Mike's Tae Kwon Do: General Information

RESPECT

Respect always plays a key roll in the study of martial arts. In order to become a true successful martial artist, one must have the proper respect for his/her country, Master Instructor, Instructor(s), senior-ranking students, fellow students, the Dojang and his/herself. This attitude of respect will be introduced at he beginning of the study of Tae Kwon Do and will be continuously reinforced.

Respect for the Dojang is also very important because it is the place for study and learning. It displays the flags of the United States of America and of Korea-the country of origin of Tae Kwon Do. Entrance into the Dojang is solely for study and mediation. Therefore, there should be no talking unless the Master Instructor gives permission. At no time should a student be laughing or playing around as this is disrespectful and distracts from the study of Tae Kwon Do. Profanity is never allowed; it shows weakness and a lack of control over one’s emotions.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is another important attribute that a student must learn in order to understand and respect the study of martial arts. Self-discipline should be viewed as a positive trait that will help a student master Tae Kwon Do and even more importantly, condition oneself to be more successful in his/her academic and business careers. A part of Tae Kwon Do training is to instill self-discipline that will remain throughout a student’s entire lifetime. Therefore, it is essential that a student learn to follow instructions from the Master Instructor. The student should remain confident that the Master Instructor will always have his/her best interest in mind and will only instruct him/her in a way that benefits his/her overall successful development. All great leaders have a strong sense of self-discipline. This is one of the reasons behind the strict enforcement of Mike’s Tae Kwon Do Academy School Rules.

TRAINING

Each student is taught according to his/her ability. No two (2) students are identical in their physical or mental ability; therefore, some students could advance in their studies more rapidly than others. This should not be upsetting to the other students or parents. At times, the Master Instructor will strongly encourage a student to try harder; this is because the Instructor feels the student has the talent, ability and desire to achieve more. By encouraging a student to reach a higher level, the Master Instructor is helping him/her develop greater self-confidence and self-discipline. If a student or parent has a question(s) regarding instructions, the Master Instructor will be more than happy to address any question(s) privately after class. No questions or contradictions will be raised during class. To ensure safety and proper instruction, no student will be allowed to test for the next highest belt rank until the Master Instructor feels that he/she is ready.

For all students, the following sequence of events will take place prior to the start of training session:

Students must mark themselves in attendance prior to each class. This allows the Master Instructor to keep an accurate record of each student’s attendance.
Students will remove their shoes and place them neatly near the entrance door of Dojang or in the locker room, if available. Students will change into their Do Boks (uniforms) and arrange their gear in a tidy manner. This teaches organization and order.
All students will first go the Master Instructor and bow--the traditional greeting in Korea. Then, students will bow to each other. This practice shows respect for the Master Instructor as well as for all students. After the greeting, students will refrain from “small talk” until class has officially ended. This teaches discipline and creates the proper atmosphere for learning.
At the entrance to the training area, all students will bow to the U.S. and Korean flags. Again, this shows respect for our country and for Korea (the origin of Tae Kwon Do).
Upon entering the training area, each student should meditate for a moment with a peaceful mind and review lessons learned. This will help each student mentally prepare for class.
When the student has finished meditating, he/she should rise and begin stretching exercises or practice until class is called to order.
When the Master Instructor is ready to enter the Dojang or prepared to begin class, the highest-ranking student present will call the class to attention and give the command to the students of Charyot (attention) and bow to the Master Instructor. This protocol shows respect to the Master Instructor and indicates the students desire to be taught. The Master Instructor will then begin class or at his discretion, direct one of the advanced belts to start class.

These brief explanations show that here is an underlying purpose for everything that occurs during a training session. It also illustrates that the study of Tae Kwon Do is much more than just physical exercise. The benefits derived from the study of Tae Kwon Do will provide you with encouragement, strength of mind, body and heart, and the self-confidence and strength of character to face life’s challenges for the rest of your life.

MEDITATION

Meditation plays an important role in the study of martial arts. Meditation is simply the focusing of one’s mind. Therefore, concentration is critical to a student’s successful performance. Students should be aware of what they are doing, but not to the exclusion of whatever is going on around you: be aware of everything, distracted by nothing. Do not force your mind to concentrate on any one thing, but allow your mind to find its own focus. Open yourself to any awareness, but avoid distraction. Think of nothing and let your mind reflect to you. The techniques of meditation have been scientifically shown to enhance performance. The following is a brief explanation of how to perform basic meditation in order to attain the most benefit.

Sit down.
Cross your legs and rest your hands on your knees with the palms up; loosely close your index finger to your thumb.
Keep your back straight, head facing forward with your eyes closed.
Relax your body and remain completely still.
Breathe deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Each breath is one (1) count.
Try to make your mind peaceful and clear. (Mentally picture yourself performing your Tae Kwon Do techniques, forms, and self-defense flawlessly).
Count in intervals one (1) through ten (10). Three (3) to five (5) minutes of mediation is recommended every day and can be performed anywhere.

SPARRING

Free-sparring is an integral part of Tae Kwon Do practice. It allows a student to put together the various kicking techniques he/she has learned into a logical sequence for attacking or defense. Many valuable lessons are learned during sparring practice including timing, body movements, hand/foot and eye coordination, balance, speed, and blocking. In addition, sparring helps students to overcome their natural reluctance or Fear of physical confrontation and instills self-confidence.

However; free-sparring is not be viewed as a street fight. Students will be required to treat their opponents with respect. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to deliberately injure an opponent. Great care is given to ensure that students spar one another with control. At the discretion of the Master Instructor, any student that displays an improper attitude with regard to sparring will be removed. If a student is accidently hurt during a sparring session, the opposing student will bow to the injured student to apologize as a sign of respect and to show tolerance.

Students should never spar if they have previous injuries encountered outside of class. Any injury should be immediately brought to the Master Instructor attention, who will at that time determine if a student will practice. If under 18 years of age, a parent permission is required. Students must adhere to the sparring class equipment requirements. Keep in mind the Safety of all students is of the utmost importance to the Master Instructor!

SELF-DEFENSE

The primary physical goal of any credible martial arts is Self-defense. Tae Kwon Do is no exception. Mike’s Tae Kwon Do Academy of Martial Arts takes pride in preparing its student’s for the real life dangers that exist for everyone. Please note that, due to the various safety restrictions of Tae Kwon Do competition, many of the sparring techniques taught for competition purposes are not designed to prepare students for real life dangers. Therefore, this Academy will also teach other self-defense techniques that are taught for the expressed purpose of protecting one’s self from physical attack. These techniques are only to be used as a means of Self-defense or to defend one’s family, friends or to assist an innocent victim.

PROMOTIONAL TESTING

The study of Tae Kwon Do involves the continuous improvement of one’s mind, spirit, and physical ability. A student’s hard work, attitude, and commitment to excellence is rewarded with the opportunity to advance in rank. This is accomplished through training at Mike’s Tae Kwon Do Academy for color belt rank promotions and Dan rank through the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) , the United States TaeKwonDo Federation (USNTF) and Mike’s Tae Kwon Do Academy. Generally the promotional testing for color belt ranks, occur in three (3) month intervals (See promotional testing requirements for additional information). Longer intervals are required for more advanced ranks.

Testing for advancement in rank is a privilege-not a right. The Master Instructor, at his sole discretion, will decide when a student is mentally, spiritually and physically prepare to test. A specific curriculum exists for each rank and a student must demonstrate proficiency to the satisfaction of the Master Instructor in order to be awarded a higher rank. Students, who have the appropriate physical abilities but lack the correct attitude and spiritual balance, will not be allowed to test.

RESPONSIBILITY

The study of Tae Kwon Do emphasizes personal responsibility. Students have a responsibility to regularly attend class and work hard to continuously improve themselves. Outside of class, students will maintain good grades and have healthy relationships with their family members and friends, be law-abiding citizens of their community and conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times-not just in class. Students will attentively listen to the Master Instructor’s commands and strive to properly execute them. Students have a responsibility to give good effort during class and to encourage their fellow students to do the same. Advanced students will support and assist students struggling with certain techniques and/or Forms.

Higher- ranking students have an added responsibility to display the best qualities Tae Kwon Do has to offer and to be living examples of how a true martial artist should act, by having a good Attitude and sound Character.

The Dojang must be neat and clean at all times. Students will treat the Dojang and all the training equipment as if it were their own. Students will attend classes warring a clean and neat Do Bok with the required patches and appropriate belt. On occasion, students will help clean the Dojang by cleaning the mirrors, washing down the training mats, chest-protectors and headgear, etc. Higher-ranking belts should take the lead in this effort.

It is the responsibility of the Master Instructor to conduct class. To ensure safety and proper instruction, students will refrain from demonstrating techniques or otherwise attempting to teach fellow students unless specifically requested to do so by the Master Instructor.

All questions regarding the study of martial arts will be directed to the Master Instructor.

Thank you for your support and consideration. I wish each of you continued success and victorious achievements in your Martial Art training.

Sincerely,
MIKE’S TAE KWON DO ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS

Master Michael P. Rother
Founder/President