New Student Guides

What will I/my child get out of class?

We help students reach their fullest potential by teaching challenging classes, setting goals for our students, and giving them the necessary skills to reach those goals. In addition to improving physical conditioning, flexibility, and balance, students learn skills necessary for self-defense. Along the way, students develop integrity, self-esteem, and confidence. We guarantee that dedicated training will result in better focus and concentration. For all these reasons, it is typical that students enrolled in Tang Soo Do also report improved grades in school.

Should I join Tang Soo Do with my child?

Absolutely!!! Every student trains at his own pace, so anyone, regardless of age or present condition, can study Tang Soo Do. Martial arts are done from a standing position, and kicks and punches are learned without body contact. In this way, coordination and flexibility can be increased at any age. Also, when children see important values illustrated by their own parents, they have strong role models to follow. Fun, wholesome activities, like Tang Soo Do, that actively involves the whole family strengthens family ties. It’s true: Families that kick together, stick together!

Who will be instructing the class?

In order to teach in the World Tang Soo Do Association, all instructors are required to pass an Instructor’s Certification program. Furthermore, our Black Belt instructors participate in regularly scheduled instructor classes, training camps, and seminars. You may also see several assistant instructors who work with students in small groups or even individually. When you watch a Tang Soo Do class, you see students enjoying themselves in a friendly environment led by caring, knowledgeable teachers.

Will classes leave me/my child battered? Will my child become a bully?

While classes are designed to be fun and exciting, we also teach that what we are learning should never be taken lightly. Safety gear and special equipment are required, and respect for others and self-control are two rules we strongly emphasize. The codes and tenets, which serve as our foundation, reinforce tolerance and compassion for others.

How do students and parents stay informed?

There are several ways for students/parents to keep up with Dojang information. First is to listen to announcements made by instructors at the end of class. Second, students will be given flyers and announcements from time to time. Parent’s, ask to see them. Also, every few weeks an email newsletter is sent out to all of the students. Finally, if you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to speak with the instructor.

How often will I/my child attend class?

Classes are scheduled for 1.5 hour sessions, two days per week. Later, as students grow in rank and commitment, more classes become available. Please read the section under Class Protocol regarding missing classes.

Most of the information pertaining to training protocol is explained in the WTSDA student manual and should be reviewed on a frequent basis. There are a few important issues explained there that should be mentioned here for emphasis, however. Students should arrive at least 15 minutes before class is scheduled to begin. Upon entering (and leaving) the Dojang (studio), students should bow to the instructor and salute the flags. Once inside the Dojang, the student should quietly begin warming up and stretching off to the side. For safety reasons, no gum is allowed and all jewelry and watches should be removed. If a student arrives late, he/ she should prepare themselves for class and then wait to the side until he is recognized by the instructor and asked to join the class. If a student must miss a class, they should notify the instructor beforehand. In other words, at the beginning of each class, an instructor should know where every student is. If a student must leave class, they should first receive permission from the instructor.

One of the most misunderstood aspects of training in a traditional martial art is the meaning of the bow or Kyung Yet. In Tang Soo Do, the bow is a form of greeting and sign of respect. (This is the same reason why all Black Belts are to be called “Sir” or “Ma’am” by Gup students.) A student is expected to bow to his instructors, all Black Belts and Masters, whether in the studio or out, and also to his partners. The bow is never interpreted as the student being less or lower than the senior rank, but it is an expression of his humility, courtesy, pride, and self-esteem. Black Belts and senior ranks are also expected to return the bow.

A person who can show humility is a truly capable leader.

Students in Tang Soo Do progress through a series of promotions designated by different colored belts or Gup levels. Each color has its own philosophical meaning and each represents the cycle of the seasons and the cycle of life. There are 10 different Gup levels between the beginning student (white belt) and the eventual Black Belt. Each promotion or Gup level represents a new and advanced stage in Tang Soo Do training. In addition to learning new techniques, forms, and general information at each belt level, a minimum amount of time is required before a student is eligible to test again for the next level. The 10 Gup levels are summarized as follows:

Gup Level Belt

• 10th Gup: White Belt

• 9th Gup: White Belt with orange stripe

• 8th Gup: Orange Belt

• 7th Gup: Orange Belt with green stripe

• 6th Gup: Green Belt

• 5th Gup: Green Belt with brown stripe

• 4th Gup: Brown Belt

• 3rd Gup: Brown Belt with red stripe

• 2nd Gup: Red Belt

• 1st Gup: Red Belt with blue stripe

• Cho Dan Bo: Blue Belt (Black Belt Candidate)

The instructor will advise the student when testing for the next belt will occur. It will be the sole discretion of the instructor to determine if advancing to a new level is in the best interest of the student at that time. When the minimum time has passed, the instructor will evaluate several factors, including but not limited to: progress made in training since the last test, attitude, general knowledge, conduct in class, etc. The road to Black Belt is a long-term commitment which cannot and should not be hurried any more than growing up should be rushed. At every stage in Tang Soo Do, there are valuable lessons, physical and mental, to be learned, and some take longer than others. Not all students in a class will advance at the same rate.

Our testing process is broken down into 3 stages: Tip Testing, Pre-Testing, and Testing/Graduation. During Tip Testing, students will demonstrate different requirements and be awarded a stripe on their belt if they are deemed proficient.

These tests occur the last week of the month during regular classes. The specifics for each stripe vary by rank but can be summarized as follows:

• Green = Attendance (minimum number of classes since last test)

• Orange = General Attitude

• Purple = Endurance

• Red = Forms

• Yellow = One Step Sparring/Self-Defense

• Blue = Basics/Terminology/History/Philosophy (based on study guides)

Once a student achieves all of their required Tip Test stripes, they will be asked to test. There will be a Pre-Test the week prior to the test and takes place during regular classes. This is a mandatory part of the process as it ensures students are ready to proceed to the test and earn their next rank.

The final stage of testing is the Test/Graduation. This final step in the process is a demonstration of skills before a testing panel and a promotion ceremony when new belts are awarded. This event is a celebration in which all students should participate, not just those receiving their new belt. A student’s attendance at these ceremonies shows support of fellow classmates as well as dedication to one’s personal training.

The Do Bohk or uniform can be traced back to 600 AD in Korea, and therefore is a symbol of special accomplishment. This traditional symbol should be worn and maintained with great care and respect. Do Bohks should be cleaned and pressed for training. A student should not expect to train if not in full uniform.

Once a student achieves Green Belt, the lapels of the Do Bohk top must be trimmed in the same color as the belt (except for Cho Dan Bo). There is only one acceptable way to tie the belt and to fold the uniform when not being worn. Please refer to this section of the student manual for details and instruction. 

Even young students should be taught to tie their own belts correctly.

There should not be colored shirts visible under the Do Bohk, and the Do Bohk should only be worn for training or competition. Your instructor can provide guidance on where to purchase your Do Bohk. Use this guide for where to attach patches.

Safety equipment is important to prevent injuries while training and is a requirement for all competitive sparring. By the time a student achieves his/her Orange Belt (earlier is okay), they must own a complete set of sparring equipment. The set should include protective headgear, hand gear, footgear, and a mouth guard. Boys are required to wear a protective cup. Your instructor can provide guidance on where to purchase your sparring gear and can help you determine the correct size to purchase.

When a student tests for Orange/Green Belt (and for all tests after that), he/she will be asked to break boards as part of the physical test. Breaking is a test of concentration and proper technique. Breaking is practiced in class occasionally. All boards for class and tests are provided by the instructor.

Breaking should be done under an instructor’s supervision only! Do not practice breaking at home!

The techniques and forms found in Tang Soo Do are designed to improve the student’s ability to defend themselves. The more a student practices outside of class, the sooner his techniques improve and the better able he is to defend himself should the need arise. Practice also magnifies the other benefits of training such as improved fitness, flexibility, concentration, and discipline. For these reasons, natural athletic ability is not a substitute for diligent practice, especially as a student progresses into higher ranks. Ultimately, a student’s training is his/her own responsibility and his/her dedication will determine the speed and level of his/her progress. Like any other worthwhile endeavor, the more a student puts into their Tang Soo Do training, the more they will get out of it.

While Tang Soo Do is considered an art as opposed to a sport, there are a number of regional tournaments scheduled that provide competition for those who desire to compete. The ultimate in Tang Soo Do competition is the World Championships held every other year. Some of the benefits of competition include meeting students from other schools and even other countries, increased confidence, the chance to compare techniques with other students, and the opportunity to learn from others. Tournaments are always educational and fun to watch, even for those not competing.

Tournaments are arranged so that students of similar age and belt level compete with each other. Events include Hyungs (Forms), Dae Ryun (Sparring), Weapons, and sometimes Breaking. Students may compete in some or all events depending on their belt level. Your instructor will prepare the students for upcoming competitive events.

One of the great joys of being a member of the World Tang Soo Do Association is the opportunity to train with students almost anywhere in the world. If you are traveling and there is a World Tang Soo Do studio near where you will be, you may want to consider stopping in for a visit or training session if scheduling permits. 

Proper protocol must be observed in order to do this. You should first ask your instructor for permission to train at another studio. Then you must contact the studio owner where you will be visiting beforehand to ask permission to stop by. Headquarters in Philadelphia or the Internet can provide you with a list of certified studios all over the world. Visit the World Tang Soo Do website at www.wtsda.com Frequently, a visit to a new Dojang can be the highlight of a trip for a student.