STUDENT INFORMATION

• KOREAN CLASSROOM TERMS AND COUNTING
• ATA SONGAHM TAEKWONDO BELTS (RANKS)
• TINY TIGERS OATH
• SONGAHM SPIRIT OF TAEKWONDO
• CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOLS
• TESTING ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL
• HOME PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
• TOURNAMENTS - A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
• GOOD DEED SHEETS

KOREAN CLASSROOM TERMS AND COUNTING  Back to Top

Classroom Terms

Counting

ATA SONGAHM TAEKWONDO BELTS (RANKS)  Back to Top

TINY TIGERS OATH  Back to Top

To be a good person
(RH raised, LH under right elbow),
Knowledge of the mind
(RH points to head),
Honesty in the heart
(RH touches heart),
Strength in the body
(RH makes a muscle),
To make good friends
(Extended handshake),
And to get my black belt.
(Tug on belt)

SONGAHM SPIRIT OF TAEKWONDO  Back to Top

Class Beginning

Sir! I will practice in the Spirit of Taekwondo, with COURTESY for my fellow students, LOYALTY for my instructor, and RESPECT for my juniors and seniors, Sir!

Class Ending

Sir! I shall live with PERSEVERANCE in the Spirit of Taekwondo, having HONOR with others, INTEGRITY within myself, and SELF CONTROL in my actions, Sir!

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOLS  Back to Top

General Classroom Rules

• Memorize the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo.
• Bow each time you enter or exit the workout floor to show your respect for you instructor and fellow students.
• Address your instructors and all black belts as "Sir" or "Ma'am."
• Pay close attention in every class and focus your attention and
• Trim all nails to insure safety in partner drills. As best as possible avoid stepping over people out of courtesy.
• Wear a clean uniform on a clean body as a courtesy to your fellow and safety students.
• Bring all required safety equipment to every class. Do not move around while others are in.
• Put your name on every piece of your equipment and bag. You are held responsible for your equipment.

Beginning of Class

• Students must be in ATA approved uniform.
• Students must bow in before before entering workout floor.
• All students bow toward flag.
• Recite Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo beginning.
• All students bow to instructor.

During Class

• Standing at attention (this means feet together and hands to the side).
• Raising hand to attain permission to speak.
• Address instructors as "sir" or "ma'am."
• Address students as "mister", "miss", "misses", and "ma'am". Answer up to instructor's instructions and questions with "yes sir/ma'am" or "no sir/ma'am."
• Students must ask for permission to leave/be dismissed from class (if leaving early from class).

End of Class

• All students bow toward flag.
• Recite Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo ending prior to dismissal.
• All students bow to instructor.
• All students bow toward senior student and thank him/her.
• All students bow to instructor and thank him or her.
• All students bow toward parents and thank them.
• Students must bow out to before leaving workout floor.

TESTING ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL  Back to Top

Before Testing

• Bring all equipment and full uniform.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to starting time.
• Stretch and warm up to avoid injuries.
• No horseplay in testing area.

During Testing

• All students stand when judges enter as a show of respect.
• Listen to instructions from Senior Student.
• Answer up with a loud "Yes sir" or "Yes ma'am" when called upon.
• Enter and exit testing floor quickly. Walk around fellow students as best as possible. Avoid stepping over people out of courtesy and safety.
• Do not leave testing area until dismissed. If you must leave, do so quickly and quietly. Do not move around while others are in the process of testing.
• Please cheer on fellow students energetically and without bias.

After Testing

• Listen to Senior Student for instructions.
• Do not leave until dismissed.
• After being dismissed, line up to shake hands with all judges.

HOME PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS  Back to Top

• All material learned in class should be practiced at home regularly.
• Repetition promotes a strong foundation in the basic techniques.
• Your basics provide the foundation for more advanced techniques. A proper foundation also reduces the risk of injury as movements become more complex.
• Stretching exercises such as the daily dozen are useful in developing flexibility.
• Practicing at home requires the same focus as in class.
• Practice aids are available. Colored belt sheets are distributed to students to aid in forms. Videos are available for rent or purchase.
• When in doubt, ask your instructor. Practicing incorrectly does more harm than not practicing.

TOURNAMENTS - A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS  Back to Top

Who can compete?

Any member of ATA. There are divisions for all ages, white through black belts.

Who would I compete against?

The divisions are divided by age, rank, and size within those categories, provided there are enough competitors.

What would I do?

White, orange and yellow belts compete in two categories, forms and one-steps. They are judged on their knowledge of material, technique, and attitude. Trophies are awarded for first through third place in each category. In the children's' divisions, all children receive a trophy. It is ATA's philosophy that we reward the effort to prepare for competition, thus any child not placing first through third receives a fourth place trophy. Camo belts through black belts do forms and spar. Trophies are awarded for each category also.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your uniform and belt. White gym shoes will be needed to wear around during the day with your uniform. You compete barefooted. Camo belts and up need sparring gear, head gear, foot gear, hand gear, mouthpiece, and protective cup for males.

How do I register?

Tournament fees are $35 payable to your instructor by the Thursday before the tournament. Your instructor will register you. At the tournament, locate your instructor to receive your competitor's card.

What about spectators?

Spectators are welcome to watch. There will be a fee payable at the door. Fees may vary.

How long will it take?

Tiny Tigers and Children compete first. Once they are done competing, they will receive their trophy. They are dismissed at this time and may leave or stay for the remainder of the tournament. Adults and black belts are usually later in the day. Black belts are expected to stay and help with judging or scorekeeping.

What about Tiny Tigers?

Tiny Tigers are a special division. We call this introduction to competition. All Tiny Tigers will receive the same size trophy. Instead of placement, they are awarded based on performance. For instance, strongest kicks, strongest hand techniques, loudest ki-hap, etc. Our goal is to create confidence in public performance. Once they progress to the junior level, they will learn competition and placing. There is also a black belt assigned to the ring to assist any Tigers.

Why should I compete?

This question varies with the individual. The one thing I can say is that those who compete usually stay with Taekwondo longer. But another very important reason is it teaches the individual to perform under uncertain conditions, similar to what would happen in an attack situation. I t also teaches us about public performances and prepares us for other forms of public appearances. For others, it's just a love of competition. For adults, there are few opportunities after a certain age in many sports to compete.

How do I prepare?

Practice your form one-steps and/or come to sparring class.

GOOD DEED SHEETS  Back to Top

Good Deed Sheets are designed to encouarge young taekwondo students to be responsible and considerate. Each sheet must be fully completed with the a date and description for each unsolicited good deed as well as an adult's signature. Tiny Tigers and Karate for Kids are required to submit four fully completed Good Deed Sheets prior to testing in order to receive their rank at Promotionals.
Click here for two Good Deed Sheet forms.