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.