MASTER KIM’S

TAEKWONDO INSTITUTE

STUDENT
MANUAL
www.masterkims.com
 MASTER KIM’S TAEKWONDO INSTITUTE
GRAND MASTER SAM KIM, PRESIDENT - www.masterkims.com
Penfield - Irondequoit - Greece * Rochester, New York U.S.A.

ATTENTION ALL NEW STUDENTS:

Welcome to the “Way of TaeKwonDo”. Now that you have made the positive and decisive move toward self
improvement through TaeKwonDo, I would like to personally welcome you to our Institute. I am certain that
your training in the Korean Martial Art will be exciting and inspirational. You will begin to see tremendous
opportunities available only through TaeKwonDo training.

I feel very confident that this “step forward” for you will be one deciaion that you will always be pleased you
made. As you can not put a price tag on fitness, self discipline, confidence and self defense.

If you have any questions at anytime reqarding your training, feel free to contact the Master Instructor at your
location. I know my professional staff will be of assistance to you in the best way possible.

Good luck in your training!

Very truly,

Grand Master Sam Kim

 TAEKWONDO AT MASTER KIM’S
DEFINITION

TaeKwonDo is a martial art and sport that without the use of weapons, teaches the practitioner tech-
niques for defense and offense. Regardless of age or sex, TaeKwonDo teaches the practitioner to use
his or her hands and feet in any defensive situation.

FUNCTIONS

1) As a form of physical exercise Taekwondo has a great effect on children's growth and development
as well as youths' and elders' physical fitness. The technique and form of Taekwondo are designed to
develop control of all parts of the body. In addition, Taekwondo demonstrates poise, allows flexibility
in all joints of the body, and helps relieve fatigue and stress.

2) As a martial art Taekwondo involves attacking opponents with bare hands and feet. The one distin-
guishing factor that Taekwondo has from other martial arts is its powerful and diverse foot techniques,
which make this martial art one of the world's most powerful sports. Even though Taekwondo involves
no use of weapons, it has the ability to knock down an opponent in one single blow. But, Taekwondo
emphasizes mastering defense techniques which come from the Taekwondo thinking of respecting
peace and justice. Taekwondo teaches practitioners to practice the attitude of self-discipline to defend
oneself and never attack or defeat others.

3) As a modern sport Taekwondo has new merit. Spectators have created quite a following in places
such as Olympic Games and Pan American Games. One would have a difficult time finding another
sport that could compare to the gracefulness, accuracy, and power that is seen when thousands of prac-
titioners perform, as was done in the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
Taekwondo has also grown into a popular international sport due to increase development of rules and
protective gear that reduces injuries. Taekwondo will be featured in the Olympic Games as a full medal
sport at Sydney 2000.

4) As an educational tool Taekwondo not only improves a person's physical well-being, but his mental
state as well. Through Taekwondo a practitioner practices the art of self perfection and understands the
techniques in pursuit of the virtue of human life. In the school (Dojang) the student not only develops
his body, but his mind as well. With the physical exercise of stretching, strengthening, drilling and spar-
ring, the Taekwondo student learns respect for their instructors senior students, classmates and them-
selves. The development and cultivation of good character and a correct attitude is the central theme in
the teaching of Taekwondo
 TAEKWONDO AT MASTER KIM’S

TECHNIQUES

Poomse (Forms)
Poomse is a pattern of a systematic series of techniques that allows the practitioners to practice defense
and offense techniques by themselves against an imaginary opponent. The Line of Movement in
Taekwondo Poomse is based upon the traditional ideology of ancient Korean people. The entire outward
figure of each Poomse is composed to match the ideological figure of what each name of Poomse
means. Practitioners learn the Poomse system step by step from simple and easy ones to complex and
difficult ones.

Kyaroggi (Sparring)
Kyaroggi is the actual sparring against an opponent applying offense and defense techniques that one
has learned through Poomse. Within Kyaroggi there is three and one step sparring where two people
practice in a predetermined systematic form. Also, there is free sparring where they practice without any
predetermined form.

Competition
Taekwondo competition is conducted by two players, Chung (blue) and Hong (red). Only punching and
kicking techniques are allowed during competition, and one can only attack the front part of the body.
Only kicks are allowed to the face. Hits below the belt line are forbidden. All the vulnerable spots are
covered with protective gear. Head gear, trunk protector, groin guard, forearm and shin guards help pre-
vent injuries during competition.

Kyukpa (Breaking)
Kyukpa is the self-measuring technique that measures one's precision of Taekwondo training. Because
offense techniques can be fatal to the human body, practitioners can experience the accuracy of these
offense techniques, and have the concentration of power and strength of will power by breaking solid
objects such as boards and bricks.
 GUIDELINES
Since you are now a TaeKwonDo student and have acquired a new discipline, you should know
that there are a few guidelines which make it easier for you to study TaeKwonDo in a traditional
manner.

GENERAL RULES

1) TaeKwonDo practitioners will behave as ladies and gentlemen at all times.

2) Once you are a member, remember to address the Master instructor as “Sabumnin”, “Sir” or
“Ma’am”, at all times. Nothing else is allowed ever, even outside of the Institute. Sabumnin is an
honorable way of saying ‘Teacher’ in Korean.

3) Always remember to bow upon entering and leaving the do-jang.

4) Students should bow before and after talking to instructors. “Kam-sa-hom-ni-da” (thank you)
should also be said at that time.

5) Remove shoes before entering the dojang and place them neatly on the shelves. No shoes
allowed on the training floor at anytime.

6) Students must pick up his/her attendance card before entering class. The instructors will col-
lect them at the beginning of class. Students do not have to mark their cards, the instructors will
mark them. Cards must be kept in good condition. No rips, tears or wrinkling of cards allowed.

7) No loud talking, laughter or profanity is allowed. No running, wrestling or horseplay.

Conversation should concern to TaeKwonDo matters in the dojang.

8) The following are also prohibited; smoking, eating, chewing gum, intoxication, bad language,
and arguing.

9) Remember to be on time for each class. Be sure to observe proper etiquette, walk into class
and wait for the instructor to place you into class.

10) Training in class on a regular schedule is compulsory. This is not a gym, attendance is impor-
tant. If you will be missing class for more than one week, be sure to call the Institute to let the
instructors know.

11) If you do not feel well during class, raise your hand and get the instructors attention to be
excused. You may not sit or leave the dojang without permission.

12) Should your belt or uniform come nearly undone, etiquette requires you to turn away from
the flags, kneel on your right knee and repair the damage. Always handle your uniform and belt
with proper respect for it is a symbol of hard effort.
PERSONAL HYGIENE

1) Personal cleanliness is essential. Finger nails and toe nails must be clipped and hair should not
interfere with your training.

2) Uniforms must be kept clean, neat and odor free. No rips, tears or stains anywhere. You may
want two or more uniforms to use alternately. Otherwise washing on a regular basis is necessary.

3) Equipment - must be kept clean and odor free (see Sparring Gear info.)

PROPER ETIQUETTE (see TENETS OF TAEKWONDO)

1) In TaeKwonDo your word is your bond. Your integrity is an important part of your training.
Don’t break your word.

2) Do not criticize other martial arts or other martial artists or our own fellow members; for this
is like criticizing your own family and friends.

3) Do not demonstrate or teach TaeKwonDo outside the dojang without the expressed permission
of your Sabumnin. Never degrade TaeKwonDo or the reputation of our Institute.

4) No member shall provoke violence or allow him or herself to be provoked into violence under
the penalty of possible expulsion for life from the dojang.

5) Relationships between the instructors and students will be kept just as that. Do not expect
favoritism in anyway.

6) At the discretion of the Sabumnin, any member of the dojang may be suspended either tem-
porarily or permanently for not complying with the guidelines, rules and regulations.
 STUDENT OATH

(To be repeated by all students before each class)

1. We as members, will train our spirits and bodies, according to the strict code.

2. We as members, are united in mutual friendship.

3. We as members, will comply with regulations and obey instructors.

TENETS OF TAEKWONDO

The tenets of TaeKwonDo deal with the fundamental elements of etiquette. They should serve as a
guide for all students of the art. TaeKwonDo aims to achieve...

COURTESY -to be polite to one another

-to be humble and respectful
-to be modest and unassuming

INTEGRITY -to be honest and sincere

-to be upright and have a sense of justice
-to be able to distinguish right from wrong
-to have a good conscience
-to have a sense of guilt if wrong

PERSEVERANCE -to be able to overcome and endure

-to be steadfast in purpose
-to be persistent regardless of obstacles
-to have the attitude of not giving up easily
-to have a deep sense of patience

SELF CONTROL -to have total control of one-self mentally, physically & emotionally
-to have control over ones desires and actions
-to have the ability to live and work within the panorama of the self

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT -to have a spirit that will not die

-to not be easily discouraged
-to not be easily defeated or subdued
-to have everlasting positive courage
 TAEKWONDO BELTS AND MEANING

WHITE BELT - White gives the appearance of purity and brilliance, but when light is directed through a prism it
reflects all the colors of the spectrum. Similarly, the beginner is directed through the prism of training to fulfill the
potential that is within. The beginner is like the seed hidden beneath the winter snow waiting for the nurturing sun
to give it life.

YELLOW BELT - The yellow belt symbolizes gold ore. Just as gold, which is a precious metal never subject to
rusting, so is the knowledge of TaeKwonDo, forever with the student. Like gold ore, which is buried deeply in the
ground with all its impurities, so is the knowledge, which in order to be pure and fully worthy, must be laboriously
dug out, patiently cleansed to produce the desired quality in a finished pure form.

GREEN BELT - The Green belt symbolizes green trees. Just as a green tree is the tallest living thing, so should
our pursuit of knowledge be, aiming high and keeping the goal of our achievement (top of the trees) in high esteem.

BLUE BELT - The Blue Belt symbolizes the color of our skies. In reaching this plateau of Taekwondo one must
not become complacent seeing one’s knowledge as high as a tree, but one must also realize that this is not an end,
that one should reach still higher, to the very blueness of the sky. Like the sky which engulfs and embraces us, so
should the knowledge transcend the height of the trees and go higher spreading all around us.

RED BELT - The Red Belt symbolizes the color of the sun. In almost all primitive religions the worship of the
Sun was always placed in the foreground. The Sun was and is “farther” than the sky, and, more importantly, it is
the life-giving force which makes everything grow, gives warmth without which everything would wither away and
eventually die. Red can be found on many flags of different nations. Red is also the color of blood, the life sub-
stance of the living body.

BLACK BELT - The Black Belt is the highest color belt in TaeKwonDo. Black symbolizes the combination of
all colors of the universe, which we see as black. From black all colors originate and spring up to create the lively
rainbow. The Black Belt is the beginning of true achievement, understanding and wisdom, blending the mind and
the body into one, into a unity within oneself and the universe.
 CURRICULUM GUIDES

At every belt level at Master Kim’s TaeKwonDo Institute, you will receive a curriculum guide. These guides were
designed to help the student train at home. This guide will give you detailed information on the requirements for
your belt level. Follow these tips when practicing with your guides:

1) Warm up properly before practicing.

2) When practicing poomse (forms) be sure to follow the numbers.
3) Be sure to practice ‘no contact’ with motions that require a partner.
4) Practice twice a week with your guides, this will help you retain the information you learn in class.
5) When practicing with your guides, try to set a schedule. Example Monday at 6:30 and Sunday at 1:00.
6) Practicing for 20-30 minutes is sufficient.

Practice with your guides and you will be ready for your next level soon!

PROMOTION EXAMS

Promotion exams are available every month at Master Kim’s TaeKwonDo Institute. Students attending class on a
regular basis should expect to test every two to four months. The requirements for the belt exam are:
1) The student must know everything in the curriculum guide for your belt level (depending on your level the
requirements may be poomse, step sparring, free sparring, board breaking, self defense and written exam).
2) The student must have attended 16 classes since last exam.
3) The student must wait a minimum of two months before testing (Students can not take consecutive tests).

Once a student has fulfilled the requirements they should pick up the written portion of test. If the student is not
sure if they should test, you may ask an instructor. The instructor will give his or her advice but the final decision
to test if up to the student. The student will be encouraged to test is they have fulfilled all of the belt test require-
ments, this way the students knowledge will keep growing

All of the testing applications must be in atleast one day prior to the belt exam. At this time the fee may be paid
also.

During the following week, students will receive their belt or stripe, certificate, test evaluation card and their cur-
riculum guide for their next level.
 KOREAN TERMINOLOGY

Are you wondering what we’re saying?

NUMBERS

one ha-na
two duhl
three set
four net
five da-sut
six ya-sut
seven il-gop
eight ye-duhl
nine a-hope
ten yuhl

BASIC COMMANDS

attention cha-de-yut
bow kyung-neh
ready joom-bi

IMPORTANT WORDS

grand master kwan-jang-nim

master sa-bum-nim
instructor kyo-bum-nim
uniform do-bok
belt dee
yell ki-hap
thank you kam-sa-hom-ni-da
hello ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo
good bye ahn-nyoung-he-kae-se-yo

IMPORTANT PHRASES

hello to master ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo sa-bum-nim

goodbye to master ahn-nyoung-he-kae-se-yo sa-bum-nim
thank you to master kam-sa-hom-ni-da sa-bum-nim

Make your own phrases - Practice makes perfect!

 SPARRING GEAR

When the student reaches yellow belt (approx. 2-4 months into training) they will need sparring gear. All
of the sparring gear may be purchased at Master Kim’s TaeKwonDo Institute. Sparring gear consists of
head gear, chest protector, forearm guards, shin/instep pads, mouth guard and athletic supporter (males).
All of the sparring gear costs $98.00. Gear for males will cost $8.00 more. Students may purchase gear
early. The sparring gear, when properly maintained, should last the student until past black belt.

Why? The main reason we use sparring gear is for safety. Sparring is safe but if both students are wear-
ing sparring gear, there is a much less chance of injury. Sparring gear is not just for your well being but
also for your partners. The type of sparring our students will practice is ‘Olympic Style’. The gear we use
in our training is the same gear they use in the Olympic Games. That means this gear is used in nearly 160
countries.

When do we use our sparring gear? Sparring gear will be used in every class. Students will put on their
arm guards and shin/instep pads during the short break (usually mid way through the class). Younger chil-
dren may put this gear on before class starts to save time.
During sparring at the end of class we will either:
A) Put on rest of sparring gear (head gear, chest protector, mouth guard, athletic supporter -males may put
athletic supporter on neatly over pants) which means we will practice Olympic Style point sparring
B) Put on headgear - we will practice no contact sparring
C) We may also spar with no more gear - no contact

Is sparring safe when we use our gear? Yes, it is safe! Students will be lined up with somebody of similar
size and ability. We do encourage touching the target area with the techniques we learn in class. Safety is
our number one priority. More instructions will be given in the classroom.

Maintenance - The sparring gear you have purchased should last you many years. The head gear and chest
protector should be sponged down occasionally (approx. every 2-6 months depending on the intensity of
the sparring). The arm guards and shin/instep pads can be machine washed when needed (approx. every 1-
3 months). Adults will need to clean gear more often than children. Remember you will be somebody’s
partner during sparring, lets make everyone feel comfortable.
 VIP SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Do you like training in TaeKwonDo? Has it increased your fitness level? Have you learned about respect?
Has it helped your discipline? Do you enjoy learning the newest Olympic Sport? Hopefully you answered
yes to these questions.

You are cordially invited to participate in our VIP Sponsorship Program. This unique approach is
designed to attract quality people, like you to our school. It also allows our valued students to share their
Martial Arts experience with their family and friends at substantial savings.

For a limited time (VIP Sponsorship cards expire one month from your date of registration). your sponsored
guest will receive a One-Week Trial Membership and a Free Uniform at absolutely No Cost! If they like
our Institute as much as you and registers as a regular member, they will receive a discount on the regular
membership.

In appreciation for your support, you will receive a FREE “Gift of Gratitude” for the sponsored guest that
qualifies for membership to our Institute. This gift can be anything from our proshop (uniform, chest pro-
tector, gymbag, kicking target, etc.).

To participate in this special program

1) Give the VIP card to someone you feel can benefit from our school.
2) Have them call to schedule an appointment.
3) Talk to them about our program (serious inquiries only please).

For More Information about this program, please call and talk with your Master Instructor.

“The Greatest Compliment we could ever receive would be to know that we have earned the praise of our
students in front of others!”
 MONTHLY TUITION PAYMENTS

When students register into our Institute there are two options for payment. You may have chosen to:

1) Pay in full for the course. There are no tuition payments for the length of the course.

2) Make monthly payments. When students decide to make monthly payments, they set it up elec-
tronically. You may have chosen to have it automatically withdrawn from your checking account.
Students may also choose to have it charged to a major credit card. Either way it is convenient for the
student. Monthly tuition payments should not be made at the Institute. If there are any questions regard-
ing your monthly tuition payments please contact:

A.M.S. (Amerinational Management Services, Inc.)

1-800-683-1210
P.O Box 149007
Orlando, Florida 32814-9007
[email protected]

Master Kim’s Taekwondo Institute has a billing company to increase student service. Keeping the staff
in the classroom, rather than in the office with paperwork is the reason we have A.M.S. This way we
can focus on what’s important, teaching TaeKwonDo.

If you ever need to change accounts, or prefer a different day of the month to withdraw the payment, or
have any questions regarding your payments please contact A.M.S. at the above toll free number.

Please understand that our schools primary source of income is the monthly tuition. On time payments
are appreciated.

Remember A.M.S. handles only the monthly tuition payments.

During your training if you ever decide to pay off the balance on the account please come into the
Institute and a discount will be given.
 SPECIAL EVENTS

We feel that special events are important at Master Kim’s TaeKwonDo Institute. In addition to standard classes
we know kids need different events to look forward to. Approximately every month, we run an extra event filled
with fun and excitement. These include special training events, 24 hour camps, demonstrations, movie nights,
Halloween parties, picnics, holiday parties and more. Be sure to attend these special events.

www.masterkims.com

Have you checked out our site yet? The special events link will tell you what’s going on at Master Kim’s. Check
out the ‘Students Forum’, it will supply you with more terminology and great training tips. The site is updated
often, so check it out regularly!

[email protected]

Do you have a question? If it is regarding your training or anything about TaeKwonDo, just ask us. When send-
ing e-mail, state your name, location attending (Penfield, Irondequoit or Greece) and ofcourse your question.
Questions are answered daily.
 PROGRAM COMMITMENT

Your investment to our program is your commitment to develop and use more of your potential. The results
you achieve depend on the effort you apply to your program. Your training program is a tool to help you
discover the greatness inside you.

WHAT TO EXPECT OF MASTER KIM’S TAEKWONDO INSTITUTE

1. Quality instructions.
2. A program that has proved its ability to help people set and reach their fullest potential.

WHAT TO EXPECT OF YOUR INSTRUCTOR

1. His/her commitment to guide you the best way possible.

2. Quality instructions on scheduled time.
3. Philosophical approach to “how” and “why” aspects of the martial arts.

WHAT TO EXPECT OF YOURSELF

To get the full benefit from your training program, you should make a commitment to yourself. Whether
your goal is to get in shape, increase your confidence or learn self defense, the first step is to make that
commitment.

1. Review this student manual and develop your own personal guide.
2. Set a realistic schedule for your training.
3. Follow the suggested guidelines at all times and stick to your schedule.
4. Share with others the benefits you enjoy from training in our program.
An idea shared grows more powerful