Questions and Answers Regarding Taekwondo
Q: Do you know why you take a test?
A: We test to further our knowledge of Taekwondo through test preparation and experience, to gain confidence by performing under pressure and increase my knowledge, Sir.
Q: Who do you bow to when you enter the school?
A: The Grand Master, Sir.
Q: What do you bow to when entering the dojang?
A: The Flag, Sir.
Q: What is Taekwondo?
A: A Korean Martial Arts, Sir.
Q: What does Tae Kwon do mean?
A: Tae means foot or kicking, Kwon means hand or punching, Do means a way of life, Sir.
Q: What is the name of your school?
A: US Tae Kwon Do Center, Sir.
Q: What is the name of your master?
A: Grand Master June Lee, Sir.
Q: What does Sa Bum Mim mean?
A: A fathering master – a model for others, Sir.
Q: Why do you yell in Taekwondo?
A: To develop spiritual strength with concentration, power and confidence, Sir.
Q: How do you yell in Taekwondo?
A: The yell comes from the Tan-Jun which is the lower part of the stomach. The yell must be with spirit, Sir.
Q: What is the bow?
A: It is the Korean form of greeting, Sir.
Q: Why do you bow?
A: To show respect, Sir.
Q: When do we bow?
A: We bow to the flags when entering the dojang, when leaving the dojang, when class starts, and when class ends. Also, we bow to the grandmaster, master instructor, to higher belts and other students. The bow is used any time anywhere; respect is not only shown in the dojang, but everywhere, Sir.
Q: Explain the meaning of the White belt?
A: White belt signifies purity. No knowledge of Taekwondo, Sir.
Q: What do you call 8th Dan Grand Master or higher?
A: Kwan Jang Nim, Sir.
Q: In what countries did Taekwondo, Karate, and Kung Fu come from?
A: Taekwondo is from Korea, Karate is from Japan, and Kung fu is from China, Sir.
Q: Why do you use control in free sparring?
A: To demonstrate mental discipline, physical control of ourselves and to build self-confidence which indicates a strong mind, Sir.
Q: What part of the foot do you use in the following kicks?
A: Front snap kick: ball of foot
Roundhouse: ball or instep
Side kick: heel
Turning back: heel
Spinning kick: heel or bottom
Ax: heel or bottom, Sir.
Q: What is a poor student?
A: A student who is lazy and simply expects results without sweat, Sir.
Q: What is a good student?
A: A good student has a desire to learn and achieve goals, Sir.
Q: What is an excellent student?
A: A excellent student not only learns techniques, but gains knowledge of expressive ability, accepts hard work and sweat, realizing results come from practice, Sir.
Q: What is the best student?
A: The best student never gives up trying to learns what he or she needs to know until it becomes second nature, both in technique and attitude, Sir.
Q: What is the student pledge (3 parts)?
A: 1. I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health, Sir.
2. I intend to develop self discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others, Sir.
3. I intend to use what I learn in class constructive and defensively, to help myself and my fellow man and never to be abusive or offensive, Sir.
Q: What makes power?
A: Power is made by weight and speed, together with relaxation, concentration and confidence, Sir.
Q: Why do we practice breathing control?
A: To control energy, increase stamina and endurance, Sir.
Q: Why are there different colored belts?
A: To demonstrate levels of achievement and attaining of goals.
Q: What are the five points to remember when doing forms?
A: 1. Both hands twist together, one hand out while the other twists in.
2. Two hands should move together at the same time.
3. Your hands should move in a straight line towards your target.
4. Each block or punch should be delivered using waist power.
5. Use accurate distance and angle with explosive impact power, Sir.
Q: What is the meaning behind the Korean National Flag?
A: The Korean National Flag symbolizes balance and unity as well as freedom, peace and the Korean peoples' dreams. It is called Taegeuk-Gi.
The inner circle is divided into two comma-like shapes: Um and Yang. Yang (red, light) and Um (blue, dark) represent the philosophical idea of opposites, that one cannots exist without the other. Opposites must co-exist in order to maintain balance, such as night and day. The circle is centered on a white background that symbolizes purity and sincerity.
The sets of three lines in each of the four corners have distinctive meanings. In the upper left corner, the three unbroken lines symbolize Heaven. In the lower right corner, the three broken lines represent earth. In the upper right corner, the three lines represent water. The lines in the lower left corner represent fire.
The Korean National flag is truly unique in its design. Its arrangement is based on philosophical beliefs.
Q: What is the meaning behind the American Flag?
A: The American flag has changed and adapted over the years, but at current, it consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The fifty stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy and became the first states in the Union. Nicknames for the flag include the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and The Star-Spangled Banner (also the name of the national anthem).