About TKD -

What is TaeKwonDo?
TKD is the traditional Korean martial art which literally means the "art of foot and hand fighting". It combines sharp, strong angular movements with graceful and free-flowing circular movements to produce a harmonious balance of beauty and power. With the addition of its own kicking techniques it is a complete, integrated, and unique system of self-defense and personal improvement.

FITNESS: According to Michael L. Weintraub, Executive Director of the United States Tae Kwon Do Union, he states that "in a one hour and fifteen minute Tae Kwon Do class" "you will get the equivalent of forty-five minutes of aerobics, forty-five minutes of calistenics, and the stretch of forty-five minutes of yoga plus the most effective means of self-defense." As a practical means of self-defense, a satisfying and complete regimen of physical conditioning, and as an aid to improved concentration and mental performance, the art of TaeKwonDo offers a total fitness program, integrating mind and body.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DEVELOP: A TKD student can expect to develop strength, stamina, quickness, flexibility, coordination and balance. The road to mastery of the art reuires that physical lessons be balanced with the equally important mental characteristics of patience, humility, self-control, perseverance, concentration, and respect.

WHAT WE WILL TAKE OUT OF THE DOJANG: The lessons of the dojang (place of practice) begin to color other aspects of life. The TKD student learns to seek more from his or her self in a broader arena. One becomes better able to meet and surpass the challenges of one's life and profession.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A BLACK BELT: It generally takes three years of study and practice to reach black belt level. As students gain skill, their advancement is marked by the award of colored belts which signifies class rank. Each promotion can be proudly worn as a symbol of honest achievement. But it remains only a symbol. The truly successful student is one who has learned to enjoy walking the path, rather than worrying too much about the destination.

Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
1. Coutesy - polite behavior, gracious manner toward everyone
2. Integrity - strictly observing a code or standard of values
3. Self-control - control of one's emotions, desires, and actions
4. Perseverance - adherence to a course of action, belief, or purpose without giving way
5. Idomitable spirit - incapable of being overcome or subdued

Student Oath and Code of Honor
Part I
1. I shall observe the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
2. I shall respect my seniors and instructors
3. I shall never misuse Tae Kwon Do
4. I shall stand by the weak
5. I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
6. I shall work to build a more peaceful world

Part II
1. I shall be loyal to myself, my school and my community
2. I shall obey and be loyal to my instructor
3. I shall use restraint and self-discipline and never use Tae Kwon Do for self gain
4. I shall follow the rules, customs, courtesies, and etiquette of Tae Kwon Do
5. I shall respect, help, and be honest with my peers and juniors
6. I shall never degrade, by word or deed, the reputation of Tae Kwon Do, my school, or my instructor

Uniforms and Belts -
UNIFORMS: We do not require that you purchase a uniform until after your yellow-stripe test. Uniforms area available at the Moorhead site. Costs range from $30 to $75 depending on quality. We recommend the cheaper uniform for children, as they tend to grow out of them quickly.

BELT SYSTEM: There are 10 belts in our system, they are as follows -
White, Yellow-stripe, Yellow, Green-stripe, Green, Blue-stripe, Blue, Red-stripe, Red, Black-stripe, and Black Belt. Every student comes in as a white belt which comes with their uniform. To obtain each belt there is a required set of material and pattern(s) which need to be memorized as well as a Bible verse.

Testing -
We have set up the first Saturday of every month for testing. Testing begins at 9:00 am and goes until we are done. There are no regular classes on this Saturday. Master John will let each student know when they are "eligible" to test. If you are unable to make it on a Saturday, please talk to Master John about this and we will see what we can do to accomodate you.

TEST TIMES:
9:00 am - testing for yellow stripe thru blue stripe belts
11:00 am - testing for blue belts & above 

Students test fairly soon for the first two belts. You can expect anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for the Yellow-stripe and the Yellow Belt. The next belts usually take a little longer as the student is required to learn more material and it becomes more challenging. The student is not forced to test at any time, it is totally up to the student. There is a test fee which starts at $30 and goes up to $80 with the exception of the Black Best test, which will be discussed with you closer to that time. All monthly dues and the test fee must be paid in full before the student is allowed to test.