Taekwondo path to Black Belt

Taekwondo is South Korea’s national sport. It is the most widely practiced martial art in the whole world. Believed to have stemmed from military origins, the sport’s distinguishing techniques are mostly kicks and strikes. Compared to other forms of martial arts like kung fu and karate, the martial art recognizes the leg as the longest part of the human body, thus, the one with the most potential to strike and the least vulnerable to damage. The back kick and the side kick are famous taekwondo moves.

People of all ages, nationalities, and gender practice the martial art. World and national governing associations hold tournaments every year as schools and training clinics continue to train students in taekwondo. The martial art has very strong potential to improve a person’s stamina, speed, balance, flexibility, and strength. Training goes beyond the physical aspect – it also broaches on the mental field. A popular exercise, the breaking of the boards, is a clear example of attaining utmost control and harmony of the mind and physical powers.

Students learning the martial art are usually required to wear the proper uniform called the “dobok.” The ensemble could be black or white, though most times it is white, with a belt looped around the waist. The color of the belt signifies a taekwondo student’s rank.

A Typical Day at the Dojo
So what can be expected at taekwondo schools? Of course, students are taught the basic moves and principles. Workouts are facilitated mostly on anaerobic and aerobic ends, as well as stretching and breathing exercises. Classes often include meditation and relaxation techniques.

Patterns or forms are often practiced while sparring sessions are held for the more advanced students. Sparring techniques range from one to seven steps, free-style, point sparring, and arranged sparring, among others. Self-defense exercises are also incorporated as well as falling/throwing exercises. Finally, breaking techniques using boards, bricks, and other objects are also held as part of demonstrations.

To be able to move up the next rank, students take exams that they need to pass. Mental and ethical discipline is also measured. Taekwondo encourages respect, justice, and self-confidence.

Ranks and Belts
Usually, taekwondo segregates students into junior/senior or student/instructor ranks. The junior division (“geup”) has ten ranks, identified by “color belts” as assigned by specific schools. Sometimes, ranks in the junior division are represented by stripes on the belts. Students start at the tenth geup, gradually progressing to the first geup, which is the highest junior rank.

The senior section is comprised on nine ranks (“dan”). They are what is referred to as “black belts.” Black belts start out from the first degree and so on. To indicate the degree, the belts are either etched with stripes, numerals, or any other means. In many cases, black belts remain plain no matter what the bearer’s rank may be.

Promotion
Students get promoted to a higher rank by passing proficiency level exams. A panel of judges or the teacher decides on whether a student is eligible to move on further. Depending on the school, promotions could be a lot quicker compared to others.

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