WHAT HAPPENS IN A TYPICAL TRAINING SESSION

A typical training session will include some or all of the following:

• A brief period of meditation to focus and clear the mind
• Exercises for warm-up, conditioning, and stretching
• Basic motions (three stances and twelve hand techniques)
• Kicks (five basic kicks with several variations)
• Use of bags and pads for kicks and punches
• Forms (pre-arranged routines of moves in sequence)
• One-step sparring (a combination of free-style and pre-arranged techniques with a partner)
• Free sparring (spontaneous use of techniques with a partner)
• Ki exercises (to develop one's inner, spiritual strength)
• Aiki-jitsu (self-defense techniques using grappling and joint manipulation)
• Breaking boards and bricks
• Weapons: six-foot staff (bo) and samurai sword (katana)

CLASSICAL TRAINING

The training hall is known as the dojo (Japanese for "place of enlightenment"). It is always to be treated with respect and courtesy. By following the examples of other students and by listening, students learn the customs of entering and leaving the dojo. Each student should come to the dojo like a blank piece of paper, empty of distractions and ready to learn.

Instruction in martial arts is not like any other kind of instruction most people are used to. It is not just physical exercise for the body, or getting information for the mind; it is the shaping of the whole person.

Regular attendance should be a very high priority. This teaches commitment, shows respect to the sensei ("instructor") and the other students, and allows for advancement in training. Being on time is important. Students should talk very little during class, and should obey the instructions without questioning. This teaches respect and makes learning much easier. The virtue of obedience puts the student squarely on the path of tradition, humility, trust, and truth.

While this may seem quite contrary to our Western style of teaching, this method actually builds confidence and has a long-standing record of excellence. Learning then occurs at all levels--physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

BASIC RULES

• Bow whenever entering or leaving the dojo
• Bow to the sensei when you first see him
• Bow to any black belt, including those who are visitors
• Never show off any techniques, either in class or outside of it
• Do not wear any jewelry during class time
• Keep hands and feet washed and nails clipped
• Do not allow the karate belt to touch the floor, even at home
• Inform the sensei if you cannot attend a class, or if you have to arrive late or leave early
• Ask permission if you have to leave the class to use the restroom or for any other reason
• Do not enter any other martial arts schools without discussing it with the sensei first

TERMINOLOGY

Most of the terminology used in the class is Korean, since Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art. Some of the terminology is Japanese. Following are the terms used most frequently in the class. Students may memorize these terms if they wish, but over time the terms will become familiar.

FORMS

Nine form must be learned before testing for black belt level. The Korean names of these forms are:

• Taeguk Cho-dan
• Taeguk I-dan
• Taeguk Sam-dan
• Pyong Ahn Cho-dan
• Pyong Ahn I-dan
• Pyong Ahn Sam-dan
• Pyong Ahn Sa-dan
• Pyong Ahn O-dan
• Bassai

The Taeguk forms were created for beginning students by Grand Master Hwang Kee in 1947. The Pyong Ahn forms are substantially the same as those created by an Okinawan master, Mr. Idos, in about 1870. Pyong Ahn is Korean for "Peace and Confidence." Bassai (Japanese for "Penetrate the Fortress") was created in the mid to late 16th century by an unknown master in southern China.

Three forms will be taught at the black belt level. The names of these forms are:

• Naianchi Chodan (Okinawan for "Fighting Holding Your Ground")
• Jion (Okinawan and Japanese for "Temple Sound")
• Kanku Sho (Japanese for "View the Sky")

THE RANKING SYSTEM

The ranking system of colored belts is rather new to martial arts. It is probably less than 100 years old. Each school has its own system, but generally the more advanced students wear the darker belts. The belt color is only an approximate measure of a student's skill.

There are eight levels through which the student passes before achieving the rank of first degree black belt. The journey will normally take about three years. In addition to competence in the following techniques, criteria for advancement includes a good record of attendance, a good attitude, and knowledge of the terminology.

One of our students, Wilfredo Benítez-Rivera, has reflected on the symbolic meaning of the colors for the Christian martial artist:

	White represents a clean slate, the beginning of a journey, as when one begins a relationship with God.
	Yellow represents the sun, which gives light to encourage growth and signifies the early stages of advancement in the martial arts. It is a reminder of God's grace pouring on us from above, sustaining us in our walk with Jesus.
	Green is the color of early growth, the little sprouts that lift their tiny leaves upward. They reach up to the sky which is blue. Green reminds us that we are all a part of God's creation, a work in progress.
	Blue represents the sky, symbolizing the wide open space of our potential. Our potential in God is endless; there is no limit to our growth.
	Brown represents the earth, and is symbolic of getting back to the soil. Here the student must work to till the soil of the martial arts, to dig out the riches of knowledge needed for getting to the next level. It is a long and arduous journey, like the time of Jesus in the desert. Here the student draws on the previous levels of training, refines the skills by working on the details, from the most basic to the advanced.
	Red represents heat. This heat is the pressure of preparing for black belt, the ultimate goal of the beginner. Red is also the color of much love, a reminder that although at this stage the student can be potentially dangerous, the student is also guided by a Spirit of love, a gift coming from God alone.
	Black represents the culmination of a journey and the beginning of a new one. Artists know that combining yellow, green, blue, brown, and red produces black. Black is the combined knowledge of the lower levels, leading to a new level of awareness, growth, and maturity. From this point, the journey begins again, with a new innocence, reaching for a goal not of achievement but of harmony and holiness.

Once a student has earned a black belt, he may advance to higher levels (called dans). Beginning students start at the tenth kyu and advance to lower numbers; students who have achieved the rank of black belt begin at first dan and may advance to higher numbers. Most people will earn first dan after about three years of training.

Testing for additional dan levels takes place usually at a minimum of two year intervals. Most students will not progress beyond second or third dan. Those at the fourth dan are usually professionals. Only the great world masters, after decades of training and teaching, will achieve the highest levels of eighth, ninth, or tenth dan.

Examinations are scheduled whenever the sensei is convinced that enough students are prepared to advance. Make-up exams may take place for students who are prepared to advance, but cannot attend a scheduled exam. Examinations are always public events. Students' family members and friends, as well as the general public, are always welcome at examinations.

EXAMINATIONS

Students are graded not only on proficiency of techniques, but also on attitude. Although a general, standard system of proficiency is followed, the award of a rank is the subjective determination of the sensei, and his decision is final.

Advancement through the ranks is usually slower in the higher levels. Most students will learn most of the basic techniques within the first twelve to eighteen months. Subsequent training will add refinements and increase skill level of what has been learned. The training of the mind and spirit is emphasized in the higher levels. Therefore, although fewer new techiques are introduced at the higher levels, the demand for excellence is increased.

Each time a student achieves a new rank, he or she will receive a certificate. The certificate is marked with the operative Biblical verse for the school: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22). The certificate will be signed by the sensei and any assistants in the exam. The signature will include the formal Japanese stamp, or insho, of the sensei's name. Any assisting black belt judges will also sign the certificate.

DEMONSTRATIONS

From time to time, the class will have an opportunity to perform a demonstration. Demonstrations can be done for schools, scout troops, service organizations like the Kiwanis Club, city events, etc. Sometimes the entire class is invited to take part, and other times only a few are invited. Demonstrations provide opportunities for students to practice and show their skills in a public setting (and therefore learn confidence), as well as advertise the school so that others may become interested in joining the school.

Students are encouraged to suggest places where demonstrations may take place.

SUMMER KARATE CAMP

The students and their family members are invited to the annual summer karate camp. The camp usually takes place from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday lunch during the summer months. (For information about Summer Camp 2002, see Home Page.) The cost is partially subsidized by the Martial Arts Association, depending on the availability of funds. The difference is usually about $40 to $50 per person for food and lodging. Scholarships are available if there is a need. Please consult with Father David.

UNIFORM

Students are asked to wear a white gi (karate uniform). Inquirers need not invest in a gi unless they are convinced they want to commit to the training. Anyone is welcome to try the training for a few sessions without wearing a gi; in that case, the student should wear loose clothing like a sweat suit.

Gis can be purchased at various karate schools, but the least expensive local source is Ryukyu Enterprises, Inc. Ryukyu is located at 438 W. Taft Avenue in Orange. This is an industrial site, two blocks west of Kraemer Boulevard, on the south side of the street. There is no sign on the door, but it has a full selection of martial arts equipment. Their business hours are Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and Saturday 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The telephone number is (714) 921-0946. A gi costs about $30, and includes a beginner's white belt.

Girls must wear a T-shirt under the gi. Males must wear an athletic cup. There is also protective equipment available for females. The class has some padding for protection during sparring, but students may want to purchase their own.

A school patch must be affixed to the uniform. Patches are available from the school at a cost of $10 each. They will be provided at a reduced charge for anyone who can't afford one.

COST

Students are asked to make a donation of ten dollars per month; however, this is completely optional. No records are kept of who donates and who does not. These funds are used to purchase the equipment for the class, including the pads and the colored belts awarded after exams, the food for class parties, and partial underwriting of the annual karate camp. In addition, all income is tithed (10%) to Blessed Sacrament Church. Upon request, the financial records may be inspected by anyone at any time. Checks should be made out to Christian Martial Arts Association.

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