TaeKwon Do FAQ:

What is TaeKwon Do?
"A way of life". A version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self defense." Tae stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot. Kwon denotes the fist-chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. Do means an art or way-the right way built and paved by the saints and sages of the past…" Quoted from the condensed encyclopedia of TaeKwon Do by General Choi page 15.

Where does TaeKwon Do come from?
TaeKwon Do was originated by General Choi. General Choi is Korean. General Choi combined two martial arts together to form the basis of TaeKwon Do-Taek Kyon and Karate.

What is the name of the cloths we wear to practice TaeKwon Do?
Do Bok

What is the name of the place we practice in?
Do Jang

What does ITF mean?
International TaeKwon Do Federation. General Choi is the President of the ITF.

What does USTF mean?
United States TaeKwon Do Federation. Master Sereff is the President of the USTF.

What does White Belt mean?
White Belt signifies the beginner, or innocence.

How many ranks are there in TaeKwon Do
Our color belt system has 10 steps called Gups, and six colors of belt. White, Gold, Green, Blue, Red, Black. We begin at 10th Gup and proceed to 1st Gup. There are 9 steps in Black Belt called Dans.

Who is the highest rank in TaeKwon Do?
General Choi 9th Dan.

Where is the USTF headquarters?
Broomfield, CO Where is the ITF headquarters?

How long have I practiced TaeKwon Do?
I have been involved in martial arts training for over 20 years. I have been in the USTF/ITF for about twelve years.

Who is my teacher?
I am privileged to call Master Lang my teacher. Of course I can not forget to mention all of my students as well. Their questions and problems force me to better understand and communicate my knowledge of TaeKwon Do technique.

When do I get my Black Belt?
When you have earned it. I believe that younger students with no prior knowledge should take at least four to five years before reaching first Dan. Some take longer some take slightly less. It all depends on the individual and his/her commitment to perfecting technique and understanding.

Once you get your Black Belt do you know everything?
I wish! When you reach first Dan you should realize how much you DON"T know!

How many steps of Black Belt are there?
There are nine steps in Black Belt called Dans. First is the lowest and Ninth is highest.

Who is the highest Black Belt?
General Choi, our founder.

What is the best style?
Good question. I do not believe that there is a single "best." I recommend that a person check out many different styles. Note their strengths and weaknesses. Decide if you can see yourself doing the techniques associated with the style. Then practice under the guidance of a qualified instructor of the style. What works for you is the "best."

When do we do the stuff like on Power Rangers?
Plan on studying several years. By then you probably will recognize that you really wouldn't use those techniques in a real life situation. Gymnastics and acrobatics do look flashy though.