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RULES OF THE SCHOOL:

It should be understood by members that the purpose of these rules is primarily to insure maximum benefit from the study of Taekwon-do. The basic principles found in these rules have been a part of Taekwon-do since its inception.

1. Bow to the flag and your instructor when entering and leaving the school. This is to show respect and your modesty.
2. Do not enter or leave the class without permission from your instructor.
3. Students must always bow at a proper distance before speaking to the instructor and use words of consideration such as; yes sir, no sir, etc.
4. All students are expected to be courteous and understanding. Advanced students are expected to set a good example to new students and to help them whenever necessary.
5. Loud conversation, laughing in excess, eating and drinking have no place in the Dojang.
6. Your uniform should be clean and ironed at all times.
7. Any substitute instructor shall be treated as your regular instructor.
8. Do not give a demonstration or teach Taekwon-do without the approval of your instructor.
9. Do not engage in any activities that might degrade Taekwon-do or the reputation of the school or the instructor.
10. The wearing of shoes is prohibited in the Dojang.
11. Recite the TKD oaths before and after class.

Disciplinary action will be taken for violations of the above regulations. Penalties will vary at the discretion of the head instructor. Such penalties are; demotion of rank, suspension or termination of training.

A Brief History of Taekwon-do (I.T.F. System):

Immediately after the Korean liberation from the Japanese in 1956 the members of this art began earnestly to diffuse its influence throughout the country. In the armed forces of the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.), General Choi Hong Hi began to teach troops what was to become Taekwon-do for the purpose of developing a powerful R.O.K. armed force. While engaged in his military duties, General Choi conducted a great deal of scientific and theoretical research on ancient Tae Kyon, Japanese Karate and Chinese Kung-Fu, and accomplished our presently developed and modern Taekwon-do techniques and theories. In 1955 there was a general agreement on the amalgamation of all the schools of Tae Kyon under one banner. A convention of all the leaders of Tae Kyon, historians and other prominent persons was held on the 11^th of April, 1955. This convention was led by General Choi Hong Hi. The name of Taekwon-do, suggested by General Choi was unanimously accepted for its similarity to the ancient name Tae Kyon and its apt description of the art:- Tae (Foot), Kwon (Hand), Do (Art).

DEFENITION OF TAEKWON-DO: Taekwon-do….A way of life.

Taekwon-do is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its faculties through intensive physical and mental training.

Though it is a martial art, its discipline, technique and mental training are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict self-discipline.

Translated literally "Tae" stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot. "Kwon" denotes the fist - chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. "Do" means the art or the way - the right way built by the saints and sages of the past. Thus taken collectively "Taekwon-do" indicates the mental training and the techniques of unarmed combat for self-defence as well as health, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with the bare hands and feet to the rapid destruction of the moving opponent or opponents.

THE INTERPRETATION OF PATTERNS:

The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolises either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historic events.

CHON-JI(19): Means literally "the Heaven the Earth". It is, in the orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

DAN-GUN(21): is named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C.

DO-SAN(24): is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang Ho (1876-1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement.

WON-HYO(28): was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 A.D.

YUL-GOK(38): is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536-1584) nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38 movements of this pattern represent his birthplace on 38 degrees latitude and the diagram represents "scholar".

JOONG-GUN(32): is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor general of Korea, known as the man who played a leading part in the Korea Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr Ahn’s age when he was executed in the Lui-Shung prison (1910).

TOI-GYE(37): is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16^th century), an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements in this pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degrees latitude, the diagram represents "scholar".

HWA-RANG(29): is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7^th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29^th infantry division, where Taekwon-do developed into maturity.

CHOONG-MOO(30): was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have built the first armoured battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. The reason why this pattern ends with a left-hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable death, having no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the King

STANCES (sogi)

The forceful and finer techniques of attack and defence are largely dependent on a correct stance since the stance is the starting point of every Taekwon-do technique. Stability, agility, balance and flexibility are the controlling factors.

The basic principles for a proper stance are:

1. Keep the back straight, with few exceptions.
2. Relax the shoulders.
3. Tense the abdomen.
4. Maintain correct facing. The stance may be full facing, half-facing or side facing the opponent.
5. Maintain balance.
6. Make use of the knee spring properly.

Attention stance:(chariot sogi) Heels together, 45 degree angle between the feet, bow foreword 15 degrees; drop the fists down naturally; fists are slightly clenched.

Parallel ready stance: (narani junbi sogi) Shoulder width from foot-sword to foot-sword; feet are parallel; body is relaxed; hands are to the front; the distance between the fists is about 5cms.

Sitting stance: (annun sogi) One and a half shoulder width from reverse foot-sword to reverse foot-sword; both knees are bent evenly; feet are parallel.

Walking stance: (gunnen sogi) Length is one and a half shoulder width from big toe to big toe; width is shoulder width from centre of foot to centre of foot; front foot is pointing straight ahead; back foot is pointing off at an angle of 25 degrees.

L-stance: (niunja sogi) Length is one and a half shoulder width from big toe of the front foot to the foot-sword of the back foot; 2.5cms in width between the heels; both feet turned in by 15 degrees; 70% of the weight on the back leg.

Close ready stance: (moa junbi sogi) Feet together; left hand over right.

"A"- The distance between the philtrum and the fists is about 30cms.

"B"- The distance between the fists and the naval is about 15cms.

"C"- The distance between the hands and the abdomen is about 10cms.

Fixed stance: (gogung sogi) Length is one and a half shoulder width from the big toe of the front foot to the foot-sword of the back foot; equal weight on each leg.

Bending ready stance: (gooburyo junbi sogi)Standing leg is bent; foot-sword of the raised leg is brought in towards the opposite knee; it is principally used as a preparatory position for side piercing kicks.

X-stance: (kyocha sogi)Cross one foot over or behind the other, touching the ground slightly with the front sole; place the body weight on the stationary foot.

Rear foot stance: (dwitbal sogi) One shoulder width from big toe of the front foot to foot-sword of the back foot; most of the weight is on the back foot; toes of front foot point in by 25 degrees; toes of back foot point in by 15 degrees.

Vertical stance: (soojik sogi) One shoulder width from big toe of front foot to reverse foot-sword of back foot; the toes of both feet point in by 15 degrees; both legs are straight; 60% of the weight is on the back foot.

Low stance: (nachua sogi) This stance is the same as the walking stance except it is longer by one foot.

THE TENETS OF TAEKWON-DO

TAEKWON-DO AIMS TO ACHIEVE

Courtesy (ye ui)

Integrity (yom chi)

Perseverance (in nae)

Self-control (guk gi)

Indomitable Spirit (baekjul boolgool)

TAEKWON-DO OATH:

As a member of Taekwon-do, I do solemnly pledge; to abide by the rules and regulations of the Taekwon-do federation, to strive always to be modest, courteous and respectful to all members, in particular to my seniors; to put the art into use only for self-defence, in defence of the weak, and never to abuse my knowledge of the art.

STUDENTS OATH:

I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-do, I shall respect my instructors and seniors, I shall never misuse Taekwon-do, I shall be a champion of freedom and justice, I will build a more peaceful world.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO WHITE BELTS

Taekwon-do - The art of kicking and punching. Tae - The foot, used for jumping, smashing and kicking. Kwon - The hand, used for punching, striking, thrusting and blocking. Do - The art, way or method.

Taekwon-do - Was founded by Grand Master General Choi Hong Hi ,(9^thDan) - On the 11^th of April, 1955.

I.U.T.F. - Irish United Taekwon-do Federation.

Chairperson: Mr Don Dalton 6th Dan Vice Chairperson: Mr John Riordan 5th Dan

Korean counting:

1 Hana - 2 Dool - 3 Set - 4 Net - 5 Tasut - 6 Yasot - 7 Ilgop - 8 Yadol - 9 Ahop - 10 Yaul

Stances: Attention stance (chariot sogi) Parallel ready stance (narani junbi sogi) Sitting stance (annun sogi) Walking stance (gunnen sogi)

Defensive techniques: Inner forearm middle block (an palmok kaunde makgi) outer forearm low block (bakat palmok najunde makgi)

Offensive techniques: Fore-fist punch (ap joomuk jirugi).Obverse punch (baro jirugi) punching over the primary leg. Reverse punch (bandae jirugi) punching opposite the primary leg.

The primary leg is the leg with the most weight - if there is equal weight then it is the leg that is bent the most - if legs are bent equally then it is the front leg.

Sections and targets:

High section: (nopunde) from shoulder level and above. Middle section: (kaunde)from shoulder level to the waist. Low section: (najunde) from the waist level and below. Commands: CHARIOT (Attention) - SIJAK (Start) KYONG YE (Bow) GOMAN (Stop) - HAE SAN (Dismiss) - BARRO (Return) - JUNBI (Ready) - SHO (Relax)

The student should also be able to answer the following questions:

What is your instructor’s name? Describe parallel ready, attention, sitting and walking stances? What are the tenets of Taekwon-do? What is the meaning of white belt?

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO YELLOW TAGS

New stances: L-STANCE (niunja sogi)

Pattern Chon-ji (19 movements):

The following points should be remembered:

1. Walking stance outer forearm low block; The body becomes half facing the opponent. The forearm reaches the same level as the lower abdomen of the defender.
2. Walking stance middle front punch; The fist forms a vertical line with the toes; The fist reaches the same level as the shoulder of the attacker. The fist is brought to the centre of the attackers body.
3. L-Stance inner forearm middle block; The fist reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender. The body is half facing. The fist forms a triangle with the shoulders.

The student should also be able to answer the following questions:

What is the meaning of Chon-ji? What is the meaning of yellow belt? Describe L-Stance?

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO YELLOW BELTS

Defensive Techniques;

Knife-hand guarding block (sonkal daebi makgi) - Twin forearm block (sang palmok makgi)

Rising block (chookyo makgi)

Pattern Dan-Gun (21Movements)

The following points should be remembered.

1. L-Stance Knife-Hand Guarding Block: The fingertip reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender. The knife-hand becomes half facing the opponent. The knife-hand forms a triangle with the shoulders.
2. L-Stance Twin Forearm Block: The front hand reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender and is the primary hand.
3. Walking Stance Outer Forearm Rising Block: The forearm stays at the centre of the defenders head.
4. Knife-Hand Middle Outward Strike: The knife-hand reaches the same level as the shoulder of the attacker. The body becomes half facing the opponent.

Students should also be able to describe any new stance, know the meaning of their pattern and all previous patterns. They should also know the meaning of their appropriate belt colour.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO GREEN TAGS

Defensive Techniques:

Outer forearm high block (bakat palmok nopunde makgi) - Wedging block (hechyo makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Straight fingertip thrust (sun sonkut tulgi)

Back fist high side strike (dung joomuk nopunde yop taerigi) - Middle front snap kick (kaunde ap cha busigi)

Pattern Do-San(24 Movements): The following points should be remembered;

1. Walking Stance Outer Forearm High Side Block; the fist reaches the eye level of the defender. The fist forms a triangle with the shoulders.
2. Walking Stance Back Fist High Side Strike. The fist reaches the eye level of the attacker. The body becomes half facing the opponent.
3. Walking Stance Outer Forearm High Wedging Block. The distance between the fists is one shoulder width. The fists reach the eye level of the attacker.
4. Middle Front Snap Kick. The ball of the foot is the attacking tool and reaches the solar plexus of the attacker.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO GREEN BELTS

New Stances:

Close ready stance a (moa junbi sogi a) - Fixed stance (gogung sogi) - Bending ready stance (gooburyo junbi sogi)

Defensive Techniques:

Inner forearm circular block (an palmok dolimyo makgi) - Outer forearm guarding block (bakat palmok daebi makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Knife-hand inward strike (sonkal anuro taerigi)

Low front snap kick (najunde ap cha busigi) - Middle side piercing kick (kaunde yop cha jirugi)

Pattern Won-Hyo (28 Movements): The following points should be remembered.

1. L-Stance Knife-Hand Inward Strike: The knife-hand reaches the same level as the neck of the attacker.
2. Fixed Stance Middle Punch: The fist reaches the same level as the shoulder of the attacker, the body is half facing.
3. Walking Stance Inner Forearm Circular Block: The fist reaches the same level as the defenders shoulder, this shoulder should be slightly lower than the other one.
4. L-Stance Outer Forearm Middle Guarding Block: The fist reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender.
5. Middle Side Piercing Kick: The foot-sword reaches the same level as the shoulder of the attacker.
6. Low Front Snap Kick: The ball of the foot reaches the same level as the lower abdomen of the attacker.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO BLUE TAGS

New Stances:

X-stance (kyocha sogi)

.Defensive Techniques:

Twin knife-hand block (sang sonkal makgi)

Middle palm hooking block (kaunde sonbadak golcho makgi) - Double forearm high block (doo palmok nopunde makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Front elbow strike (ap palkup taerigi)

Pattern Yul-Gok (38 Movements): The following points should be remembered.

1. Sitting Stance Middle Punch: The fist is the same level as the shoulder of the attacker and is on the centre line of the body.
2. L-Stance Twin Knife-Hand Block: The side blocking hand normally reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender.
3. Walking Stance Middle Palm Hooking Block: The palm reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender. The palm must reach the target in an arc. The body becomes half facing the opponent.
4. X-Stance Back Fist High Side Strike: The body becomes side facing the opponent. The fist reaches the eye level of the attacker.
5. Walking Stance Front Elbow Strike: The backfist faces upwards. The body is front facing the opponent.
6. Walking Stance Double Forearm High Block: The fist reaches the eye level of the defender. The body becomes half facing the opponent.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO BLUE BELTS

New Stances:

Close ready stance b (moa junbi sogi b) - Rear foot stance (dwitbal sogi)

Low stance (nachua sogi) - Close stance (moa sogi)

Defensive Techniques:

Reverse knife-hand outward block (sonkaldung bakuro makgi)

Palm upward block (sonbadak ollyo makgi) - X-fist rising block (kyocha joomuk chookyo makgi)

Palm pressing block (sonbadak noollo makgi) - U-shape block (digutja makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Low side front snap kick (najunde yobap cha busigi)

Upper elbow strike (wipalgup taerigi) - Twin fist high vertical punch (sang joomuk nopunde sewo jirugi)

Twin fist upset punch (sang joomuk dwijibo jirugi) - Angle punch (kiokja jirugi)

Pattern Joong-Gun (32 Movements): The following points should be remembered:

1. Low Side Front Snap Kick: The hip should be turned into the kick.
2. Rear Foot Stance Palm Upward Block: The palm reaches the solar plexus height of the defender.
3. Walking Stance Upper Elbow Strike: The body is front facing. The point of the chin is the target.
4. Walking Stance Twin Fist High Vertical Punch: The fists reach the same level as the philtrum of the defender.
5. Walking Stance Twin Fist Upset Punch: The backfist is the same height as the elbow joint.
6. L-Stance Back Fist High Side Strike: The fist reaches the eye level of the attacker.
7. Close Stance Angle Punch: The fist reaches the shoulder line of the attacker.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO RED TAGS

Defensive Techniques:

X-fist pressing block (kyocha joomuk noollo makgi) - W-shape block (san makgi)

Double forearm low pushing block (doo palmok najunde miro makgi) - Knife-hand low guarding block (sonkal najunde daebi makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Upset fingertip thrust (dwijibun sonkut tulgi) - Back fist side back strike (dung joomuk yopdwi taerigi)

Knee upward kick (moorup ollyo chagi) - Flat fingertip thrust (opun sonkut tulgi)

Pattern Toi-Gye (37 Movements): The following points should be remembered:

1. Walking Stance Upset Fingertip Low Thrust: The fingertip reaches below the abdomen of the attacker.
2. Close Stance Back Fist Side Back Strike: The back fist reaches the eye level of the attacker.
3. Walking Stance X-Fist Pressing Block: The crossed point reaches the same level as the lower abdomen of the defender.
4. Sitting Stance Outer Forearm W-Shape Block: The outer forearm reaches the same level as the philtrum of the defender.
5. Knee Upward Kick: The palms become level with the elbows.
6. Walking Stance Flat Fingertip Thrust: The fingertip reaches the level of the forehead of the attacker.
7. L-Stance Double Forearm Low Pushing Block: The inner forearm reaches the same level as the lower abdomen of the defender.
8. L-Stance Back Fist Side Back Strike: The back fist reaches slightly above the temple of the attacker.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO RED BELTS

New Stances:

Close ready stance c (moa junbi sogi c) - Vertical stance (soojik sogi)

Defensive Techniques:

Palm pushing block (sonbadak miro makgi) - Inner forearm side front block (an palmok yobap makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Upward punch (ollyo jirugi) - Knife-hand downward strike (sonkal naeryo taerigi)

Turning kick (dollyo chagi) - Side elbow thrust (yop palkup tulgi)

Pattern Hwa-Rang (29Movements): The following points should be remembered:

1. L-Stance Upward Punch: The fist reaches the eye level of the defender.
2. Vertical Stance Knife-Hand Downward strike: The knife-hand reaches the target in a circular motion. Keep the elbow straight at the moment of impact.
3. High Turning Kick: The attacking tool reaches the eye level of the attacker.
4. L-Stance Obverse Punch: The fist reaches the same level as the shoulder.
5. Close Stance Inner Forearm Side Front Block: The fist reaches the same level as the defenders temple. The opposite outer forearm reaches the same level as the defenders lower abdomen.

INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO BLACK TAGS

Defensive Techniques:

Forearm middle front block (palmok kaunde ap makgi)

X-Knife-hand checking block (kyocha sonkal momchau makgi) - Twin palm upward block (sang sonbadak ollyo makgi)

Offensive Techniques:

Knife-hand high front strike (sonkal nopunde ap taerigi) - Flying side piercing kick (twimyo yopcha jirugi)

Reverse knife-hand high front strike (sonkaldung nopunde ap taerigi) - Middle back piercing kick (kaunde dwitcha jirugi)

Pattern Choong-Moo (30 Movements): The following points should be remembered:

1. Walking Stance Knife-Hand High Front Strike: The fingertip reaches the eye level of the attacker. The body becomes full facing the opponent. The knife-hand must stay at the centre of the attackers body.
2. Flying Side Piercing Kick: The foot should be slightly lower than the attackers hip.
3. Walking Stance Reverse Knife-Hand High Front Strike: The reverse knife-hand reaches the same level as the attackers philtrum. The body becomes full facing the opponent. The reverse knife-hand must stay at the centre of the attackers body.
4. Middle Back Piercing Kick: The foot reaches the same level as the shoulder of the attacker. The foot-sword is the attacking tool.
5. Sitting Stance Forearm Middle Front Block: The forearm stays at the centre of the defenders body.
6. L-Stance X-Knife-Hand Checking Block: The fingertip reaches the same level as the shoulder of the defender.
7. Walking Stance Twin Palm Upward Block: The blocking tool reaches the target in a circular motion. The palms reach the same level as the elbows of the defender.