Be a Good Taekwondo Student
If you do Taekwondo and would like to be a better student or if you would like to join Taekwondo the following are important things to keep in mind.
Taekwondo tradition is based upon decent human values such as self discipline (Kuk-Gi), good conduct, decent (Ye-Jol) behavior, sincerity, honesty and integrity (Yom-Chi). A Taekwondo practitioner (Suryun-Saeng) shall not misbehave ever if provoked or harassed. He would react on the physical assault or abuse but refrain from emerging as a nuisance. He shall respect law of the land and would assist the enforcement authority against anti social and the unlawful acts and helps to prevail peace and security in the society.
One should respect his senior (Sun Bae-Nim) in belt grade and elsewhere irrespective of age & sex or status and should address him or her as Sir (Son Saeg-Nim) or Madam (Puin or Madam) in due respect (Jon-Gyung) and shall behave in humility & courtesy. A Taekwondoin should treat his Master (Sah Bum-Nim) as ‘ideal’ commanding full respect and care. One should treat his junior (Hu Bae-Nim) in the training ground or Taekwondo Gymnasium (Do-jang) as a caring elder who would prefer pardon to punishment to induce correction in techniques and behavior amongst them. The generosity may be suspended in the course of training or order to teach lessons through rigorous physical involvement. There is a mutual understanding between the master and the learner (Suryun-Saeng). The Taekwondoins duplicate their Master’s style & tradition as an identity.
Taekwondo begins (See-Jak) & ends (Ko-Mahn) with display of courtesy confirmed by bowing (Kyung-Nae) in submission of the senior by the junior at first sight. It’s an unavoidable obligation on the training ground or Taekwondo Gym. One should obey commands of their seniors as concerned with their lessons & practice only. This is a Taekwondo tradition which transforms a commoner into a decent person and responsible citizen in due course.
Steps
- Take the oath. Each Taekwondo practicing ground/hall should take an Oath either in English or local language as per the following:
- We solemnly affirm that we shall be ready to maintain sovereignty and unity of the Nation in the disciplined way.
- We shall not take part in any illegal activities.
- We always be ready to save the people in guard and poor.
- Show courtesy and respect to the instructor and all other students at all times. Black belts should be referred to as 'Sir' or 'Ma'am'. At the end of any exercise where you have worked with a partner or group, you must bow to your partner or to the members of your group and say 'Thank you'. Courtesy is a key part of Taekwondo.
- <b>Be honest at all times in your study of Taekwondo, not only to your instructor and your fellow students, but also to yourself.
- Persevere: exercises are often tough and there will many times when you want to give up, but to persevere is to carry on regardless.
- Adopt an indomitable spirit: it is likely that you will suffer set backs at some point during your practice of Taekwondo, but it is important not to let these put you off. 'Fall Seven times, stand up eight'.
- Be sensible: don't overtrain or try to continue with an injury. Listen to your body. If you are injured, take some time off and come back when you are ready.
- Train regularly: at least three times a week to get the most out of it.
- Grade whenever possible: don't miss a grading, prepare yourself properly and be ready for it on time.
- Compete in tournaments: put your skills to the test against new people. Watch other students and pick up tips.
- Ask Black Belts to help: in most Dojangs, the black belts are friendly and more than willing to help you, whether you need to go over your form, kicking, or blocks. Just ask nicely, be polite and remember to thank them for their time.
- Pay your training fees on the day they are due, and make sure your license and club membership are up to date.
- Do extra exercise outside your Taekwondo classes to build fitness, strength and flexibility
- Eat sensibly: make sure your diet is high in protein for muscles and carbohydrates for energy (especially on training days).
- Drink water: before, during and after training. Dehydration can seriously affect your performance.
- Practice everything you are taught. Go over all the patterns every week to keep them fresh in your mind.
- Be sure to warm up and cool down. Don't forget to stretch AFTERWARDS!
Tips
- Enjoy the journey- once you get to black belt, you'll wish that you hadn't wished to get there so fast as a color belt.
- Age doesn't make a difference as long as you want to join, and are willing to give 100% do it!
- There are various organizations of Taekwon-Do, Taekwondo, or Tae Kwon Do. Choose wisely, and stick with the organization you choose unless you find reason to believe it's not the one for you.
- Only find an instructor you can respect. Once you find a good instructor, be loyal to him/her. If you find you cannot be loyal to your teacher, TKD isn't for you.
- Some feet and shin pads come-all-in-1
- Try to buy your own gear, such as shin pads, foot pads, groin protector, chest protector, helmet and mouth guard. Your Dojang probably will have some spares and gear is sometimes handed down from older karate students as they outgrow it.
Warnings
- Make sure you wear the correct protective equipment when sparring - the helmets may not be comfortable or attractive but they are there for an obvious reason.
- Taekwondo is not for those who are not willing to try their hardest. If you cannot give 100% effort, it is not worth it.
- Once you start Taekwondo/Taekwon-Do/Tae Kwon Do, you must attend class or else you'll get behind in your training.
Things You'll Need
- Do Bok
- Head guard (depending on your Do Bok)
- Gloves
- Feet pads
- Shin pads
- Gum shield
- Positive attitude
