The Taekwondo Belt Ranking System

There are traditionally ten color belt levels. They are called gup (or kup) ranks. The nine black belt levels are called degree or dan ranks. Each color of belt, namely white, yellow, green, blue, red, black, have a particular meaning. For example, white signifies innocence; it signifies the student who is just starting with no previous knowledge of taekwondo. The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) uses a system of 10 kup ranks and nine dan ranks. The colour belt ranks run from 10th kup to 1st kup. The black belt ranks run from 1st dan to 9th dan. The 1st to 3rd dan have the title of Assistant Instructor (Boo-Sabum). The 4th...

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The Strategic Science In Taekwondo Sparring

Looking from the outside, taekwondo sparring may look like random kicks and punches thrown ruthlessly with the objective of injuring the opponent. But from the inside, a sparring match is like a chess game. In chess, you cannot win a game by unthinkingly moving around the pieces anymore than one could win a sparring match by involuntarily throwing techniques. Strategy. The prerequisite to chess as well as to taekwondo sparring! Taekondo sparring strategy comes in two main forms: Macro or Overall Strategy. Macro strategy is composed of overall and generalized aspects about any sparring match that will make you spar one person one way...

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What Is Taekwondo Class Got to Do With It ?

The ultimate goal of every taekwondo class is to input the teachings and principles behind taekwondo. Not to mention, realizing every students’ dream of having that black belt. How do taekwondo classes go about teaching the sport? Some merely require the display of techniques learned since last testing. Others mandate the testing of cumulative knowledge. Testing might necessitate performance in sparring, self defense or do the taegeuk movement own their own time. Some schools test the students on their staying power, requiring many physical activities over prolonged periods of time. Image by A. Dawson via Flickr The amount of time and level...

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Taekwondo Shoes You Wish You Have

Each taekwondo shoe is a three part deal; the upper, midsole and outsole. While all three components contribute to the overall performance of the shoe, the midsole is probably the most crucial. Why is this so? Simply because it is the cushion between your foot and the cold, hard and unforgiving floor. If you skimp on the midsole your knees, shins, ankles, feet pick up the tab. Wearing specially-designed taekwondo shoes help a student in a number of different ways. Most martial arts students make the mistake of practicing at home or at the gym using regular workout shoes that have thick soles. These practically force the foot into an improper...

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Karate vs Taekwondo - Which one to choose ?

The two most common martial arts being practiced in the US are taekwondo and karate. Ever since, people have been wondering on what is the difference between these two. This poses a problem especially for those who are just looking around for a martial art school or studio. The fact that both karate and taekwondo seem to be wearing the same style of uniforms with different belt colors does not make help either. The development of Karate. Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. In fact, there are different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered...

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