What does Taekwondo mean?
Literally translated Tae Kwon Do means ‘the way of the Hand and foot.’ The most important part of the word is ‘Do’ as this translated means ‘the correct way.’ Learning to kick and punch are only physical attributes. By practicing Do and the principles of Taekwondo, students become overall martial artists both physically and mentally.

How is Taekwondo different to Karate and other martial arts?
Like Karate practitioners, Taekwondo students perform a lot of upper body techniques like punching, blocking and striking. What distinguishes Taekwondo from other martial arts is its superior kicking techniques. In Taekwondo students can learn to perform multiple kicks while flying and jumping in the air.

What is the belt system in Taekwondo?
Depending on your club there are 10 belts to black belt 1st Dan. Every beginner is known as a white belt, they then have to grade (do a physical examination).

What happens when you reach black belt?
When you achieve your black belt you automatically become a 1st Dan. To qualify for second Dan you must train hard for a minimum of two years your instructor then decides if you are ready to apply for your 2nd Dan promotion. You may have to wait longer if you have missed training for any reason or if your instructor does not think you are ready. For 3rd Dan you have to train for an additional 3 years after achieving your 2nd Dan, the same rules apply, an additional 4 years for 4th Dan, 5 years training for 5th Dan and so on.

What is the terminology for training hall?
In Taekwondo the correct Korean terminology for your place of training is called a DOJANG. This should be a served and solemn place where you try and perfect yourself both physically and mentally.

How do you kick and punch faster?
Faster kicking and punching can be achieved by most importantly breathing correctly from your abdomen. Combine this with excellent technique, speed, focus, hip movement, breathing, relaxation and hard work and you will achieve extremely fast devastating technique. To get to this point takes years and years of dedication and hard work.

How long does it take to achieve black belt?
This is almost impossible to answer as it depends on how often the student trains, how hard they train and how quickly they learn. Students who are more dedicated and train hard will obviously achieve their black belt before other less devoted students but to put a time span on it is difficult. I would say that even the most dedicated of students should train at least five years before being allowed to Dan Grade.

What is a Taekwondo uniform called?
A Taekwondo uniform is called a DOBOK. It should be white. This symbolises purity of mind.

What equipment do I need to start Taekwondo?
You basically do not need any equipment to start training in Taekwondo. Once you are sure that you wish to continue to train you will need a uniform (dobok) which are compulsory for official events such as competitions and gradings.
Ask your instructor for more information on equipment.

What order do the belt colours go from white belt to black belt?
Everyone who starts Taekwondo is classed as a white belt and from there there are nine steps until black belt. The main colours of the belts may vary slightly from club to club but the main system used in progression from white to black is this:
White – Yellow – Green – Blue – Red – Black
Even if some clubs are slightly different in their colour system the amount of steps until black belts are always the same.

What are coloured belts and black belts called?
Coloured belts are known as Kup grades while black belts are known as Dan Grades.
There are nine steps to black belt so a white belt is classed as a 10th Kup. For every single belt they then achieve they progress up the ladder to 9th Kup, 8th Kup and so on until they come to their 1st Kup which is a red belt, black tag, the belt before black belt. When they finally achieve their black belt they automatically become a 1st Dan Black Belt and then progress up the Dans until they reach 9th Dan which is the highest you can go.

What Is The Best Form Of Martial Arts?
All martial arts are based on the same foundations as each other. E.g. discipline, health, humility, perseverance, indomitable spirit to name a few. Therefore no martial art is better than any other, they are all the same. It just depends what different people enjoy practicing more in the martial arts as to which one they decide to study both inside and outside of the Dojang. A true master is someone who gives and asks for nothing in return except respect and loyalty.