frequently asked questions

behavior in and out of the dojang:

What do I do when I get to class and class has not started?

• We want to see our students model good behavior for others, especially when they are not in class. COURTESY can be shown by respecting those who are using the dojang before and after us. 

• If a different group, not taekwondo is in the dojang, please remain outside in the lobby until it is time to come in.

• When we come into the dojang, we always bow in, take our shoes off, and make sure we respect what is going on in the room. If you are observant, you will notice that there are ways to step in and help out.

• When there is another taekwondo class going on, please do not make too much noise, and stay off the mats. The dojang is a large space and it is difficult for those in the back rows to hear the instructor if others are making noise or distracting. If you want to have a conversation with a friend from class, please step outside.

I see other students who put down mats before class or take them up after class. Do I need to do that?

• Helping out in the dojang (and outside) is encouraged. If you are unsure what you can, or are allowed to do, please ask. Mats go down on the floor in a specific pattern, so it's best to wait until you know how to do that before you do. But if you are familiar enough with the process--the arrow of the mat points to the top left corner of the room, e.g.--go for it! Do not hesitate to ask the instructor or a higher rank if you have questions.

• Everyone is expected to help pick up mats and stack them up at the end of Advanced class. The more people help, the faster it gets done! But we understand if you are running off to a different activity and have to leave right after class. There will be other ways to help!

Can my parents/caretakers stay and watch?

• We welcome parents and caretakers to come in the dojang and watch while we practice taekwondo. This means that sometimes we might call on those people to help out and kick with us! We can also ask them if you said "thank you!" to them, and if you do not know their birthday, you will do pushups for them! We appreciate seeing our taekwondo families participate in class and in helping out around the dojang. 

• We ask kindly that spectators respect the fact that this is a classroom and refrain from making too much noise when class is going on. As mentioned before, the room is large and it is difficult for those in the back to hear the instructor if spectators are being noisy.

• We also ask spectators to refrain from trying to correct students or get their student's attention while the class is going on; unless it is to signal that you have to leave early. Enjoy the fact that someone else is in charge!

Clothing:

What do I wear to Taekwondo?

• First things first: Please remove your shoes upon entering the dojang (classroom). We prefer you also remove socks (those are slippery!)

• Beginners- If you are in Beginners, you are welcome to wear something comfortable to work out in.  If you are getting serious about taekwondo and want to start preparing for testing, you will need a dobok (uniform).

• Advanced- If you are in Advanced, you must wear a dobok. During the summer, you may wear a ICTKD T-Shirt. For testing you must wear our ICTKD dobok.

How do I get a dobok (uniform)?

• If you are thinking of dedicating more time and effort to taekwondo and want to test and move up in ranks you can purchase a dobok. Please see Master Perteit if you are interested in acquiring a dobok.

I've outgrown my dobok (uniform), what do I do?

• Let Master Perteit know and he can order a new one for purchase. Sometimes we have people who have outgrown doboks and they donate them to the class for others to use too.

I found a fancy dobok (uniform) with colors that I want to wear to class. Can I wear it?

• The way your dobok looks denotes different things in different clubs. In our club we want our students to wear the traditional white doboks. Once a person becomes a black belt, they get a white dobok with a black collar. Black belts are allowed to use different color doboks to practice in. But when testing, or representing our club in tournaments, they should use the ICTKD white top with black collar.

*Please wash your dobok regularly. We work out hard, we get sweaty and it gets stinky! same thing if you wear undershirts, pants, etc. please launder regularly!

Can i wear jewelry to class?

• We recommend you remove jewelry before class. Jewelry can snag, break, or even hurt you or others, and we do not want that to happen.

Testing:

When is the test to go up in rank?

• We try to have tests every two months.

• Tests usually begin at 5:00PM on either Tuesday or Thursday. In some instances we might have a weekend test.

• Testing dates are announced in class.

What do i wear for testing?

• Students are required to wear a full ICTKD dobok at testing.

I saw students testing once and it was all in Korean. Do I have to test in Korean?

• Our tests are conducted in English for White, Yellow, and Orange belts. Although some knowledge of basic terminology is expected.

• Tests for Green belts and above are conducted using Korean terminology.

I want to test. How do i sign up?

• If you are in Beginners, you first have to consult with Mrs. Naso to make sure you are ready to test.

• Beyond White belts, all students should check in with an instructor, TA, and the Testing Committee (Mr. Z. Hill, Dr. Mrs. Espinosa, Mr. Jim). They will go over checklists, making sure you are ready to test.

• Only when the checklist is signed by two instructors or members of the Testing Committee will a student be allowed to test.

• Once the checklist is signed, you will receive a Testing Application. The Testing Application should be filled out and signed, and turned in to Mrs. Naso or Master Perteit with payment at least one week before the scheduled test. 

I've been the same rank for a very long time. I want to test. Am I eligible?

• Each rank has a minimum time-at-rank requirement. However, this does not automatically mean you can test. Check with Mrs. Naso or a member of the Testing Committee first. They will make sure that you have also spent time at the dojang and proceed to verify the rank checklist to make sure you are ready to test.

• There is no rush to test! We want you to have a good experience, where the test is challenging but you also feel confident in your performance. Students will never be rushed to test before they are ready. Every individual progresses differently.

When do we find out if we passed and when do we get our new belts?

• Belt presentations are usually one week after testing. Instructors will announce it in class. Presentations usually happen after Beginners class, right when we start Advanced class.

Some people's new belts have stripes. What does that mean?

• On new belts, one stripe means Recommend, which denotes that the student performed beyond the basic requirements for a rank at testing time. On new belts two stripes means Decide, and denotes that the testing performance was excellent.

• While at rank, instructors are able to award stripes to students as they observe behavior, performance, and improvement in the dojang. Examples of things that are noticed are demonstrating dedication and hard work to learn and help others, working outside class-time in the hallway on forms, or even helping out. The stripes on belts and the color of the stripes are at the discretion of the instructor and no one else.

Stars Program:

I see some students have really cool colored stars on their doboks. How do I get one?

The Stars Program recognizes several qualities we like to see in our students and are earned at the discretion of the instructor in a variety of ways.

• YELLOW STAR: In recognition of outstanding performance in school/grades. Must have certificate signed by teacher and parent/guardian.

• BLUE STAR: In recognition of service to our community. Must do one act of community service (in addition to anything that your school asks you to do already). Must have certificate signed by parent/guardian.

• RED STAR: In recognition of extraordinary effort in the dojang or in school. Must have a certificate signed by teacher (if at school).

• GREEN STAR: In recognition of activities that exemplify Earth Day. (in addition to anything that your school, or household, already requires.) Must be corroborated with parent/guardian.

• PURPLE STAR: In recognition of having 10 Stripes or more across all belts.

• WHITE STAR: In recognition of individual initiative to assist with administrative tasks in the dojang.