Frequently assisting in our classes you can find our Trainee Instructors and S.W.A.T. Leadership members. These students have had S.W.A.T. training as assistants or have taken specialized training in our Instructors Club class. The training takes them through Instruction, Leadership, and Mentorship training. It is available to all students who are Blue Belt or above or by special invitation.

WTTU Black Belt Academy

“Canada’s Leader in the Martial Arts”

The WTTU Black Belt Academy is a member of one of the world’s largest martial arts organization, the World Traditional Taekwondo Union.  The United States affiliate of the WTTU is the American Taekwondo Association.

We offer what we believe is the best martial art in the world.  Taekwondo is an exciting and powerful martial art known for its dynamic kicking and hand techniques.  Although these martial art techniques are centuries old, our programs are always evolving to keep pace with the rapidly changing world.

We realize that each student possesses different physical abilities.  Size and strength vary with each individual.  Once you have acquired a strong foundation in the basics, our program will enhance your physical capabilities and maximize your self-defense skills.  You will understand exactly what it takes, mentally and physically, to defend yourself or your loved ones should the need ever arise.

At the WTTU Black Belt Academy, we are not interested in just teaching self defense, we are interested in the complete personal development of each student.  Individual attention is a feature of each and every class, allowing all students to progress quickly and confidently toward their personal goals.  Our instructors take their responsibility seriously as role models for younger students, teaching them the importance of strong character, leadership and good values.

Taekwondo for Adults

We train our students to the best of their ability.  Some students come to us in shape, while others have come to us 100 pounds overweight.  Most come to us with limited flexibility.  Adults start at any age, as we have had some adults who started as late as age 65, and have still earned their black belts.  As a student, you are looked upon as an individual, never compared to anyone else.  Our instructors will be there every step of the way.  All that is expected of you is a willingness to try.

Here are some benefits you can expect from training in Taekwondo:

Ø  Fitness – The principals of Taekwondo techniques are based on the design of your body.  For power you develop the larger, powerful muscles of the torso.  The speed of the techniques comes from the fast, agile muscles of the arms and legs.  As you progress in Taekwondo you will learn to coordinate this speed and power, and develop a concentration to focus all of your body's strength into a small, hard striking surface like the edge of the hand or the heel of the foot.

Ø  Self-defense – When the speed and power developed through Taekwondo is used in a self-defense situation against the soft vulnerable parts of an attacker's body, the result can be incredible.  Taekwondo allows a woman to emphasize many of her natural physical strengths, such as power in the legs, while learning a method of self-defense efficient against a much larger opponent.  Knowing you can defend yourself, your confidence will grow and confidence alone is usually enough to deter potential attackers.

Ø  Self-confidence – This does not come naturally for many people, but self-confidence can be developed over a period of time. Through Taekwondo, as you accomplish new goals, your confidence level increases. Taekwondo instills a sense of discipline and self-confidence that can carry over to all aspects of your life.

Karate for Kids

“Every Kid is a Winner!  Every Kid is Special!”

There are many reasons for kids to become involved in the Martial Arts.  We have developed a program based on traditional Taekwondo for Kids called Karate for Kids.  The Karate for Kids system is based on a lifetime learning concept in addition to technical skills.  The building blocks for our system are semester themes such as:

Goals                               Friendship                       Perseverance       

Self Control                    Confidence                     Self-Improvement

Courtesy                         Self Awareness                Respect

Integrity                           Self Esteem                    Dedication

In addition to semester themes, our system includes the unique victory patch.  Kids are rewarded special “Victory Stars.”  These different coloured stars are rewarded for outstanding performance in karate class, school, home, or at a tournament competition.  Kids may receive the following stars for the following deeds:

Ø Gold      Straight A’s, honour roll, or significant improvement

Ø Silver     Special performance awards

Ø Blue       Monthly themes, weekly lessons, classroom performance

Ø Red       Tournament and testing participation

Four different coloured Victory Patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Karate Kid:

Ø Blue                0-25 Stars

Ø Silver              26-50 Stars

Ø Gold                51-100 Stars

Ø Blue/Gold       101+ Stars

“Building Strong Bodies and Clear Minds.

Taekwondo for Tiny Tigers

In addition to our internationally recognized Karate for Kids program, we offer the Taekwondo for Tiny Tigers program.  The Tiny Tiger program was developed specifically for preschool age children ages 3 through 6.  This program offers children a strong foundation in essential character qualities such as courtesy, respect, and discipline.  In addition, the program is designed to improve children’s motor skills and enhance their ability to pay attention and follow directions.  All classes are taught using the most safe, fun and exciting instruction methods available for this age group.  This program works in conjunction with the Karate for Kids program, thereby emphasizing the same important monthly themes and value system.

Just like in the Karate for Kids program, Tiny Tigers have their own unique victory patch and “Victory Stars.”  Stars are earned in the same way as the Karate for Kids program, with slight modifications in recognition of the preschool age of the child.  Four different coloured victory patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Tiny Tiger.  Except for the logo, the four victory patches of the Tigers are the same as the Karate for Kids patches.  Upon graduation from the Tiny Tigers program into the “Junior” or “Big Kid” program, Tigers are rewarded by the opportunity to wear the “Big Kids” or “Karate for Kids” patch.

The rank and testing system used by the Tigers is slightly different than that of the Karate for Kids.  Tigers can earn six collectable animal patches to display on their belts as follows: The Tiger for orange belt; the Cheetah for yellow; the Lion for camo; the Eagle for green; the Phoenix for purple; and the Dragon for blue.  All six patches, as earned, are displayed on the child’s belt.

Programs and Special Seminars

The Black Belt Club is a program developed by the WTTU / ATA. It is open to all students regardless of rank or age.  It represents the highest level of our “Success through Goal Setting” philosophy.  Black Belt Club members are those individuals who have set their goal at “Black Belt.”  Students must know exactly what their goal is if they are to move toward it with desire and conviction.  A Black Belt Club patch is worn on the left sleeve of the uniform to remind them of their goal every time they put on their uniform.

However, the Black Belt Club is much more than just a patch.  All Black Belt Club members are welcome to participate in the special Black Belt Club workouts held each month at your Taekwondo Centre.  These exciting workouts offer training in Protech, Musical Forms, Olympic Style Sparring, Muay Thai Boxing drills, and much more.  These special seminars will not only make you a better martial artist but will also prepare you for the courses taught at the Black Belt level.

There are several other programs available at our centre:

Ø  Master’s Club – These members are those individuals who have dedicated themselves to continue on after their Black Belt level is achieved.

Ø  S.W.A.T. – This is our Special Winning Attitude Team.  It is a select group of students from our Black Belt Club or Master Club who serve as role models and teacher’s assistants.  Their responsibility is to lead by example, exemplifying the behaviour, character and motivation of a tiptop Black Belt.

Ø  Junior Trainee Instructor Program – This program’s mission is to build future leaders of America for a better tomorrow.  The program was devised in order to allow children, ages 8-15, to prepare themselves for the Trainee Instructor Program.  It also aims to keep interest up and gives a broader outlook for the students to draw upon.

Ø  Trainee Instructor Program – This program is for Black Belts ages 16 and above to prepare them for instructor certification.  Trainee instructors are people who enjoy teaching others or who are interested in a career in the martial arts. Both of the Instructor programs also allow the student the opportunity to compete for the “Canada Champ” program and title.

Protech Training Systems

Joint Manipulation & Throwing Techniques – This course combines joint manipulation, Hapkido & Aikido techniques.  It is perfect for the student who would like to learn techniques like Steven Segal uses.  We also feel this program will be of interest to all students trying to broaden their own personal training and knowledge.

Street Self-Defense – This course teaches you the most effective blocking and striking techniques for defense on the street.  Based on Muay Thai Boxing techniques, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to defend themselves on the street.

P.P.C.T.(Pressure Point Control Tactics) – This course is the original course offered by Protech Training Systems used primarily for work in conjunction with local law enforcement.  It includes the secrets of “one touch knockout points” and “principals of control.”  This program has been legally, medically and tactically researched to put it on the forefront of control tactics.  PPCT is currently used by several secret agencies and law enforcement agencies.

Ground Fighting – A good martial artist can fight standing up or from the ground.  Many self-defense situations end up on the ground where the kicking and punching of Taekwondo are not always effective.  Learn the techniques that can help you win the battle on the ground.

S.H.A.R.P. (Sexual Harassment Assault & Rape Prevention) – The S.H.A.R.P. course includes three sections including:  prevention and psychology, professional and social harassment and assault countermeasures.  This is great self-defense for women in the workplace.

Protech Weapons Training

Ø    Ssahng Jeol Bong (Nunchucku) – This course was developed primarily for all of our “Karate for Kids”, but many of the adult students have shown an interest as well.  It gives students a solid foundation in the basics of the Ssahng Jeol Bong and helps them understand how this exciting weapon works.  The material taught in this course is taken from several different backgrounds, pulling the best and most effective techniques from each.  As with the other weapons, the benefits include improved upper body development, better hand-eye coordination, increased concentration and a great deal of fun.  We are sure you will find this course to be both challenging and extremely enjoyable.

Ø    Spontaneous Knife Defense – This course is taken primarily from the Filipino knife system and offers an inside look at how people use knives, as well as the most effective way to live through a knife attack.  It will also cover knife training, knife stances, analysis of knife cuts and cutting targets.

Ø    Single Stick, Double Stick & Disarming – This course highlights the most popular techniques of the Filipino stick fighting systems, as well as incorporates aspects of Japanese, Chinese and Korean martial arts.  The stick course gives students the basics for training in just about any weapons system.  It also helps develop hand-eye coordination and is great physical exercise.

Ø    Jahng Bong (Long Staff) – This course offers one of the most effective long range weapons used in early Korea.  It is a combination of Chinese, Korean and Japanese techniques which allows us to use the best of each style.  Besides learning this beautiful weapon, the benefits include increased self-defense skills and tremendous upper body strength, as well as improved concentration, coordination, focus and self-confidence.

Songahm Taekwondo

“Martial Art” is a broad term encompassing the many styles of physical discipline (fighting) arts that have been developed over the centuries.  To say that they style of Songahm Taekwondo is just another “martial art” would be an uneducated evaluation of the “world’s largest” centrally administered martial art.  This system of teaching and training, developed by Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee and his staff of Master Instructors, is unequaled in the martial arts community.

Songahm Taekwondo focuses on personal development of the mind and body.  To say it was just self-defense would be to lost most of the valuable ideas and philosophy behind this ancient art.  Self-defense that is really the fringe benefit that is gained by dedicating one’s self to the values, philosophy and training of Songahm Taekwondo.  Remember that you are in a true, traditional Taekwondo class.  This is not a movie in which a person can be hit 100 times without falling to the ground.  In the reality of Taekwondo, a person that has been hit by a powerful force or hand technique will fall with one to three techniques.

At the beginner level, do not focus on being a skilled martial artist within a month or two.  You are building your foundation in Taekwondo.  Trying to advance beyond your level without proper guidance would be like building a house on a foundation of concrete that had not dried.  Though the house may still stand, the foundation would not be as strong and the appearance of the house may not be as presentable.

Each class begins and ends with a bow.  The white belt of the beginner indicates he is without knowledge of Taekwondo and as one progresses in knowledge, the colour of the belt gets progressively darker: orange, yellow, camo, green, purple, blue, brown, red, red/black, and finally black.

Student Oaths

Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo

SIR, I WILL PRACTICE IN THE SPIRIT OF TAEKWONDO,

      WITH COURTESY FOR FELLOW STUDENTS,

     LOYALTY FOR MY INSTRUCTOR,

     AND RESPECT FOR MY JUNIORS AND SENIORS, SIR!

SIR, I SHALL LIVE WITH PERSEVERANCE IN THE SPIRIT OF TAEKWONDO,

     HAVING HONOUR WITH OTHERS,

     INTEGRITY WITHIN MYSELF,

     AND SELF-CONTROL IN MY ACTIONS, SIR!

Karate for Kids Oath

SIR, EACH DAY I WILL LIVE

          BY HONOURING MY PARENTS AND INSTRUCTORS,

          PRACTISING TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITIES,

          AND HAVING COURTESY AND RESPECT

          FOR EVERYONE I MEET, SIR!

Tiny Tiger’s Oath

SIR, I PROMISE TO BE A GOOD PERSON (right hand up, reinforced with left)

          TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE IN THE MIND (hand touches the head)

          HONESTY IN THE HEART (hand touches heart)

          STRENGTH IN THE BODY (make a muscle)

STRENGTH IN THE BODY (make 2 muscles)

STRENGTH IN THE BODY (make strongman flex pose)

          TO MAKE GOOD FRIENDS (shake hands)

AND TO GET MY BLACK BELT (hands grasp belt ends), SIR!

Our Rank System

In order to develop the skills, discipline, and self-control necessary for the proper use of Taekwondo techniques, WTTU uses a rank system.  Such a system serves several purposes, including:

Ø  Chain of Command: The ascending order of rank carries an increasing level of authority and responsibility.  The student learns to assume responsibility gradually as he moves up the ranks.  He also learns to accept and properly use authority that accompanies the higher ranks.

Ø  Measurement of Progress: The most obvious advantage of the rank system is that it provides a visible measurement of the student’s progress.  As he learns the basic techniques of Taekwondo and tests successfully, he is awarded the coloured belts that signify the rise in rank.  He feels accomplished and he is encouraged to learn the next set of new material with renewed enthusiasm.

There are nine ranks, called “grades,” in the coloured belt series, and nine ranks, called “degrees,” in the Black Belt series.  Because it is the highest number in a single digit, the number nine, in Oriental culture, represents the highest attainable goal of any measurable endeavor.

Belt Colour                                         Rank     _______________________            

Merit System stripes are earned to *qualify students for testing.  These black stripes are placed on the left tip of the belt.  Stripes are re-earned at each belt level.  The above graph shows the areas in which stripes can be earned.  For example, if the white belt would demonstrate for the instructor a proper recitation of the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo, the student would receive the first stripe.  When the student performs the new form a second stripe will be earned s will the third stripe when the one steps have been performed.

*The stripes do not give the student permission to test (this is only received through the Instructor).

All black belt ranks of 1^st Degree D and higher wear black, traditional belts in good repair.  The student’s name, rank bars, and/or approved writing may be embroidered on the belt in English or in Korean.

Belts are to have no brand name labels attached.  The rank stripes should be worn on the right side of the tied knot.  Belts should be tied in the traditional square knot with both ends the same length.

Extra Curricular Activities

The Black Belt Academy is more than just a typical karate school. In schools outside the WTTU and ATA, members often just come for lessons and then go home. However, members of our center look forward to the special activities and events that signify that we’re more than just a karate school.

Ø  Social Activities – Demonstrations Lock-ins, Buddy Days, Mothers Days, Fathers Days, family outings, summer camps, etc.

Ø  Promotional Testings – Promotional testings are offered bimonthly. In order to test, students must log a minimum number of classes and pass the pre-testing requirements.

Ø  WTTU/ATA Regional Tournaments – Our tournaments offer divisions for everyone! This includes young children, kids and adults, White through Black Belts, with divisions broken down by age, rank and gender. It’s a great way to make friends and evaluate your progress with your peers.

Ø  WTTU/ATA Worlds and National Tournaments – The WTTU/ATA sponsors three Nationals and one World Championships each year. The Championships activities include demonstrations, international black belt testing, international competition for all ranks, Special Weapons and Protech seminars, Business seminars, a chance to meet our Grandmaster and the Master instructors of the WTTU/ATA, and much more

Ø 

Look for our SPIN Newsletter published each Semester!

Our Calendar of Events is included in each issue.

You can also check the website under “Events” for an updated list of events!

Testing

The schools of the World Traditional Taekwondo Union conduct promotional testings approximately every seven to nine weeks to evaluate the progress of the students.  The testing is judged by a minimum of two Certified WTTU Instructors, one of whom is a guest judge from another WTTU School.  Each instructor in the judging panel scores each student individually, according to the standards of the WTTU.  The judges meet after the testing to tally the scores and to discuss the progress of the students.  An instructor from another WTTU School is invited to participate in the judging as an effective monitor for the local school, supplying a more objective observation of the students’ performance.

The testing begins similarly to a class session.  The students line up according to rank, and recite the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo.  After opening remarks and introduction of the judging panel, the students are asked to be seated around the perimeter of the workout area.  The students are then called to execute their techniques (individually or in small groups).  The lowest ranks are tested first to spare them additional tension and anxiety generated by waiting.  Most schools, however, test orange belts before the white belts, giving the newest students an opportunity to witness the procedure before they are called.

Each student is required to perform certain techniques, according to his rank:

A “Form” is a predetermined series of movements, performed by an individual, which displays a combination of body and mind development.  It uses new hand and foot techniques for that rank as well as some techniques previously mastered.  The judges look for the proper beginning and ending positions for each technique, the effectiveness of the technique itself, and the flow or rhythm of the form.  Correct eye contact and a mentally alert demeanor are also important to the score.

If a student under Black Belt rank feels he has done less than his best, he may ask the chief judge for permission to repeat his form.  He may execute his form three times, if necessary.  Judges do not penalize lower ranked students for repeating the form, as they realize that the student may be unusually nervous at a testing.  The judges will expect the student to make an effort to mentally review the point of difficulty, relax, ad concentrate as the form is repeated.  Maintaining self-control in stressful situations is an important part of self-defense training, and as the student progresses in rank, he is expected to have mastered his anxiety; therefore, higher-ranked students may be penalized for errors.

“One-steps” are predetermined actions performed with an opponent; they provide a link between forms and free-sparring.  One-steps should be performed with the same mental and physical skills as the form; in addition, the judges will look for effective sparring skills, including control and an accurate judgement of distance.

(If a student makes a mistake during the execution of a one-step, he should continue without interruption.  If all one-steps have been completed and “time” has not been called, the students should continue, starting again with #1, or with any one-step that was poorly performed the first time.)

“Free-sparring” is a practical application of self-defense techniques.  (For safety and courtesy, the students are subject to specific rules of conduct when sparring in WTTU / ATA events and in the classroom.)  The movements are not predetermined.  More and more schools are requiring various types of padded equipment for students in this type of sparring.

Free-sparring during testing is different from tournament free-sparring.  In testing, the students are expected to display a variety of offensive and defensive techniques, rather than attempting to score points against the opponent.  Judges also look for skills in judging distance, in control, in the variety of techniques used, and in mental attitude.

 “Self-Defense” – It is the goal of Taekwondo to teach the moves and techniques so that a student may be able to defend themselves.  They need to train mentally as well, which is always the first line of defense. You can usually talk your way out of a situation and avoid the pain of an altercation. Self-defense is usually performed at the Masters Club level, as the measure of success is by good control and flow of the techniques which comes after months of practice at that level.

“Board Breaking” – It is difficult to determine the effectiveness of Taekwondo techniques without causing physical damage to an opponent.  Therefore, the students are required to break boards to provide evidence of power and accuracy.  (Board breaking should not be attempted by students without instructor approval).

The WTTU has set board breaking regulations for each rank.  Each student must break at one or more stations, depending on the degree of difficulty of the breaking technique and the student’s rank.  The number and size of boards at each station depends on the student’s age and sex.

A student may make three attempts to break his boards but this is reflected in his testing score by the judges.  (If a student fails to break the first and/or second time, he may ask permission to use a different technique).

During the testings, it may be apparent that some students are more physically talented than others.  Taekwondo is a martial art that trains people physically and mentally.  Although it is easy to make comparisons in physical ability, the judges will be assessing personal improvement and individual progress, as well as mental strength and growth.

A student’s enthusiasm, courtesy, respectful attitude, and personal pride will also be evaluated by the judges.  These characteristics are displayed in the student’s physical appearance, his posture, his manner of responding, and his courtesy to the judges and to other students.

As a result of testing performance, a student may expect one of the following results:

Full rank promotion (“Decided”) for excellent performance; half-rank promotion (“Recommended”) for good performances; “no change” if additional time is required to master the rank techniques.  (“No change” should not be considered failure.  Because testings measure improvement, “no change” simply indicates that the change is not yet great enough to warrant promotion to the next rank).

A fee is assessed for each testing; should the student receive a “no change” in his rank, the fee at the next testing (only) is waived.

Testing Courtesy

1.     Students should arrive in plenty of time to warm up.  Because the workout area is more crowded than usual with students and spectators, group warm-up is limited.

2.     Students must be dressed in a clean, regulation uniform with the correct belt.

3.     Spectators are welcome at testing, but they must be quiet and non-interuptive during the proceedings because the testings are often long, instructors discourage the attendance of babies and small children.

4.     Courtesy to other students includes being quiet and attentive as fellow students test.  Enthusiastic, positive encouragement is permitted from students during the sparring portion of the testing.

5.     A student who is scheduled to test, but finds himself unable to attend, should notify the instructor before testing begins.

6.     Students who are testing remain with the group until the testing is complete. 

7.     Students who are attending the testing as spectators will stand at attention and recite the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo, whether or not in uniform.

 Tournaments

WTTU / ATA tournaments are local school, regional or national competitive events designed to provide students a forum to display their skills and to meet students from other schools; they also offer an opportunity for friends and family to participate as spectators.

Tournament competition may sound intimidating to the new student.  It should be remembered, however, that students compete with other students of the same rank.  Yellow Belts have the same opportunity as Black Belts to win a trophy.  Because ATA students across the nation learn the same forms and follow consistent rules of technique and courtesy, the competitions are exceptionally well-balanced.

Registration and Eligibility

All active WTTU/ATA students are welcome to compete in any WTTU/ATA tournaments. Some tournaments require pre-registration; others encourage pre-registration, but allow registration at the door.  WTTU Regional Tournaments are held often; several each year should be available within reasonable driving distance of most schools.  National tournaments are larger, but are based on the same balance of competition and are also open to all ranks.  There is a fee for tournament participation, and sometimes there is a small spectator fee.

National and Canada/State Champion (Top Ten)

Black Belt students who “place” in a tournament earn points which are accumulated throughout the year.  At the annual World Championship Tournament (the first event of the WTTU/ATA’s competition year), national champions are awarded in Black Belt divisions for men, women, and children.  The program is often called the “Top Ten.” Canada/State champs are competitors who have also earned points for their competition division. The competitor who has the most points in their division will win the title for that year. You can place in Forms, Weapons and Sparring.

Tournament Guide

Tournaments are conducted similarly to testings.  All center judges are WTTU / ATA-certified as level 3 tournament judges.  Corner judges may be Trainee Instructors or advanced Black Belt students.  Each judge must be a higher rank than the competitors in his ring.

Because many rings are active simultaneously, it is important for each competitor to listen carefully for announced ring assignments.  When a student hears his rank announced, he should immediately proceed to that ring.  An instructor/judge will ask for the tournament registration card.

Each student is called into the ring, individually, to execute his form.  (As in testing, the students may ask permission to repeat the form, but a scoring penalty will result.)  After the first three competitors have completed their forms, the judges call each of them back into the ring to be scored.  Then the remaining competitors are called individually to execute their forms; these competitors are scored immediately. Scoring the first three together allows the judges to balance the group’s scoring range.

There are usually three judges in each ring.  Each scores without consulting the others.  On the center judge’s command, “Score,” each judge awards a score from 9.0 to 9.9 by holding up the appropriate number of fingers.  In the event that more than one trophy contender receives the same score, each is asked to repeat the form, and the judges score again.  When the scores are tallied, the top four competitors receive trophies, usually 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd.

The ring then begins sparring competition.  (White, Orange, and Yellow belts use One-Steps.)  Competitors are called into the ring two at a time.  When everyone has completed one match, winners are paired for the second round.  This sequence continues until the top four positions are decided.  Trophies are awarded for  1^st, 2^nd, and two 3^rd’s.

As in testing sparring, full contact is not allowed; slight, controlled contact is sometimes necessary to validate the score.  The same legal zones are observed.  Hand techniques may be used on the front and side of the body from the belt to the shoulder.  No hand techniques may be delivered to the face or head.  Foot techniques may be used on the front and sides of the body from the belt to, and including, the head and face.  Kicks to the back of the head are legal, but no hand or foot techniques may be intentionally delivered to the back or any area below the belt.

Scoring

Hand or foot technique to body:            One point

Jumping foot technique to body:           Two points

Foot technique to head:             Two points

Jumping foot technique to head:            Three points

*Penalty points or disqualification may be assessed for failure to observe legal target areas.

The sparring match is finished when one competitor earns five points or when two minutes elapse, whichever comes first. 

Tournament Courtesy

1.     Students are allowed to change into “street clothes” at the end of their rank’s competition.  They are then free to leave the premises or enjoy the tournament as a spectator.  Students and spectators should stay in spectator areas, leaving ring areas clear for current competitors.  Black Belts, of course, should wear dress clothing if students, and instructor dress uniform if certified instructors.

2.     Regulation uniforms and belts are required.  (White tennis shoes may be worn when the student is not competing.)  The uniform may be lettered, according to WTTU regulations, to identify the competitor’s home school.

3.     Students and instructors will bow to the flags and judges each time they enter or leave the tournament room.

4.     Fellow competitors are first fellow students.  The competitive spirit must not preclude courtesy and respect.  Students are encouraged to support their friends in an enthusiastic, friendly, positive manner.  No negative comments are tolerated.

5.     Students will answer enthusiastically; they will bow before entering the ring and bow and thank the judges upon being dismissed from the ring.

6.     Students will address their opponents in a courteous manner, wishing them well before the match begins and thanking them when the match is completed.

7.     Students, whether or not in uniform, will display respect and courtesy to all other students, instructors, and guests.  (There is often limited seating at tournaments.  Guests should be offered available chairs.)

8.     Every student, whether or not in uniform and whether or not a competitor, will stand at attention and recite the “Songahm Spirit” with the participants.

9.     Each student will conduct himself in a manner that brings honour to himself, his school, and his organization.  (Many spectators are new to the martial arts and may form opinions based on the actions and attitudes of students.)

10.  Black Belts, students or instructors must show proper courtesy to their own position, their juniors and seniors; and must dress and act with the responsibility expected of their position.  Lower ranked students likewise should realize that each person is an example to others.  Tournaments help set the tone of martial arts to students and guests.  This means each person’s responsibility is greater, not less, than in class in his own school.

Open Tournaments

“Open tournaments” are those which allow entry by competitors from any (or no) martial arts discipline.  While no WTTU/ATA tournament is “open” to those outside the organization, WTTU/ATA does not prohibit its students’ entry in open tournaments.  The decision to allow a student to participate in an open tournament rests with the student’s head instructor; his permission must be obtained before the student may enter such a contest.

Students must be aware, however, that WTTU/ATA’s strict regulations regarding courtesy, legal target areas, and minimal contact are not observed in most open competitions; therefore, sparring safety is often compromised.

 Student Etiquette   

BLACK BELT NINE POINT UNIFORM CHECKLIST

1.   All Patches Sewn on Correctly

2.   Lapels Left over Right

3.   Pants Hemmed above the instep and heels

4.   Belt Knot Correct

5.   Belt Hanging Evenly

6.   White T-shirt / Athletic top for WOMEN ONLY

7.   Lettering on the Back

8.   Proper Stripes for Black Belt or Higher

9.   Clean and Pressed for Class

Take Pride in your uniform, and in yourself!

Any Questions? See your Instructor!

UNIFORM CARE

1.    WASH IN COLD WATER

2.    HANG DRY / AIR DRY

3.    NEVER WASH BELTS

·         Use Vinegar to set the belt color

4.    ALWAYS IRON UNIFORM

·         DO NOT Iron the uniform back directly use a towel or inside out.

UNIFORMS COME IN;                    LIGHT WEIGHT,                   MEDIUM WEIGHT,

                                                            & HEAVY WEIGHT

SIZES

HEIGHT         WEIGHT                    SIZE

3’5”                 45LBS                        000           

     4’0”                 60LBS                        00                               

6’0”                 185LBS                      5

6’4”                 200LBS                      6

6’5” UP           OVER 200LBS         7

WHERE DO THE PATCHES GO?

The W.T.T.U. patch goes on the RIGHT hand, chest side.

Our Adult CLUB patch goes on the LEFT hand, chest side.

The KARATE KIDS OF SONGAHM patch goes on the LEFT hand, chest side.

The TINY TIGERS OF SONGAHM patch goes on the LEFT hand, chest side.

The B.B.C. patch goes on the LEFT sleeve, approx. 1 inch down the sleeve.

The M.C. patch goes on the RIGHT sleeve, approx. 1 inch down the sleeve.

The TEAM Leadership Stars are placed around the collar of the uniform. See Instructor.

The JUDGING CHEVRON is placed on the RIGHT sleeve starting 1 inch from the cuff.

ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR MORE DETAILS.

LETTERING IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE UNIFORMS, ASK FOR DETAILS.

Goal Setting Worksheet

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a single Step”

A goal is not a goal until you write it down, but is simply a wish. Take a few moments to write down that you intend to achieve during Taekwondo training. Whether they are physical, mental, material or career goals, be as specific as possible when describing them and review them on a regular basis.

New Belt Rank   Date Expected      Date Achieved        

Orange Belt                  _________________           _________________

Camo Belt                    _________________           _________________

Green Belt                    _________________           _________________

Purple Belt                    _________________           _________________

Blue Belt – R                _________________           _________________

Blue Belt – D                _________________           _________________

Brown Belt – R             _________________           _________________

Brown Belt – D             _________________           _________________

Red Belt – R                 _________________           _________________

Red Belt – D                 _________________           _________________

Red/Black – R              _________________           _________________

Red/Black – R              _________________           _________________

Black Decided              _________________           _________________

What are your long-term martial art goals?

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What are your top three personal goals and when do you expect to achieve them?

Goal                                                                 Date

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2)__________________________________________________

3)__________________________________________________

Notes

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