Interested in
martial arts?
Well, you've come to the right place. Dartmouth TKD caters to
both those who are interested in learning this Korean martial art out of simple
intrigue, and to those who wish to stay in shape. In any case, it's a bit
different than your typical P.E. class. Here is some general
information and general terminology you may hear:
Some important info:
- The area we practice in is called our dojang. This is an area that
must be respected and recognized as such - even if it usually serves as a
basketball court. Upon entering the dojang, you should bow to the flags and/or
the instructors. The flags hanging at the front of the dojang recognize and
pay homage to South Korea, Taekwondo's place of origin, as well as the United
States. This symbol of respect for one's country is key to the philosophy of
tkd - in fact that is part of the Hwa Rang Do honor code (but that's a story
for another day).
- Bowing: To bow, move your left foot to your right, bring your hands
to your sides and bow at the waist. Bowing demonstrates respect, and the
action may also be used as a greeting or a thank-you.
Generally, when addressing the instructors one bows and may engage in a
handshake. Shaking hands is done in the Korean fashion, whereby you shake with
the right hand while the left supports the right under the elbow. As you
shake, simultaneously bow.
- Issues of Etiquette : Although having a good time is a really
important aspect of tkd, so are the issues of discipline, etiquette, and
respect. We are extremely privileged to have the instructors we do. Master
Blais and Master Del Porte have trained extensively and have had so much
experience - both in tkd and in life. As such, it is important to address them
with respect. When they or other black belts ask a question, or direct you to
do something, respond loudly with, "Yes, ma'am," or "Yes, sir". All black
belts should be addressed as "sir" or "ma'am" as an additional matter of
respect.
- Issues of Comfort: Wear loose fitting work out clothes. You will be
kicking, running, jumping, punching, sitting on the floor, etc. It is
traditional to not wear shoes when working out; however, if you have foot
problems or you prefer to wear shoes, please speak with one of the officers or
instructors and we can help you out. If you plan to continue with tkd for more
than one term, we highly encourage you to purchase a dobak, or uniform. If you
have questions about purchasing, please speak with Vietnam Nguyen, Lisa Fearon,
or Master Del Porte.
- Taekwondo consists of both aerobic activity as well as anaerobic. Workouts
can be intense and demanding on the body; thus it is essential that you eat
properly and make sure you are well hydrated. If you want to
become serious about tkd, it's important to think about your body - a strong
and flexible body will help your tkd training immensely. Ask any of the
officers, and I'm sure they'll concur.
- Lining up. When class begins all students line up according to
rank. This allows the instructors to survey who is there and to organize
classes accordingly. The highest-ranking student starts the line up in the
rightmost position in the front row. The next highest rank stands to the left
of that person, and so on. There are usually 4 or 5 people per row. After
lining up, the highest-ranking student "bows in" the class by calling everyone
to attention. We then bow to the flags, then the instructors. The second
highest rank then instructs the class to bow to the highest-ranking student.
This tradition of bowing is conducted at the beginning and end of class as a
matter of respect.
Some terminology
you might hear:
Korean Words (and their anglicized pronunciations):
Don't worry about memorizing these--you'll learn them as we use
them in class.
Attention: Cha-ryut
Bow: Kyung-net
Ready: Joon-bee
Begin: Shee-jahk
Stop: Guh-Mahn
Relax: Sho
Turn: Di-ro-do-ra
Yell: Ghi-hahp
TKD School: Do-Jang
Master: Sah-bum-nim
Grandmaster: Kwan-jang-nim
Uniform: Do-boak
Form: Poom-seh
Sparring: Kyuh-ru-ghi
Breaking: Kyuhk-pah
Self Defense: Ho-shin-sul
One step sparring: Han-bun-kyuh-ru-ghi
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