SUNLAND MARTIAL ARTS 

 TAEKWONDO INFORMATION

Courtesy Master Kim and Brandon Nixon

 

Taekwondo

Taekwondo trains one to focus and concentrate on achieving goals.  It is not just a sport but a way of life.

 

The original Korean martial art Taekyon is now known as Taekwondo.

Master Sung Bok Kim has taught the Martial Arts in Korea since the early 1970’s. He now brings his expertise to the United States where he teaches at a popular martial arts studio in Sunland, California.

Master Kim holds 7th dan in Tae Kwon Do, 7th dan in Hap Ki Do, 7th dan in Judo, and 7th dan in Kumdo (weapons).

Master Kim has taught in Sunland since 1999. His class now boasts more than 60 students and produced twenty three First Dan belts, four Second, one third and one fourth Dan Students.

His teaching includes incorporates all the four style techniques, namely Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, Judo, and weapons. The program includes sparring techniques as well.

The weapons taught include the use of the long staff (stick), Nun chucks, and the Sword. The weapons are taught more extensively to the black belt class

The following is some information about what is involved with Taekwondo:

Although each taekwondo club or school will be different, a taekwondo student can typically expect to take part in most or all of the following:

Learning the techniques and curriculum of taekwondo

Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including stretching

Self-defense techniques  A list of them is ( here )

Poomse, or patterns (also called forms) -- either tul, hyung, palgwe, or taeguk

A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form  that is typically used in in a Korean. A hyung is a performance of a sequence of typical techniques from the martial art, either with or without the use of a weapon. This sequence is sometimes called "imaginary fighting" as it involves pre-determined and choreographed routines, sequences and patterns which resemble real combat, but are artistically non-combative or cooperative. These hyungs are performed as a way of practicing basic and advanced techniques in the martial art as well as in open competitions. In competition, routines are evaluated by a panel of master-level judges who base the score on many factors including energy, precision, speed, and control. Many Korean martial arts refer to their forms as hyung. The most popular of these is Taekwondo. Of these forms, there are two classifications; creative and standard. Creative forms are created by the performer are generally more acrobatic in nature. (As an example, a performer may break several boards that have been arranged in a shape.) The early standard forms are more true to the original basics of their time period of martial art.

 

Kyorugi  (Sparing), including 3,2 and 1 step-sparring and/or free-style, arranged, point, hoshinsul and much more. Here is a good link for this ( click here)

The physical nature of sparring naturally varies with the nature of the skills it is intended to develop

In any sparring match, precautions of some sort must be taken to protect the participants. These may include wearing protective gear, declaring certain techniques and targets off-limits, playing slowly or at a fixed speed, forbidding certain kinds of trickery, or one of many other possibilities. These precautions have the potential to change the nature of the skill that is being learned. For example, if one were to always spar with heavily padded gloves, one might come to rely on techniques that risk breaking bones in one's hand. Most schools recognize this problem but value sparring nonetheless because it forces the student to improvise, to think under pressure, and to keep their emotions under control. Sparring is a form of training common. Although the precise form varies, it is relatively free-form fighting, with enough rules, customs, or agreements to make injuries unlikely.

Relaxation exercises

Breaking (using techniques to break boards for testing, training & martial arts demonstrations)

Exams to progress to the next rank

A focus on mental & ethical discipline, justice, etiquette, respect, and self confidence

Ranks, belts, and promotion

The goal for students is to reach black belt.

They achieve this by learning the basics while in the lower ( or student ranks )

Taekwondo has ten student ranks (called a gup, or geup or kup) and nine or ten black belt ranks Dan, or (degree). New students begin at 10th gup (white belt) and advance down in number to 1st gup.

At many schools, students then advance into an intermediate rank called cho dan bo or dan bo, meaning "black belt candidate". After some prescribed amount of time has passed, the student takes a dan test, after which the student becomes a 1st dan. ( Sunland does this ).

Dan ranks then increase to a maximum of either 9th dan (ITF) or 10th dan (Kukkiwon). The Kukkiwon does not allow students under 15 to attain dan ranks. Instead they earn poom ranks, or "junior black belt". Underage students may earn up to 4th Poom, and all poom ranks convert automatically to dan ranks when the student comes of age and passes his or her next promotion. ( and they must be registered here as their age permits for certain ( example the Olympics )  competitions and etc.

The grading in taekwondo consists mainly of patterns, techniques and theory. The patterns are a display of punching and kicking techniques, and may also contain others such as breathing and stances. Theory is displayed verbally and expresses information on Korean words, vital information (such as vital points and rules) and a general understanding and knowledge of taekwondo.

Gup ranks and belt colors

The colored belt system is an artifact of Japanese influence on Korea during the occupation, Some organizations' leaders, l assigned meanings to the various colors of the ranks, representing the progression of a student from white, the innocence of a beginner, into the maturity of the black belt, who is impervious to darkness and fear. The interpretation of the colors of the belt vary from school to school, and are sometimes omitted from instruction, as they did not have meaning when they were originally chosen. Neither the World Taekwondo Federation nor the Kukkiwon assign official meanings to the colors.

The correspondence of belt color to Gup varies drastically from school to school, and can even change within the same school over time. Belt colors are most useful in allowing students and instructors within a school to quickly determine rank. 

Taekwondo practitioners should always refer to their rank by number ("7th Gup") instead of by belt color.

There are forms associated with each Gup:

10-8(Hyung) Shorin-Ryu Basic Taekwondo Forms      7-1 (Taegeuk) WTF Forms

Gup

 

Form                               Sunland  Belt Color

10th

 

Kee Cho Hyung ll basic 1                      White Belt

9th

 

Kee Cho Hyung Ee basic 2                    Yellow

8th

 

Kee Cho Hyung Sam basic 3                 Orange

7th

 

Taegeuk ll Jang                                    Green

6th

 

Taegeuk Ee Jang                                  Blue

5th

 

Taegeuk Sam Jang                               Blue w/stripe

4th

 

Taegeuk Sa Jang                                  Red

3rd

 

Taegeuk Oh Jang                                  Red w/stripe

2nd

 

 

Taegeuk Yook (Yuk) Jang                      Brown

Taegeuk ChiL Jang

                              

1st

 

Taegeuk PaL Jang                               Brown w/stripe

         Dan bo    (Black Belt Candidate)            Black/Red

Taught the forms for 1st Black Belt Dan ( degree ) See Section on Dan Belts Below

In most schools, the method by which colors are assigned for intermediate belt rankings (odd-numbered Gup) is far less uniform. The three most common approaches are: creating a new color for each odd rank (such as a purple or orange belt for 7th Gup), marking the increase of rank with a stripe on the belt, or wearing a "mixed" belt blending the two neighboring even-numbered colors together. There is little uniformity between schools in the new created colors, or how the "mixed" belts are created. The system commonly used by the Kukkiwon schools outside the USA includes only 5 colored belts (white, yellow, blue, green, and red) with two levels of each color indicated by a stripe on the belt. Including the first white belt brings the total to 9 Gups to 1st Degree black belt.

Even the typical even-numbered Gup colors are sometimes altered or omitted, and even the names of the same color can vary from school to school (for example, calling it a "gold belt" instead of a yellow belt). Because of this large variety in color naming systems, for clarity.

The time required to advance in each Gup level also varies from school to school, but typical rates are quarterly or monthly. Not all students advance at each promotional testing, and students at advanced Gup ranks often wait one or more testing periods for their next promotion. Students with good attendance and strong aptitude may earn faster promotions than those with irregular attendance or effort. Gup rank advancement records are usually kept by the school of origin, and sometimes by the association headquarters.

 

Poomsae

The Kukkiwon uses poomsaes for patterns. Poomsaes philosophy originate from the book 'I Ching', a Chinese oracle. The I Ching has 64 hexagrams, a combination of two sets of three lines, closed or broken. The sets of three lines are called trigrams. The closed lines represent Yang, the open lines Yin. In the Chinese language, the unity of Yin and Yang is called 'taich'i'. In the Korean language, the unity is called Tae-geuk. This explains the term Poomsae Taegeuk. The eight trigrams together are called Pal-gwe as in Poomsae Palgwe.

Some most Kukkiwon schools will use the Poomsae Taegeuk whereas other schools will use the Poomsae Palgwe. The meanings, trigrams and symbols are shared by both Poomsae Taegeuk and Poomsae Palgwe, however the sequence of movements is different. The first 8 forms of the set of Poomsae differ from each other, whereas the last 9 forms of the set are shared between the two sets.

The official forms for Kukki-Taekwondo, as mandated by the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), are the Taegeuk Poomsae. Poomsae is sometimes written as Poomse, however this would lead to an incorrect pronunciation as the Hangul for the term uses the same Jamo as the Tae in Taekwondo, not the sound "Sey" (comparison: Teh-kwon-do not Tay-kwon-do nor Tie-kwon-do). However, many dialects of Korean pronounce the jamo ae and e almost identically.

 Taegeuk Il Jang

The general meaning of this form and associated trigram is Yang, which represents Heaven and Light. Also, this trigram has a relationship to South and Father. The first Taegeuk form is the beginning of all Poomsaes, the "birth" of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This Poomsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

 Taegeuk Ee Jang

The associated trigram of this poomsae represents the Lake. Also, related to the symbol is South East and the relationship of the youngest daughter. The movements of this Taegeuk/Palgwe are aimed to be performed believing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. The Lake and its water symbolize the flowing and calm nature of the martial artist. This form is to reflect those attributes.

 Taegeuk Sam  Jang

This trigram represents Fire. Related to this symbol is also East and the relationship of the Second Daughter. Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy to reflect fire's rhythmic and energetic dualism.

 Taegeuk Sa Jang

This trigram represents Thunder. Also, the trigram is strongly connected to northeast and the relationship of the Eldest son. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, according to the beliefs of the I Ching, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This poomse is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth. This poomse is intended to be performed with power resembling the Thunder for which it is named.

 Taegeuk Oh Jang

The trigram associated with this poomse represents Wind. The trigram is also related to southwest and the relationship with an eldest daughter. The I Ching promotes that wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this poomse is performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement. The performer and audience should be aware of the duality of the form.

 Taegeuk Yook (Yuk)Jang

The trigram associated with this poomse represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this Poomsae are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall. The water is to symbolize calm and cleansing, while also possessing the attribute of being violent and destructive.

 Taegeuk Chil Jang

The trigram associated with this poomse represents a Mountain. Also, it represents the northwest and youngest son. The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This Poomsae is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.

 Taegeuk Pal Jang

The trigram associated with this poomsae represents the Earth. Also, there is a representation of North and Mother. The associated trigram of this Poomsae is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the Poomsae Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.

 

 

Dan Belts     (Where many believe that Taekwondo really begins)

The black belt system is more formal and standardized across the different schools of taekwondo. Generally, a dan black belt is either an unadorned black belt (the same for all ranks), or has a stripe across the tip for each rank (usually gold, silver, red or white). For example, a 5th dan could have five lateral gold stripes across the end of the belt. Some schools instead write the Dan degree in Roman numerals. Many black belts also have the name of the school on the right side of the belt, and the taekwondo practitioner's name on the left. The names can be written in any language, though having the school's name in Korean and the practitioner's name in his native language is common.

In the ITF, the maximum rank is 9th Dan; in the Kukkiwon, it is 10th Dan. According to General Choi, "The reason for nine black belt degrees is that the number three is a powerful number in the orient, and therefore three threes must be the most powerful." The 10th dan in the Kukkiwon is a very rare rank, generally awarded posthumously only to persons who have made great contributions to taekwondo. It is not the same as an honorary 10th dan. The Kukkiwon has only awarded five standard 10th dan. The WTF Member National Associations and the Kukkiwon issue many honorary dan to political and non-political persons who make a contribution to the growth of taekwondo.

Generally speaking, one must wait one year per current dan level to progress to the next level. For example, a 3rd dan must wait three years before he can progress into 4th dan. There can also be an age requirement. For example, one must be at least 30 years old to qualify for 6th dan in the Kukkiwon. The Kukkiwon allows shortened promotion times for exceptional accomplishments. For example, a practitioner who wins the World Championships is accorded an 80% discount on both the minimum time to advance and minimum age requirements, up to a maximum promotion of 7th dan.

Time & Age Limits for Poom or Dan Promotion
 
Poom/Dan Minimum Time Required

for Promotion

 Age Limits for Promotion
Start from Dan Start from Poom
 
1st Poom N A N A Less than 15 Years Old
1st to 2nd Poom 1 years N A Less than 15 Years Old
2nd to 3rd Poom 2 years N A Less than 15 Years Old
3rd to 4th Poom 3 years N A Less than 18 Years Old
1st Dan N A 15 years and above N A
1st to 2nd Dan 1 year 16 years and above 15 years and above
2nd to 3rd Dan 2 years 18 years and above 15 years and above
3rd to 4th Dan 3 years 21 years and above 18 years and above
4th to 5th Dan 4 years 25 years and above 22 years and above
5th to 6th Dan 5 years 30 years and above 30 years and above
6th to 7th Dan 6 years 36 years and above 36 years and above
7th to 8th Dan 7 years 44 years and above 44 years and above
8th to 9th Dan 8 years 53 years and above 53 years and above
9th to 10th Dan 9 years 60 years and above 60 years and above

Testing at black belt level is done significantly different than colored belt testing. Much of the test requirements are the same, forms and sparring skills, but the test itself is conducted differently. Up until this time testing was done most often just with the schools instructor or local high rank. At black belt level testing is done, in front of the headmaster, and in front of lots of spectators. Black belt testing is a major event and something to remember for a lifetime! It's also something great to watch as well!

Forms

Black belts are expected to master their own forms as well as knowing all the previous forms (they are given one or more "surprise" forms from the previous forms they learned).

They are judged not only on knowing the following but on performance and delivery with the judges looking at: Taekwondo spirit, Dignity, Quality of Martial Art, Balance, Accuracy, Harmony, Expression, Completion, Mastery, Respect, Eye Contact, Kiap, Power and Attitude.

Testing for given rank the forms performed are...

1st Dan –Sunland Martial Arts-- Koryu Yung, Chilkag Makki=blocks, 1 surprise form

bahkat palmahk mahki  outer forearm block

ahn palmahk mahki   inner forearm block

sahng palmahk mahki  twin forearm block

ahnuro mahki  inward block

bahkuro mahki  outward block

ahrae mahki  low block

cho kyo mahki  rising block

daebi mahki  guarding block

bituro mahki  twisting block

gahwi mahki  scissors block

 

2nd Dan –Sunland Martial Arts-- Palgwe Jang 1-8, Bong Hyong, Sosundo Bup (sword), 5 surprise forms  

Following are the eight Palgwes and their meanings:
 

 

Palgwe Il Jang - Concept of Heaven (Keon)
It is symbolic of the beginnings of life, and it is the basic principal of this introductory hyung.

 

Palgwe Ee Jang - Concept of joyfulness (Tae)
It's movements are applied when the practitioner is in a gentle, yet strong state of mind.

 

Palgwe Sam Jang - Concept of fire (Ri)
It is symbolic of one's passion, flickering and flaring at different intervals, and engulfing everything in it's path. From this hyung the practitioner learns to develop a multitude of quick, successive techniques.

 

Palgwe Sa Jang - Concept of thunder (Jin)
Thunder evokes fear in many people, and this hyung uses this principal to teach the practitioner to be calm, even in the face of impending danger, this form also combines strikes and blocks in such a manner that they instantly follow each other, similar to the relationship of thunder and lightning.

 

Palgwe Oh Jang - Concept of wind (Seon)
Wind is an element of nature which can be gentle or destructive. This form teaches the student to combine and alternate gentleness with strength and speed.

 

Palgwe Yuk Jang - Concept of water (Gam)
Water is an element that never looses it's composure, and this leads to it's inherent strength. This hyung teaches the student that they can overcome any problems in life without sacrificing their state of being.

 

Palgwe Chil Jang - Concept of mountains (San)
Mountains are stable bodies, high and majestic in character, but with definite stopping places. This hyung is symbolic of a conservative approach to one's life ambitions and promote the practice of not living in a hasty manner.

 

Palgwe Pal Jang - Concept of earth (Gon)
This hyung is designed to summarize the seven previous hyung, as well as to introduce several new techniques. At this stage, the practitioner reviews all previous material before making the transition to the black belt level

 

3rd Dan --- Yoon-Bee, Ship Soo, 10 suprise forms

4th Dan --- Ja-oon, Chul Gee Sam Dan, all other forms (18 in all)

Sparring

Testing for given rank the sparring drills performed are...

1st Dan --- Free Sparring, Self-Defense, 1 and 3 step sparring. , Instant sparring.

2nd Dan --- Free Sparring, Self-Defense, 1 and 3 step sparring , Instant sparring, 2-on-1 sparring.

3rd Dan --- Free Sparring, Self-Defense, 1 and 3 step sparring (both punching and kicking), Instant sparring, 3-on-1 sparring.

4th Dan --- Free Sparring, Self-Defense, 1 and 3 step sparring (both punching and kicking), Instant sparring, 4-on-1 sparring.

The multiple opponent sparring drills are especially impressive!

Board Breaking

Also at Black Belt students are required to break boards as part of their advancement. As a demonstration that they have developed sufficient power in their technique.

The list of techniques that can be used:

Ahp Cha-Gee (front kick)

Yuhp Cha-Gee (side kick)

Dol-ya Cha-Gee (Roundhouse)

Punch

Soo Do Chee Gee (Knife hand)

Elbow

Duiee Lo Dol Ya Yuhp Cha Gee (Back Kick)

E Dan Ahp Cha Gee (Flying front kick)

E Dan Yuhp Cha Gee (Flying side kick)

Required break

Testing for given rank the breaks are...

1st Dan ---- 3 boards with a hand technique and 3 with a foot technique.

2nd Dan ---- 4 boards with hand 4 with foot technique

3rd Dan ---- 4 boards with hand 2 sets of 4 with foot technique, all done right after each other within 30 seconds.

4th Dan ---- 5 boards with hand 5 with foot technique

Minimum time period between tests.

no-belt to 1st Dan --- 2 and a half years.

1st to 2nd Dan --- 3 years.

2nd to 3rd Dan --- 4 to 5 years.

3rd to 4th Dan --- 6 to 7 years.

The above assumes training continues at least 4 hours/week and assisting teaching at least 2 hours/week.

In Addition: A student may take 'sword', 'staff', and nunchucks classes and be tested on various levels of each, as part of their testing.

 

For Kukkiwon practitioners, all ranks of 1st dan and above must be registered with the Kukkiwon if the black belt wishes to participate in the Olympics, as a WTF International Referee, attend the Kukkiwon Instructor Course, attend the Kukkiwon Poomsae Presenter Course and so on. In the US and a few other countries, a Kukkiwon certificate is not needed for competition.

The Kukkikwon requires special promotion tests to advance to the 8th dan and beyond. These tests must be taken at the Kukkiwon. For lower dan in category 2 nations of the World Taekwondo Federation, tests can generally be administered by any Kukkikwon-certified black belt of at least 4th dan who is also at least one dan rank higher than the person testing. However, in category 1 nations, only the National Taekwondo Association of the WTF can apply to Kukkiwon for the dan/poom test.

Dan titles

Officially, the Kukkiwon recognizes the following titles for dan ranks: While a 1st dan could technically (by Kukkiwon rules) refer to himself as a "Master" in English, he would likely meet with disapproval if he did so.

1st to 5th Dan: "Master"

6th to 9th Dan: "Grandmaster"

However, in practice, often titles at schools are at the instructors whim. The following is an example of how titles might be assigned to Dan ranks at a school. However, this is never done in Korea. One must graduate official instructor course to hold instructor title.

1st Dan - 2nd Dan: "Assistant Instructor"

3rd Dan - 4th Dan: "Instructor"

5th Dan - 7th Dan: "Master"

8th Dan - 10th Dan: "Grand Master"

"Assistant Instructor" and "Instructor" are unofficial rank titles, and  dan holding these titles often help with instruction.

 Modes of address

The word "Master" carries a different connotation in Korean than it does in English. While in Korean the term is often used for all dan grades, in America, the term is often only applied to those of the 4th dan and up. While a 1st dan could technically (by Kukkiwon rules) refer to himself as a "Master" in English, he would likely meet with disapproval if he did so.

In the United States, black belts at the Instructor level and lower are usually addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am" and those of the Master level are called "Master". Dan of the Grand Master level are called "Grand Master" or "Grandmaster", often with their last name appended for additional formality ("Yes sir, Grandmaster Jeong!"). However, students who train directly with a Grandmaster often simply use the address "Master", reserving "Grandmaster" for more formal occasions. In Korea, and the rest of the world, the word sabum is often used ("Jeong sabum"), for Master or Grandmaster level.

Title Meaning
Panjanim Higher Ranking Student
Sunbaenim Senior Student
Jokyonim Assistant Instructor
Kyosanim Instructor or Senior Instructor
Sabumnim Master
Kwanjangnim Head of a Kwan (not School)
Kuk Sa Nim National Teacher

 

Korean commands

In Taekwondo, Korean forms of commands are often used.

 General

Cha-ryot - Attention.  Kyong-ne - Bow.

 Sabum neem ke kyong ne -  Bow to the Instructor (Only when bowing to an instructor )

Ba-ro - return.  Shyeo - At ease.

Ki-hap - Yell (Usually said at the end of a combo or an attack. The h is nearly silent. To Westerners it sounds like: Ki-up.)

Mook-nyeom - Meditation.  Shi-jak - Begin. Hae-san -Dismiss.

 Sparring

Joon-bi  Ready. Shi-jak - Begin. Kal-ryeo - Break. Gyae-sok - Continue. Keu-man - Finish.

Korean Counting

Hana - One   Dool - Two   Saet - Three   Naet - Four  Da-seot - Five

Yeo--seot - Six  Il-gope -  Seven  Yeo-dul -  Eight  A-hop -  Nine  Yeol -  Ten

resource