The Theory Handbook has been written to help you, the student, completely understand Tae Kwon Do as a martial art and not just as a series of practical techniques learnt in the Training Hall. The handbook is divided into ‘belt colour’ categories and clearly illustrates the progression from white belt all the way through to black belt.
Depending upon which colour belt you are training towards, you will need to revise the relevant theory for your next grading i.e. if you are currently an Orange Belt aiming for promotion to Yellow Belt, you should revise the theory headed ‘PROMOTION TO YELLOW BELT’.
The Grading Examiner will not ask you all of the questions listed on the grading theory sheets, only a select few, however, they can ask questions from previous grading theory sheets, so please do not forget any previous theory that you may have learnt.
As you progress through the belt colours it is also important to note that personal study is always encouraged as the Grading Examiner may ask questions that are not necessarily outlined in the following pages!
NB The grading syllabus has NOT been included in this handbook, only when you successfully pass your current grading syllabus will you receive your next grading syllabus.
1. What does Tae Kwon-Do literally mean / translate to?
FOOT (Tae), HAND (Kwon), WAY or ART (Do).
2. Who founded Tae Kwon-Do?
TAE KWON-DO was founded by General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Dan.
3. What does ITS stand for?
Independent Tae Kwon-Do Schools.
4. What does Tae Kwon-Do predominantly teach?
Kicking techniques.
5. A low section outer forearm block is used to defend against which techniques?
A low section turning or front kick.
6. Explain the characteristics of a good walking stance.
• Shoulders facing forward.
• Rear leg straight.
• 50/50 weight distribution.
• Length (between feet): 1½ - 2 shoulder widths apart. Width: 1 shoulder width. 7. Which part of the foot is used when performing a traditional front or turning kick? The ball of the foot. 8. Which part of the hand is used when performing any punching technique? The two inner knuckles. MEANING OF BELT COLOURS WHITE Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student with no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do. ORANGE Represents the sunrise, and signifies the dawn of knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do. 5 TENETS OF TAE KWON-DO (Aims to Achieve) Courtesy Integrity Perseverance Self Control Indomitable Spirit
1. Which part of the foot is used when performing a traditional side kick?
The foot sword (the outer edge of the foot, from the little toe to the heel).
2. Which country does Tae Kwon-Do originate from?
Tae Kwon-Do originates from Korea.
3. Pattern Chon-Ji incorporates two blocking techniques one of which is a low section outer forearm block, name the other.
Middle section Inner forearm block.
4. What is the weight distribution of an L stance?
70% on the rear standing leg and 30% on the lead leg.
5. Explain the relevance of the weight distribution when performing an L stance?
When attacked with a sweeping technique you are able to lift your lead leg comfortably without loosing balance or falling over, thus avoiding the sweep.
6. How is the tenet courtesy best demonstrated in the training hall?
• Bow when entering and leaving the training hall.
• Address your instructor “Sir” or “Maam”.
• Respect your fellow students and training partners. 7. Why do we learn three step sparring and three step semi-free sparring? Three step sparring: Develops focus, distance and timing, as well as stances, blocks and attacking techniques. Three step semi-free sparring: Develops the true art of sparring. 8. In order to perform a turning kick correctly it is fundamental to spin on the ball of the foot, of the standing leg. Other than to release power, why is this important? Prevents damage to the knee joint. MEANING OF BELT COLOUR YELLOW Signifies earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as Tae Kwon-Do foundations are being laid. KOREAN TERMINOLOGY Cheryot - Attention Kyon ye - Bow Chunbi - Ready If you are unable to pronounce them please ask for assistance from the instructor. Chon-Ji Tul(19 Movements) Literally means Heaven and Earth. It is in the orient interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth. The low block represents the earth and the middle block represents the heaven.
1. Which part of the foot is used when performing a back kick?
The foot sword (the outer edge of the foot – from the little toe to the heel).
2. In Dan-Gun, what height are all the punches?
High section (eye level).
3. A twin forearm block defends against two consecutive attacks, name two possible attacks.
• Downward knifehand strike.
• Middle section turning kick. 4. Which colours form the Korean flag? Blue, red, black and white. 5. What is the effect of adding hip twist to a traditional walking stance? Increases the power of techniques. 6. In Tae Kwon-Do reference is always made to the section of all techniques. Briefly explain the heights of these sections. Low - Below the belt. Middle - Belt to neck. High - Head and above. 7. What does the tenet integrity mean and how is it best observed during training? Honesty - define right from wrong. During the session always aim to give 100%; those students who knowingly cheat only cheat themselves. 8. Why do we “Ki Ha” when performing attacking techniques?
• Maximise the power of the technique.
• Improve confidence.
• Scare and/or stun the opponent/attacker. MEANING OF BELT COLOUR GREEN Signifies the plants growth as Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop. KOREAN TERMINOLOGY One - Hanna Two - Dool Three - Seth Four - Neth Five - Dasaul If you are unable to pronounce them please ask for assistance from the instructor. Dan-Gun Tul (21 movements) Is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C.
1. Which part of the foot is used when performing a hook kick?
The heel.
2. What does a wedging block defend against?
• Double handed grab.
• Twin vertical punch.
• Double handed push. 3. The weight distribution of a sitting stance is 50% on each leg, list three more distinguishing features.
• Upright, straight back.
• Feet facing forwards.
• Knees bent proportionally. 4. What is the purpose of a spot-turn? When performing a walking stance the feet are placed on two imaginary parallel lines; a spotturn enables the walking stance to be turned through 180º and mirrored using the same parallel lines. 5. What is a pseudonym? A nickname or alias. 6. A student who continues to try and accomplish goals, on their journey to mastering Tae Kwon-Do, is using which tenet to better themselves? Perseverance. 7. Why do we learn one step sparring? One step sparring develops timing, speed and focus. The main objective is to allow us to use our Tae Kwon-Do techniques in a more realistic situation. 8. The dead hand and blocking or attacking hand must finish simultaneously, what is the purpose of the dead hand? It is the most effective and efficient method of adding power to a technique, as it determines how fast the technique can be delivered. MEANING OF BELT COLOUR GREEN Signifies the plants growth as Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop. KOREAN TERMINOLOGY Six - Yosaul Seven - Ilgop Eight - Yodoll Nine - Ahop Ten - Yoll If you are unable to pronounce them please ask for assistance from the instructor. Do-San Tul (24 movements) Is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 - 1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering education in Korea and the Korean independence movement.