CHO DAN BO – STEP 1 – TERMINOLOGY & THEORY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Terminology
None
Theory
Q: Where does Taekwondo come from?
A: Korea
Q: What does Tae Kwon Do literally translate to?
Freely translated, Taekwondo means ‘the art of kicking and punching.’ Literally it means:
| Tae |
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| Kwon |
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| Do |
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Q: What is the difference between the sport & martial art of Taekwondo?
A: This is a personal response. Your answer might include things like in a sport you compete against other people whereas in martial arts you only compete against yourself, ie you train for self-improvement.
A key difference between sports and martial arts is what they set out to achieve. A sport by definition is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others”. Concurrently, martial arts involve physical exercise and skill, but additionally set out specifically to improve the whole person, that is, such things as confidence, focus, self-esteem, and self-discipline.
Q: What is the difference between a colour belt and black belt?
A: Colour belts and black belts know many of the same techniques, yet most people would agree that they are significantly different. On the physical side, black belts should not only have excellent technique, but an understanding of when and how to strategically apply them. Sparring for example becomes a game of chess as opposed to random kicks and punches. Mentally, a black belt should also realise the most important aspects of Taekwondo are not the kicking and punching, but the mental qualities such as those below:
| Integrity | A Black Belt does not lie, cheat, or steal. When you have integrity you can look people in the eye with confidence and know that what you’ve said is believed and trusted. |
| Loyalty | The very word is life itself, for without loyalty we have no love of person or country. |
| Courtesy | Allow each person their dignity. Show the courtesy that you hope to receive from others by showing it in your everyday life. It goes beyond the training hall door. |
| Self-Control | Self-control means never having to say you’re sorry. By learning to control your words and actions people are less likely to be hurt by them. |
| Kindness | This can stop wars and erase hate. But like a bike, it’s no good if you don’t get out and use it…. and it’s free. |
| Obedience | This begins at home. Practice it with your family. Then enlarge it with your friends. Share it with humanity. |
| Cleanliness | Soap and water works for the outside of the body. You have to work on the inside with a different type of cleaner. |
| Perseverance | A Black Belt never quits. Once started it is better to finish. Sometimes people start projects and do not realise the difficulties that lie ahead. A Black Belt will look at these, not as difficulties, but as challenges to be overcome. |
| Courage | Courage is shown by striving on despite the odds. It does not require fighting with your hands and feet, but with your mind. Without fear, there is no courage. |
| Reverence | Life is precious. A Black Belt remembers this and strives to refrain from harming others, even when they do wrong. |
A Black Belt strives to encompass these qualities in their daily life.
Q: What does being a black belt mean to you?
This is a personal response. Overall we are looking for a thoughtful answer, considering things such as how you have grown and improved both mentally and physically over your years of training.
Q: What is Taekwondo and being a black belt all about aside from the kicking and punching?
This is a personal response. Some things to consider are: The physical aspect of Taekwondo is possibly the least important part of what we do. Of course being physically fit and healthy, and having the ability to defend yourself are very beneficial, but the things you can use every day, everywhere, are the non physical such as self-discipline, commitment, perseverance, confidence, self-esteem, respect, responsibility, humility etc. Whether at school, work, or a social setting being healthy and successful at anything throughout life comes through the development and practice of these.
Q: What are the below and what do they do:
- WTF
- TA
- Kukkiwon
A: The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is the international governing body for Taekwondo. Its Headquarters are in Korea, and in each country it has a representative national organisation. Together the WTF and the individual countries governing body are responsible for the conduct of the competition aspects of Taekwondo. Major events include the Olympics and World Championships.
A: Taekwondo Australia (TA), is the national sporting organisation for Taekwondo in Australia and is responsible for the conduct of National level competitions and selection events for international competitions in Australia. It also generally oversees Taekwondo in Australia.
A: The Kukkiwon is the international body based in Korea which recognises black belt level gradings. Kukkiwon certification is recognised in over 200 countries. To grade to the highest levels of Taekwondo such as 8th or 9th testing is conducted directly by Kukkiwon in Korea.
Additional Resources
