Why does everybody
bow?
* We bow when entering or leaving the dojang
and say "Taekwon" to indicate respect for the art we study
and to remind us that what we do in the dojang is just that - Taekwon-Do,
and whatever else is going on in our lives is left at the door so that
we can train without distractions.
*
We also bow to each other before we begin specific training with
a partner. This indicates an understanding between students that
the exercise will be conducted with care and control, in the spirit
of parnters helping one another.
* We bow to our instructors, and they to us, to begin and end
a training session. This, again, is to show mutual respect. It
is considered disrespectful to straighten up before your senior.
What about
tournament competition?
Going to tournaments is a new and
exciting experience, a great way to meet other martial arts students
from around the state and around the country, and gives you the
oppotunity to test your skills against other students of your
own rank and age. It can be like a month of lessons in a single
day. Tournaments consist of competition in patterns, sparring
and in some cases, technique or power breaking. Occasionally there
are team competitions as well. There will be several tournaments
available to STKD students throughout the year, both USTF tournaments
and Open tournaments. Travel is usually required, either to Casper
or to the Denver area and beyond.
Do I need
to buy a uniform to begin training?
Not right away. You are welcome to
train in comfortable clothing until after you test for yellow
stripe. Sweats or T-shirt and shorts are acceptable. Just make
sure you can move freely.
Are there opportunities to train
beyond regular classes?
Yes, in fact there are many opportunities
beyond your formal Taekwon-Do classes.
They include summer camps, and seminars on all aspects of Taekwon-Do.
See your Instructor for details. |