10th Kup White Belt Theory & Grading Requirements Dec 2011
WHAT IS TAEKWONTAEKWON - DO? DO In Korean it literally means the Art of Hand and Foot. Defined as; the scientific use of the body for self-defence, utilising every available blocking and attacking tool to the correct targets, to bring about rapid defeat of one s opponent. Pilsung One hit, one victory. It is Korean in origin and developed to Maturity in 1955. It is a modern martial art where children can have fun developing discipline, fitness, balance, motor skills and socialisation skills. A BRIEF HISTORY OF TAEKWON-DO As noted in the Encyclopaedia Britannica Choi Hong-hi a General in the Korean Army, founded the art of Taekwon-do. General Choi developed the art as an unarmed military combat for his soldiers use against an enemy. After years of Japanese occupation, Korean s believed that many of its traditions had been lost. Forced to practice only Japanese martial Arts and live according to it Japanese governers. When Korea was eventually allowed to govern itself in 1948, the country went about trying to revive it heritage. The Korean military took a keen interest in it Self Defence Arts, wanting to disassociate for the Karate they had been required to practice. So many of the countries top Generals began to look at a system they could be formulated to produce a truly unique and modern art of defence. On April 11 1955 General Choi Hong Hi demonstrated his martial art and presented the name Taekwon-do to the Korean government, and it was accepted as the Korean Nations Martial Art. Taekwon-do was first soon introduced many other countries as the General Choi and his Korean Taekwon-Do Association began to travel the World. It came to the United Kingdom on July 2nd 1967 when the then Mr Rhee Ki Ha, a pupil of General Choi, arrived from Korea to pioneer the art of Taekwon-do. Upon Mr Rhee s arrival to the UK he founded the United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Association, the first & longest running Taekwon-do association in this country. Mr Rhee later went on to establish the R.I.T.A. (Republic of Ireland Taekwon-do Association) & the A.E.T.F. (All Europe Taekwon-do Federation). Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha was the first person other than General Choi to achieve a 9th Dan grade. He was presented with his grade by the founder at the World Championships, Russia in 1997. I.T.F. stands for the International Taekwon-do Federation, of which General Choi was the Founder (1966) and President of until his sad departure from this world on the 15th June 2002. Grand Master Rhee is now the Senior Vice President. The I.T.F. headquarters are based in Vienna, Austria. Each country has it s own Association, for us this is ITF England, which affiliates to the I.T.F. The I.T.F. operates as a worldwide governing body organising tournaments and seminars, and continuing the improvements to the art and structure of Taekwon-Do as times and technology move on. Page 1 of 4
10th KUP Grade from White Belt to Yellow Stripe Taekwon-Do was developed from the ancient Korean Art of Self Defence called Taek-kyon by General Choi Hong Hi. The present name of Taekwon-Do was adopted on 11th April 1955. Taekwon-Do was brought into the United Kingdom by Master Rhee Ki Ha in 1965 and the UKTA was founded in 1967. The name literally means: TAE KWON DO - FOOT /LEG FIST/HAND ART It is important to know who your instructor is, and their title and grade. Your Instructors are Mr Alan Clark, 6th Degree Black belt or Mr Jon Swaine 4th Degree Black belt. Remember, if at a grading you are asked the name of your instructor, you must always include their title i.e. Mr / Mrs / Miss, and their grade. If you cannot understand something during a lesson, always ask your instructor or a senior grade. They will always be willing to help you but always address a blackbelt as Sir, Mr, Mrs or Ms. SERIES OF MOVEMENTS: Saju Jirugi (1), Saju Makgi (1), THEORY It is important that all students learn the following theory as well as the practical techniques. TENETS The tenets of Taekwon-Do are shown below with examples of each: Courtesy: e.g. call instructors / examiners sir / ma am Integrity: e.g. be honest with yourself and others Perseverance: e.g. never give up trying Self-Control: e.g. never lose your temper Indomitable Spirit: e.g. be brave and show courage STUDENTS OATH I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do I shall respect my Instructors and Seniors I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do I shall be a champion of freedom and justice I shall build a more peaceful world Page 2 of 4