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Our Programs We
have several programs that we offer for children ages four (4)
and up and all adults.
Please click on the
appropriate link (to the left) for more information.
Songahm
Taekwondo Belt System
In order
to develop the skills, discipline, and self-control necessary
for the proper use of Taekwondo techniques, ATA uses a rank
system. Such a system serves several purposes, including:
Chain of Command: The ascending order of rank carries an
increasing level of authority and responsibility.The student
learns to assume responsibility gradually as he moves up the
ranks. He also learns to accept and properly use authority
that accompanies the higher ranks.
Measurement of Progress: The most obvious advantage of the
rank system is that it provides a visible measurement of the
student's progress. As he learns the basic techniques of
Taekwondo and tests successfully, he is awarded the colored
belts that signify the rise in rank. He feels accomplished;
and he is encouraged to learn the next set of new material
with renewed enthusiasm.
There are
nine ranks, called "grades" in the colored belt series, and
nine ranks, called "degrees" in the Black Belt series. Because
it is the highest number in a single digit, the number nine,
in Oriental culture, represents the highest attainable goal of
any measurable endeavor.
ATA PROMOTIONAL
TESTINGS
The
schools of the American Taekwondo Association conduct
promotional testings approximately every seven to ten weeks to
evaluate the progress of the students. The testing is judged
by a minimum of two Certified ATA instructors, one of whom is
a guest judge from another ATA school. Each instructor in the
judging panel scores each student individually, according to
the standards of the ATA. The judges meet after the testing to
tally the scores and to discuss the progress of the students.
An instructor from another ATA school is invited to
participate in the judging as an effective monitor for the
local school, supplying a more objective observation of the
student's performance.
The testing begins similarly to a class session. The students
line up according to rank, and recite the Songahm Spirit of
Taekwondo. After opening remarks and introduction of the
judging panel, the students are asked to be seated around the
perimeter of the workout area. The students are then called to
execute their techniques (individually or in very small
groups). The lowest ranks are tested first to spare them
additional tension and anxiety generated by waiting. Most
schools, however test orange belts before the white belts,
giving the newest students an opportunity to witness the
procedure before they are called.
"An important idea to remember is that testing
is not just a time to show your skills, it is also a class
that teaches you how to perform under pressure, stand in front
of people, and develop many important attributes in your
personality,"
said Grand Master H.U.
Click here for a list of
Belt Meanings.
TKD,
Inc.
Kidz Leadership Centers
Email
us at: KarateforKids@sbcglobal.net
All Rights Reserved 2006
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