Class Structure

Class Start/End - The students line up in the training hall, in grade order. 
•      The instructor brings the class to attention and calls ‘Charyeot, geuk gi hyang ha yoh kyong ye’ (Attention - Face the flag and Bow). 
•      If there is a higher grade than the instructor present, a Master Grade (4th Dan and above), the instructor will call the class to turn and face the Master 4th – 6th
       Dan and calls ‘Charyeot, sabumnim kyong ye’ (Attention – Face the Master and bow),  or 7th – 8th dan - ‘Kwanjangnim kyong ye’, and if a 9th Dan
       Grand Master - ‘Sasongnim kyong ye’. 
•      The instructor will then call ‘Charyeot' for the students to return to facing the instructor, and then 'kyong ye’ (Face the Instructor and Bow)
•      At the end of the class the senior student will call the class to attention with 'Charyeot', and then turn to face and bow to the master grade as above, and then to turn
       and face the instructor and bow. The students and instructor then call “Kahm Sa Hamnida” (Thankyou). This is then followed by the instructor saying “Hae San”(Dismissed).

This sequence of bowing to the flag, the master grade, and the instructor, is to acknowledge Korea as the founding nation of Tae Kwon-Do and to demonstrate and instill respect firstly for the Master Grade, and then for the Instructor, for their knowledge and the time they have devoted to practicing this martial art. At the end of the class the senior student on behalf of all the students, further acknowledges the master grade, and demonstrates respect and thanks to the instructor for the lesson.

How to Bow

Bowing in any martial art is a sign of respect and should be a sincere slow bow. It is sometimes more disrespectful to bow incorrectly than to not bow at all as this is a sign that you do not understand the reason behind the gesture. Some martial arts may differ but in Taekwondo you must always be in attention position when you bow. So make sure you have no gaps between your feet and your hands are placed smartly at the sides of your body.

From your waist bend 15 degrees and lower your eyes head 45 degrees to the floor. Hold the position for a split second before coming back to your original standing position.

Things to remember when bowing:

• Bow from attention position with your feet touching.
• Looking at your instructor or partner (in Taekwondo) shows mistrust, so ensure you always lower your eyes.
• Bow 15 degrees from your waist and 45 degrees from your head, slowly.
• Never bow while you are moving. Always stop and stand in attention position.

When you bow to someone you are making a public gesture that you respect them as a person in the martial arts and what they stand for. That is why every time you bow it should mean something both to you and the other person. Half hearted bows or a simple nod of the head don’t symbolically mean anything it is a lack of etiquette if anything.

Bowing, especially for adults, is also a very humbling experience. To acknowledge that someone else, irrespective of age, has more experience and knowledge than you can sometimes be quite difficult to grasp. Also bowing when you enter and leave the Dojang is not for anyone else but you. This simple action reminds you that you are there to listen to the advice of the instructor and approach learning with an empty cup.

Always remember that a bow is a physical gesture of your inner self. If you do not respect someone for a valid reason do not bow. A false bow or incorrect bow in worse than no bow at all and it is important that every time you bow it is genuine and means something to you. Bear in mind that you do not have to like a person to respect them in the martial arts. To like someone is only an added bonus.

Warm Up & Stretching - (Pyugi) - This involves exercises designed to raise the students overall fitness levels, to release all major joints and to strengthen mussels needed to perform the complicated techniques within Tae Kwon-Do. This is essential so as to minimize injuries during the rest of the lesson. Fitness is essential as Tae Kwon-Do is a very physically demanding martial art on all the parts of the body. Stretching involves exercises to give the flexibility needed to perform the vast variety of kicking techniques of Tae Kwon-Do without injuring yourself. Some of the stretching exercises can involve working in pairs with each partner helping the other to push themselves further.

Basic Technique Training - (Kibon) - This involves performing techniques using the hands and feet from various stances either on the spot or moving backwards or forwards. It can also involve practicing techniques against pads (applying full power to the technique) or with a partner. Doing basics is the backbone of the class as it is when new techniques are learnt and how to do them correctly and practice them safely so they then can be applied to the other aspects of the class. The higher a student’s grade then the more complex and demanding the basics become.

Patterns - (Poomsae) - These involve learning / doing a set movement of techniques. Each pattern is different and has a set number of movements and techniques. The techniques needed for the patterns are practiced and perfected in the basics. A student is required to learn and demonstrate a new pattern for each new grade. A pattern is performed either to an instructors count or in the students own time. Patterns enable a student to demonstrate and practice correct techniques, stances and power. The higher a students grade the more complicated / difficult / demanding the pattern becomes.

1 Step & 3 Step Sparring - (Han Bun & Sae Bun Kyorugi) -This involves practicing blocking and counter attacking techniques with a partner who steps forward with one punch (1 STEP) or steps forward three times with one punch on each step (3 STEP). The techniques used are taught firstly in basics before being applied to this exercise. 1 step & 3 step sparring teaches focus, control, technique and application of technique and lays the foundation for self defense methodology enabling the students techniques to become instinctive and thus at this point extremely fast in their application. Again the more advanced a student becomes so the techniques become more advanced. A student is required to demonstrate either or both 1 & 3 step sparring at a grading.

Self Defence – (Hosinsool) - This involves the teaching of techniques used to disable an armed or unarmed attacker. The techniques taught are of a more practical nature and involve releases, locking, throwing, striking & disarming an attacker. These exercise teachers timing, self control, & techniques which can help them in a dangerous situation, it also gives the student a lot of self confidence. In Self-Defence the format is similar to One Step sparring. However, the attacks can be any technique and come from any direction, e.g. a grab from behind. Techniques to defend and counter are more direct and not flamboyant. The primary aim of self-defence is not to get hurt. Firstly that means avoidance but if necessary it means doing just enough to ensure you can get away. The instructors at Bassetlaw Tae Kwon-Do are well versed in practical street defense techniques and are able to give honest, realistic advice on how to react and deal with situations, around the following 4 types of situation. Before any self-defence throwing technique is taught the student is shown & taught how to fall properly by means of break falls. This part of a class is taught on crash mats and the students work in pairs.

Light Contact / No Contact Sparring - (Kyorugi) - This involves sparring with a partner using / practicing techniques learnt and putting them to use in a practical but controlled sparring bout. Beginners spar with no contact what’s so ever but senior grades spar with light contact demonstrating their control and timing. There have to be rules to control the sparring bout and to avoid unnecessary injuries; these are no punching to the head, no kicking below the belt and no “open” handed techniques. Sparring usually takes place towards the end of the lesson and again it is required for gradings. (Lower grades usually spar against the most advanced grades so as the advanced grades can help and look after the lower grades). For senior students, significant training time is spent on defending against hand weapons and against multiple opponents.

Competition Training - This involves specific training for “Full Contact” competition fights (wearing chest, head, forearm and shin protectors), and or competitions which involve Patterns, 1 Step Sparring, Self Defence and Breaking categories

Training in Tae Kwon-Do will help your physical and mental growth in the following ways :

Moral code - Courtesy and respect toward others is an important part of training. Mental and spiritual development goes hand-in-hand with physical training in Tae Kwon-Do.

Improved health & fitness - Taekwon-Do sessions contain cardiovascular workouts, callisthenics, endurance training and all over strength development. This promotes weight loss, muscle development and suppleness.

Confidence and self discipline - Almost all people training in Tae Kwon-Do say that their confidence has improved and that this positivity extends beyond training into other areas of their lives.

Social interaction - Getting the most from Taekwon-Do is often about group spirit and team working with other students to develop your skills. Mutual encouragement and the intensity of training makes for a friendly and positive class environment.