General Information

Where and when are practices?

Fall 2011

Tuesday 9:30 PM - 10:45 PM @ Rockne 205
Thursday 9:30 PM - 10:45 PM @ Rockne 205
Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM @ Rockne 205

What happens at practices?

Practices begin with stretches and warm-up kicks. After that, activities vary. Sometimes new techniques and combinations are learned. Other times, self-defense is taught or a good cardio workout using techniques is designed. Usually, targets are used for these. The best way to get a feel for our club is to come on out to a practice.

What do people wear to practices?

Beginners can wear work out clothes (please no shorts or tank tops). To test, you must wear a dobok (uniform), which is available through the club. Most members wear doboks to practice.

How often is testing?

For the 2011 - 2012 Academic Year, there are 3 promotion tests in the fall semester and 3 promotion tests in the spring semester. Check the calendar for dates. You are now only permitted to test for one belt at a time, which is a change from prior club policy that allowed "double-testing" for the lower ranks (purple belt and under).

What makes the club unique?

World TaeKwonDo Federation is internationally sanctioned and rank advancement is internationally recognized. Rank certificates are received from our WTF affiliated sanctioning body. If you wish to continue after graduating or train during the summer, a majority of Taekwondo schools recognize WTF certificates from other schools.

So what are the costs?

Beginners and visitors are welcome to practice at no-cost. If you want to become a member you must pay club dues, typically $50 per year, $25 a semester. This fee allows you to practice with the club three times a week, test for your next belt (there is an additional testing fee, however you are not permitted to test unless you have paid your club dues) in addition to social time with the club. Remember that one test a semester is reimbursed by the club! Uniforms are a one-time fee of $25.

What's the order for the belts and how long would it take to earn my black belt?

The belt order from lowest rank (gup) to highest is as follows: white (10th gup), yellow (9th gup), orange (8th gup), green (7th gup), purple (6th gup), blue (5th gup), brown (4th gup), red (3rd gup), red tip (2nd gup), deputy black (1st gup), black (1st don). While every student is unique, it is possible to earn your black belt in three years if you are dedicated.

Does the club just practice and test?

We have events each semester outside of practices, competitions, and testings. These include club dinners at South Dining Hall after Sunday practice, and movie nights where we watch a bunch of tacky yet fun martial arts flicks.

Does any sparring occur?

No, we are explicitly prohibited from sparring by the University.

So what do you do besides spar?

The club curriculum consists of forms, hand and foot techniques, and self-defense. The forms we learn are the Tae-Guk forms, however if you come from a different style of forms we will be more than happy to work with you on learning our forms.

Last Updated: September 8, 2011