CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN WITH BODY, MIND, KNOWLEDGE (AND LOTS OF PRACTICE)
These Taekwondo tips and resources can help you get more enjoyment out of your Taekwondo education.
This section is for our students with the purpose of augmenting their in-class education. Below you will find access to Form, Basic Movement videos, and audio files containing Taekwondo language that you will hear in class. Each is vital in your education and enjoyment of Taekwondo. Each Form will be tested incrementally at every belt level you advance to (language starting at blue belt.) Click one of the icons below to continue to Forms and Taekwondo Language.
Before you get to that, you might want to know what we call the gym where we practice. You might also be looking for some taekwondo tips for doing forms and testing. Jump past the two icons below an increase your knowledge while increasing your enjoyment of Traditional Taekwondo.
You may have heard of a “dojo” but do you know what a “dojang” is?
A dojang is the place where you practice and learn Taekwondo. It is similar to the Japanese’ dojo but in Korean, we say “dojang.” It sounds like doe-jang when spoken. You can use it in a sentence like, “Mom, it’s time to go to the dojang.”
Did you know there is a right way to enter the dojang?
It’s important to always bow into the dojang when you enter and exit. Also speak “Hello Master” when you enter and “Goodby Master” when you exit the dojang. Once inside the dojang, remove your shoes and socks.
How to step on and off the practice mat.
Never run onto or off the mat even when you are not taking a formal class. ALWAYS bow to the practice area mat when entering and exiting it—even if you are in a hurry. Slow down and take your time! Just like bowing when you enter the dojang, it is a sign of respect.
Testing Preparations
Like a path that leads to the mountain summit, the path to Black Belt is very challenging. Yet, Black Belt is not the goal; it is the beginning. Once you achieve a black belt, you are ready to put it all together and make it work. Like a completed motor that goes into a competition car that will compete in a race. Black Belt gives us the ability to compete in life.
In order to advance to the next belt level, you must meet the requirements to pass testing. Below is a list of those requirements along with some Taekwondo tips to help guide you:
- Knowing the Form for your belt level
TIP: Make each movement of that form strong, quick, and sharp.
- Sparring techniques for your belt level
TIP: Remember, the roundhouse kick is not the only kick you have learned. Don’t forget to use your back kick. Demonstrate a variety of kicks and sequences.
- Taekwondo language: you will need to know numbers and phrases
TIP: Listen to the audio tracks on our Language page and use headphones so you can hear every nuance.
- Have a loud “ki hop”
TIP: Practice a LOUD ki hop while you are practicing your Form by yourself and not just during testing. You will not be as nervous during testing if you do. Ignore what others who are not doing their ki hop loud—you have to practice for yourself. Don’t be embarrassed if you are louder than everyone else. Master Nam wants yours to be the loudest and it is where more of your power comes from.
FORM TIP: Don’t skip around when practicing your forms. Do at least three in a row.
FORM TIP: As you get to the higher levels, practice your form with your eyes closed. This forces you to remember where you came from, where you are now, where you need to go next—making it easier to remember your form.
SPARRING TIP: You need to keep your body fit. Taekwondo is a vigorous aerobic workout, particularly sparring. The more fit you are, the longer you will last during testing. Master Nam will typically do a hard workout during class and then have you practice Forms because you should be able to do them weather you are tired or not—put another way, if you can do them when you are tired, you can do them anytime. For some adults (and children) additional exercise or training outside of class can make a difference but it is not a requirement.