand' Do = 'The way of' or 'art' Put this together and Taekwondo means: "The art of kicking and punching" or "The art of unarmed combat."
Disciplines of Taekwondo
Taekwondo has four disciplines:
*Patterns
*Sparring
*Self-defense
*Break Test
It is the combination of these four disciplines that make the art of Taekwondo.
Objectives of Taekwondo:
*to develop an appreciation for Taekwondo as a sport and an art
*to achieve physical fitness through positive participation
*to improve mental discipline and emotional equanimity
*to learn self-defense skills
*to develop a sense of responsibility for oneself and others
Taekwondo is primarily a kicking art, often with a greater emphasis on the sport aspect of the art. Taekwondo stylists tend to fight at an extended range, and keep opponents away with their feet. It is a hard/soft, external, fairly linear style and is known for being very powerful. There is a lot of competition work in many dojangs. Training tends to emphasise sparring, patterns and fitness and the basics are important as well.
Classes are held at The Martial Arts & Fitness Centre (MAFC) for Men, Women and Children. N.B Adult and Children classes are held separately.
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TAEKWON-DO PATTERNS
The Reason for 24 Patterns
The life of a human being, perhaps 100 years, can be considered as a day when compared with eternity. Therefore, we mortals are no more than simple travelers who pass by the eternal years of an eon in a day. It is evident that no one can live more than a limited amount of time. Nevertheless, most people foolishly enslave themselves to materialism as if they could live for thousands of years. And some people strive to bequeath a good spiritual legacy for coming generations, in this way, gaining immortality. Obviously, the spirit is perpetual while material is not; therefore, what we can do to leave behind something for the welfare of mankind is, perhaps, the most important thing in our lives.
Here I leave Taekwon-Do for mankind as a trace of man of the late 20th century. The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life. The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events.
General Choi, Hong Hi
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TENENTS OF TAEKWON-DO
The philosophy of Taekwon-Do
The core ideals of TKD training are to build, not only a healthy body, but to develop a focussed mind, a strong spirit & an ethical set of moral values. These 5 ideals are known as “The Tenets of Taekwon-Do” & are a very important part of the TKD training. They are, as follows;
Courtesy
To be polite to your instructors, seniors, fellow students & others.
Integrity
To be honest with yourself, & others, to know the difference between right & wrong.
Perseverance
To keep trying to achieve your goals, to never give up but to persevere.
Self-control
To never lose your temper. Martial arts carry a great responsibility & the student must respect his opponents –to lose your temper can prove to be very dangerous. Learn to live, work & train within your capabilities.
Indomitable Spirit
To show courage, when you & your principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.
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TAEKWON-DO GRADING SYLLABUS
The Taekwon-Do Grading Syllabus
There are many aspects to the training, these include; self-defence, patterns (traditional forms), fitness & flexibility, competition sparring, set sparring drills & power testing.
For the adult student the testing of power & skill by breaking wood is introduced at Green belt level.
There are ten coloured belt grades in TKD, and six colours of belt that signify the wearer’s rank. The coloured belt grades are known as "kup" grades and the black belt is called a "Dan" grade. The beginner starts their training as a 10th kup and will take their first grading after approximately 3 months (training twice a week), progressing to 9th kup. This is indicated by a yellow stripe on the (white) belt, as this is an intermediate grade between white and yellow belt.
The colours of the belts have a significance and this can be compared to the stages in life of a growing plant or tree, which symbolises the knowledge of TKD growing within the student.
The belt system progresses as follows; white – yellow – green – blue – red – black.
WHITE - Signifies innocence as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-do
YELLOW - Signifies earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as Taekwon-do foundation is being laid
GREEN - Signifies the plants growth as Taekwon-do skills begin to develop
BLUE - Signifies the heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-do progresses
RED - Signifies danger cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away
BLACK - Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-do. Also indicates the wearers imperviousness to darkness and fear.
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MEANING OF TAEKWON-DO PATTERNS
CHON-JI
CHON- JI means literally " the Heaven the Earth". It is, in the Orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore, it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.
DAN GUN
DAN-GUN is named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year of 2,333 B.C.
DO SAN
DO-SAN is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1878-1938) The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement.
WON-HYO
WON-HYO was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year of 686 A.D.
YUL GOK
Is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi 1 (1 536 - 1584 A.D.) nicknamed the Confucius of Korea. The 38 movements refer to his birthplace on 380 latitude and the diagram represents the scholar.
JOONG-GUN
JOONG-GUN is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr. Ahn's age when he was executed in a Lui-Shung prison (1910).
TOI GYE
Is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Century AD), an authority of neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on a 37 degree latitude and the diagram represents 'Scholar'.
HWA-RANG
Is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group, which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where Taekwon-Do developed into maturity.
HWA-RANG is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group, which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where Taekwon-Do developed into maturity.
CHOONG MOO
Was the given name to the great Admiral YI SIN of the YI Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured battleship (Kobukson), which was the precursor to the present day Submarine, in 1592 A.D. The reason why this pattern ends with a left hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable death, having no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality, checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the King.
KWANG-GAE
Kwang-Gae is named after the famous Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang, the 19th king of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram represent the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 AD, the year he came to the throne.
PO-EUN
Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong-Mong-Chu (1400) who was a famous poet and who's poem "I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred time" is know to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram represent his unerring loyalty to the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.
GE-BAEK
Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Baek-Je Dynasty (660AD). The diagram represents his severe and strict military discipline.
EUI-AM
Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements refer to his age when he changed his name of Dong Hak (oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way Religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his indomitable spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation.
CHOONG-JANG
Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 14th century. This pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolise the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity.
JUCHE
Juche is a philosophical idea that man is the master of everything and decides everything, in other words, the idea that man is that master of the world and his own destiny. It is said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mount which symbolise the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram represents Baekdu Mountain.
SAM IL
Sam Il denotes the historical date of the independence movement of Korea which began throughout the country on march 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the 33 patriots who planned the movement.
YOO-SIN
Yoo Sin is named after General Kin Yoo Sin, a commanding general during the Silla Dynasty. The 68 movements refer to the last two figures of 668 AD the year Korea was unified. The ready posture signifies a sword drawn to the right rather than the left side, symbolizing Yoo sin's mistake of following his king's orders to fight with foreign force against his own nation.
CHOI YONG
Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and Commander-in Chief of the armed forces during the 14th century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by subordinate commanders headed by General Yi Sung Gae, who later became the first king of the Yi Dynasty.
YON GAE
Yon Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo Dynasty. Yon Gae Somoon. The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 AD the year he forced the Tang Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their troops at Ansi Sung.
UL-JI
UL-JI is named after general UL-JI Moon Dok who successfully defended Korea against a Tang's invasion force of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 AD, Ul-JI employing hit and run guerilla tactics was able to decimate a large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his surname. The 42 movements represent the author's age when he designed the pattern.
MOON-MOO
Moon Moo honors the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty. His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King's Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea "Where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese". It is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 6612 AS when Moon Moo came to the throne.
SO-SAN
So San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung (1520 - 1604) during the Lae Dynasty. The 72 movements refer to his age when he organised a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myung Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.
SE-JONG
Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabets in 1443, and was also a noted meteorologist. The diagram represents the king, while the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet.
TONG IL
Tong Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolises the homogenous race. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TAEKWON-DO GRADING
White Belt Information
Walking Stance Front Forefist Middle Obverse Punch
Gunnun So Ap Joomuk Kaunde Baro Jirugi
Walking Stance Outer Forearm Low Obverse Block
Gunnun So Bakkat Palmok Najunde Baro Makgi
Walking Stance Inner Forearm Middle Obverse Block
Gunnun So An Palmok Kaunde Baro Makgi
Walking Stance Outer Forearm Middle Obverse Block Front Forefist Middle Reverse Punch
Gunnun So Bakkat Palmok Kaunde Baro Makgo Ap Joomuk Kaunde Bandae Jirugi
Front Rising Kick -Ap Cha Olligi
Front Snap Kick -Ap Cha Busigi
Side Piercing Kick -Yop Cha Jirugi
Terminology:
Inward - Anuro
Outward - Bakuro
Obverse - Baro
Reverse - Bandae
training hall-dojang
Four Direction Punch - Saju Jirugi
Four Direction Block - Saju Makgi
Inner Forearm - An Palmok
Outer Forearm - Bakkat Palmok
Front Forefist - Ap Joomuk
Back Forefist - Dung Joomuk
Knifehand - Sonkal
Back Heel - Dwit Chook
Ball of the Foot - Ap Kumchi
Footsword - Balkal
SECTIONS OF THE BODY
High - Nopunde
Middle - Kaunde
Low - Najunde
Meaning of White
White - Signifies innocence as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
Counting In Korean
1 - Hana
2 - Dool
3 - Set
4 - Net
5 - Tasot
6 - Yosot
7 - Illgop
8 - Yodul
9 - Ahop
10 - Yawl
Stances
Attention Stance Charyot Sogi/Heels touching and at 45 degree angle.
Parallel Ready Stance - Narani Junbi Sogi/Feet one shoulder width apart.
Walking Stance - Gunnun Sogi/one shoulder width apart/One and a half toe to toe.
L-Stance - Niunja Sogi /narrow/One and a half long, front toe to rear footsword .
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Yellow Belt
Dan-Gun
Do-San
Meaning of Yellow
Yellow - Signifies earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwon-Do foundation is being laid.
Techniques
L-Stance Knifehand Middle Guarding Block
Niunja So Sonkal Kaunde Daebi Makgi
Walking Stance Front Forefist Middle Obverse Punch Front Forefist Middle Reverse Punch
Gunnun So Ap Joomuk Kaunde baro Jirugo Ap Joomuk Kaunde Bandae Jirugi
or Gunnun So Ap Joomuk Doo Jirugi
Walking Stance Forearm Obverse Rising Block
Gunnun So Palmok Baro Chookyo Makgi
L-Stance Twin Forearm Block
Niunja So Sang Palmok Makgi
L-Stance Knifehand Side Strike
Niunja So Sonkal Yop Taerigi
Walking Stance Outer Forearm High Wedging Block
Gunnun So Bakkat Palmok Nopunde Hechyo Makgi
Walking Stance Straight Fingertip Thrust
Gunnun So Son Sonkut Tulgi
Walking Stance Double Forearm High Block
Gunnun So Doo Palmok Nopunde Makgi
Turning Kick Dollyo Chagi
Hooking Kick Golchou Chagi
Crescent Kick Bandal Chagi
Straight Fingertip - Son Sonkut Tulgi
Twin Forearm - Sang Palmok
Rising - Chookyo
Guarding Block -Daebi Makgi
Strike - Taerigi
Thrust -Tulgi
Wedging Block -Hechyo Makgi
Release From A Grab - Jappyosul Tae
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Green Belt
Won-Hyo
Yul-Gok
Meaning of Green
Green - Signifies the plants growth as the Taekwon-Do skills begins to develop.
Stances
Close Ready Stance A
Moa Junbi Sogi A
X-Stance -Kyocha Sogi
Fixed Stance - Gojung Sogi
Arc Hand Bandal Son
Front Elbow Ap Palkup
Fixed Stance Front Forefist Middle Obverse Punch
Gojung So Ap Joomuk Kaunde Baro Jirugi
Walking Stance Arc Hand Mddle Obverse Hooking Block Arc Hand Middle Reverse Hooking Block Front Forefist Middle Obverse Punch
Gunnun So Bandal Son Kaunde Baro Golcho Makgo Bandal Son Kaunde Bandae Golcho Makgo Ap Joomuk Kaunde Baro Jirugi
Walking Stance Front Elbow Strike
Gunnun So Ap Palkup Taerigi
X-Stance Back Fist High Side Strike
Kyocha So Dung Joomuk Nopunde Yop Taerigi
L-Stance Twin Knifehand Block
Niunja So Sang Sonkal Makgi
Consecutive Side Piercing Kick
Yonsok Yop Cha Jirugi
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Blue Belt
Joong-Gun
Toi-Gye
Meaning of Blue
Blue - Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
Stances
Rear Foot Stance - Dwit Bal Sogi
Front Elbow - Ap Palkup
Side Elbow - Yop Palkup
Palm - Sonbadak
Upset Fingertip - Dwijibun Sonkut
Techniques
L-Stance Reverse Knifehand Middle Block
Niunja So Sonkal Dung Kaunde Makgi
Rear Foot Stance Palm Upward Block
Dwit Bal So Sonbadak Ollyo Makgi
Side Front Snap Kick
Yop Ap Cha Busigi
Walking Stance Twin Forefist Vertical Punch
Gunnun So Sang Joomuk Sewo Jirugi
Sitting Stance Forearm W-Shape Block
Annun So Palmok San Makgi
L-Stance Double Forearm Pushing Block
Niunja So Doo Palmok Miro Makgi
Fixed Stance Front Forefist Middle Obverse Punch
Gojung So Ap Joomuk Kaunde Baro Jirugi
Miscellaneous
Vertical Punch Sewo Jirugi
Upset Punch Dwijibo Jirugi
Angle Punch Giokja Jirugi
U-Shape Digutja
Pushing Miro
Knee Moorup
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Red Belt
Hwa-Rang
Choong-Moo
Meaning of Red
Red Signifies danger cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Vertical Stance - Soojik Sogi
One Leg Stance - Wae Bal Sogi
Side Fist Yop Joomuk
Back Elbow Dwi Palkup
Middle Knuckle Fist Joongii Joomuk
Sitting Stance Palm Middle Pushing Block
Annun So Sonbadak Kaunde Miro Makgi
Vertical Stance Knifehand Downward Side Strike
Soojik So Sonkal Naeryo Yop Terigi
Two High Turning Kicks
L-Stance Front Forefist Middle Reverse Punch
Niunja So Ap Joomuk Kaunde Bandae Jirugi
Walking Stance Knifehand High Side Front Strike
Gunnun So Sonkal Nopunde Yop Ap Taerigi
Flying Side Piercing Kick
Twimyo Yop Cha Jirugi
Jump Turn. L-Stance Knifehand Middle Guarding
Block Niunja So Sonkal Kaunde Daebi Makgi
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GRADING INFORMATION
THESE ARE GUIDELINES ONLY.
Black Belt Grading Examiner Master Ian Laws 7th Dan
This is not meant to be a difinitive list, but gives some idea of the progression towards black belt and beyond. Also at any grade you may be asked to perform some or all of the previous tests. As a general rule you will be asked to perform the three last patterns that you know along with some kind of set sparring - we usually focus on one-step sparring at all grades.
After Green belt or thereabouts you will almost always be asked to break either a wooden or plastic board as part of your test.
Also you should note that the better you perform, the more you will be asked to do. Do not be worried if you are being asked many questions or to perform things that others were not asked to do, this is usually a sign that you ARE DOING REALLY WELL!
Students: (Jeja) Enjoy learning Taekwondo. A good student can learn anywhere, any time. This is the secret of learning. A good student is willing to put himself out for the sake of his training for his art and instructor. Many students feel that their training is something you buy when they pay their fees, and are unwilling to take part in demonstrations, teaching and working around the do jang. An instructor can afford to lose this type of student.
Seniors should always set a good example for lower ranking students in their behaviour inside and outside the dojang. It is only natural they will attempt to copy senior students.
If an instructor teaches a technique, practise it and attempt to utilise it. An instructor often has reasons for what he teaches, even though you may not understand at the time.
Remember your behaviour outside the dojang reflects back on your instructor and his training methods. If a student adopts a technique from another do jang and the instructor disapproves of it the student must discard it immediately or train at the gym where the technique was learned.
Never be disrespectful to the instructor. Always be loyal and never criticize the instructor, Taekwon-Do or the teaching methods.Though a student is allowed to disagree with instructor, the student must first follow the instruction and then discuss the matter later, politely. A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions.
Remember that others make assumptions about you because of your appearance. Always try to turn up for training neat and tidy! And keep your equipment in good order and fitting properly.
PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT YOUR GRADING REQUIREMENTS AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU - CONSULT THE SHEETS YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN OR ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR OR OTHER CLUB OFFICIAL. THEY WILL HELP YOU.
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DoJang Rules
On entering and leaving the Dojang please bow as a sign of respect to those instructing you and those other students present.
Bow to instructors at a proper distance and address them as Sir and Miss.
Exchange greetings between students.
Do not eat or drink in the dojang.
When adjusting your dobok in class, please turn to face the back of the room.
If you are late attending a class wait at the side of the dojang until acknowledged.
When doing pair work, bow when instructed to as a sign of mutual respect and to apologise in advance if any accidents occur.
Students must not leave the dojang without permission.
Keep uniforms clean at all times.
Never lose your temper in training.
No whistling, swearing or idle chatter.
Finger and toe nails must be kept short and clean.
No jewellery to be worn during training.
Chewing gum is prohibited.
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