Tae =  'To strike or block with the foot' or 'to kick', it also means 'jump'

Kwon =  'Fist', 'to strike or block with hand'

Do =  'The way of' or 'art

Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-Control
Indomitable Spirit
Taekwondo Forms

Poomse is the Korean word for forms (patterns) is essentially a routine to improve balance, sense of direction and concentration. It is a combination of block and attack techniques performed consecutively while moving in certain directions. There are a series of poomses designed to correspond with each learning level from beginner to advance.

Taekwondo Competition
               
Taekwondo competition is conducted by two contestants, Chong (blue) and Hong (red).  Only punching and kicking techniques performed on front part of the body are allowed.  Punches are not allowed when attacking the face.  Hits below the lower abdomen are forbidden.  All vulnerable parts of body are covered with protectors, such as headgear, trunk protector, forearm and shin guards, groin guard and breast guard to prevent injuries during competition.



Student's Guide
Ó 2006 First Taekwondo.  All rights reserved.

About Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a modern Korean martial art, characterized by fast, high, jumping, spinning kicks and quick footwork. It is an all-around program that offers self-defense training, physical exercise, and artistic expression; all taught by an experienced professional instructor. Children who train regularly have better self-control and are more courteous and respectful outside of class as well.

Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics. It is the most widely practiced of all martial arts, with over 150 million practitioners in 160 countries.  Developed over 2000 years ago in Korea, it is a dynamic sport, which can be practiced at any age.

Taekwondo Belts and Belt Tests

Colored belts signify the position/rank of each student in the dojang hierarchy.  The higher the belt/rank, the higher the position, and the more respect deserved. After years of studying and training, a student may reach the top of the belt/rank hierarchy.  Belts also help an instructor properly manage a training class. 

In WTF Taekwondo there are 10 Gups, starting from the 10th Gup (White Belt) and ends with a 1st Gup (Red-Black belt). The term "Gup" means degree, the term "Dan" means phase. There are 9 Dan degrees, starting with the first and ending with the 9th, all Dan-degrees are represented by a black belt.

Belt tests offer the instructor the chance to formally evaluate the progress of the student and reward their hard work and skills by advancing them to the next level in the program. For the parent, it is an opportunity to observe what your child has learned and practiced in the past months and offer them encouragement and praise.  Please feel free to bring family and friends (and of course cameras!) to these events.


  • WHITE   The student is pure and without knowledge of Tae Kwon Do.
  • YELLOW  Like a sprouting seed, the student is growing toward the sunlight
  • ORANGE  Like an emergent bud, the student shows the first signs of true understanding.
  • GREEN  Like the leaves that sprout from the healthy stalk, the student continues to grow strong and able.
  • PURPLE  Like the flowering plant, the student blooms with his/her knowledge of complex techniques.
  • BLUE  Like young plants reaching toward the sky, the student reaches to meet his/her potential.
  • BROWN  Like the plant's indebtedness to its roots and the Earth, the student develops a sense of humility and a respect for his/her beginnings.
  • RED  Red signifies danger. Having developed strong technical skills and a firm understanding of his/her abilities, the student must continue to hone practices of control and discipline.
  • RED and BLACK  Last level before black belt, a time to demonstrate all skills have been learned.
  • BLACK BELT lst Dan  Black is the union of all colors. Signifying the student's physical, mental and spiritual maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do, black also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness


First Taekwondo
9728 S.Virginia Suite E
Reno, NV  89511
email: rtanner@firsttaekwondo.com
Phone:  (775)  852 - 7300