Not many people know that the principle behind taekwondo is even followed in the making of the training uniform or dobok.
It can be noted that many Eastern philosophic doctrines are the basis behind the principles of Taekwondo. In their concepts the harmony in human life is very important. They input the same ideas in the creation of their taekwondo uniform.
The Dobok is said to be taken from the national Korean costume. The three geometrical shapes are combined in it:
1. Square in the sleeves and trousers,
2. Circle in the belt around the waist.
3. Triangle in the V-neck and tights.
According to the Yin and Yang theory, the three main components of the universe and the geometrical shapes of dobok have their significance - the trousers symbolize the Earth, the belt stands for man and the upper garment represents heaven.
The endless form of the belt, a circle, symbolizes the course of human life among heaven and earth. The white color is the purity of consciousness and peace.
The belt is a non-separable part of the Taekwondo uniform. It stands for the rank of degree of the practitioner.
There are five basic colors of belts - white, yellow, blue, red and black.
There are 9 ranks of degree for students (gup) from white belt to red, and 9 masters (dan) - all of them black belts. The ultimate number in the decimal system is 9. So the initial degree is the 9th gup and the highest one is the 9th dan.
Takewondo uniforms are distinguished according to grades or levels.
For colored belt levels:
A white traditional uniform is the only accepted uniform for all colored belt grades. The belts are plain colored belts as designated by each dojo. Exceptions are allowed if the style does not use traditional attire.
For black belt levels:
No red shall be worn by anyone below the fourth degree black belt level. Since various martial art styles vary in uniform color configuration, patches worn, etc., it is suggested that there be some simple organized standard.
Other suggested taekwondo uniform recommendations are:
1. Provisional First Degree Black or Regular First Degree Black
This is the separation between the second, third and fourth degree. Black belts are used here. A traditional white top with black bottom should go with the belt, with no trim or other identifying decoration.
The belt is plain, with no bars or other marks, and the belt for the Provisional First Degree should have 1/4 inch white stripe sewed in the center around the entire belt or as a large tip.
2. Second Degree Black or Third Degree Black
These degree levels are of greatly matured levels compared to the First Degree and could be distinguished with a trim uniform, of different color, or different colored bottoms, bars on the belts, etc.
3. Fourth Degree Black, Fifth Degree Black, Sixth Degree Black, Seventh Degree Black. Eighth Degree Black, Positional Ranks
These are considered Master's Ranks. The practitioners in this degree have the liberty to wear any respectable uniform design, color configuration, or trim.
Master's belts are traditionally either extra wide black belts with a 1/2 inch red stripe around the center, or either red and black checkered or red and white checkered, and in some cases one will see a wide solid red belt with a 1/2 inch black stripe around the center.
Friday, June 13, 2014
The Principles Behind Taekwondo Uniforms
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Martial Arts Black Belt Porcelain Plate
- Sizes: 8.5" diameter and 10.75” diameter.
- Vibrant, full-color printing with glossy finish.
- Recommended for serving pre-cut food only.
- Food, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
- Comes with two small holes on the back of plate for easy wall hanging.
tagged with: martial arts, black belt, black belt test, black belt gift, martial artist, karate, taekwondo, black, judo, kung fu,plates,porcelain plates Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
The Essence of Taekwondo Skills
The body movements of taekwondo dwells with the laws of physics and human nature. The skills must be both stable and balanced. The mind shifts the body in space as well the energy within the body frame.
In time, strength is developed slowly but safely.
Taekwondo sparring has various structured drills that uses internal energy and can evolve into impulsive or ordinary boxing.
Players learn how to relax and lower their center of gravity. Slight shifts in balance and tension are felt from the constant contact. Players learn to absorb and counter force instead of resisting it. To meet hard (Yang) with soft (Yin).
The more receptive and relaxed you are, the harder it is for others to find your center. Push hands makes you more centered and relaxed, like the ideal person who stays calm and patient, even if stress is great.
Taekwondo moves develop sensitivity. The aptitude to listen to energy. Listening energy can receive force, which is the first step towards being able to counteract that force.
The player who is more relaxed and alert can receive force and use that force to load up the legs and waist to return it.
Practicing these moves over time will result in the ability to move incoming force and stay calm and balanced. The appearance of effortlessness comes from relaxing to support the flow of natural energy.
Sports have long been considered a wholesome outlet for competitive, warlike instincts. The playing field in team sports represents the battle for turf. But in taekwondo, the players move with rhythm. Every taekwondo move has its intention.
When another person is in your face or too close for comfort, tension rises. When you push hands, you must stay relaxed, but aware while in constant, close contact with another individual. With experience, you can feel their whole posture from a light touch.
Students can develop and compare roots, relaxation and understanding of form by pushing each other. When you are both equally relaxed and rooted, whoever can keep receiving force without tightening up will be the winner.
This is opposite of our previously held notions about winning in which the most forceful person will prevail.
Taekwondo moves work in life; also with people and events. Life is a steady flow of changes. Flowing with those changes, without resisting or trying to control, is a rare feat and a huge ability.
The most basic human instinct of self-preservation in the skilled practitioner has reformatted at a higher level. The realization that ones own survival is intricately connected with the preservation of all life is analogous to Buddha's compassion on a physical plane.
Like the inner dialogue of the martial artist, the interaction of the brain's hemispheres between technique and imagination, there integrates layers of information to develop a coherent whole.
This wholeness is developed by separating the mind from the body, so that they may reconvene on a higher level.
Encountering no resistance, it dissipates. It dissolves into the void, released from the chain of events by the superior individual. It exhausts itself with repeated attempts to find somewhere to bang against, dissolving in tears of frustration, or peals of laughter.
Appearances are deceptive. Some taekwondo moves may look funny, focusing on feelings over aesthetics, but do not laughing just yet. There is a beauty in their simplicity, sincerity and focus.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Butterfly Martial Arts Black Belt Girl T-Shirt
The cute Pink Butterfly Martial Arts Black Belt Girl T-Shirt makes a unique birthday, holiday or black belt test gift for the female in your life. Suitable for women martial artists who are practicing karate, taekwondo, kung fu, ju jitsu and judo. This pretty and feminine custom martial arts tee features a vector design of pink and purple butterflies courtesy of designious.com.
Most orders print and ship within 48 hours. Bulk rates do apply - the more you buy, the more you save. Every order is backed by Zazzle's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Martial Arts TKD Fist Drawstring Backpack
Martial artists, carry your stuff in style with the personalized Martial Arts TKD Punch Drawstring Backpack. This custom light weight nylon bag features a gray fist design with the letters TKD on the knuckles and a white background and makes a great gift idea for a belt rank promotion test. Customize the cinch bag with your own name or text. Perfect for carrying your martial arts taekwondo uniform to the dojo or gym.
- Dimensions: 19.25” x 16.25”.
- 100% nylon construction.
- Designs only printed on outer facing side of backpack (inner facing side is white).
tagged with: martial arts, taekwondo, martial artist, tkd, tae kwon do, fist, punch, gray,backpack,drawstring backpack,bag,drawstring bag Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Martial Arts 2nd Degree Black Belt Test Invitations
Most orders print and ship within 48 hours. Bulk rates do apply - the more you buy, the more you save. Every order is backed by Zazzle's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
tagged with: black belt test, martial arts, black belt, karate, taekwondo, tae kwon do, judo, martial artist, 2nd degree, second degree,invitations,invites Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Martial Arts Red Belt Drawstring Backpack
Martial artists, carry your stuff in style with the personalized Martial Arts Red Belt Drawstring Backpack. This custom light weight nylon bag features a red belt design with a white background and makes a great gift idea for a belt rank promotion test. Customize the cinch bag with your own name or text. Perfect for carrying your martial arts uniform to the dojo or gym. Suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo or ju jitsu.
- Dimensions: 19.25” x 16.25”.
- 100% nylon construction.
- Designs only printed on outer facing side of backpack (inner facing side is white).
tagged with: martial arts, karate, taekwondo, martial artist, kung fu, judo, sports, tkd, red, red belt, tae kwon do,backpack,drawstring backpack,bag,drawstring bag, Sphere: Related Content
