Taekwondo Basics. Scott Shaw

cases, the original founder of the kwan is still alive. In other cases, the kwan is run by an elected president. Thus, the kwans are still very much in existence and continue to issue rank and instructor certification.

      Virtually all of the remaining original Korean kwans are associated with the WTF. In some instances, a black-belt kwan member is certified by both the kwan and the WTF. More commonly, however, especially in the West, this is not the case. Rank certification comes solely from the kwan. As the WTF no longer recognizes kwan certification, certified kwan members must then go through additional testing at Kukkiwon if they wish to hold WTF rank or instructor certification.

      The propagation of the kwans has also continued. Many taekwondo masters, originally certified by a kwan, have created organizations all around the world that bear the name of the original kwan but are no longer directly linked to it. These organizations commonly provide rank and instructor certification sanctioned solely by the individual association.

      Affiliate Organizations

      Under the umbrellas of the WTF and the ITF are smaller, affiliated organizations. These associations are based throughout the world and were founded by advanced masters of taekwondo in order to promote the ongoing expansion of their parent organization. In most cases, these affiliate associations offer rank and instructor certification from both their own association and their parent organization. These groups are designed to provide a student or instructor with a direct link to one of the primary governing bodies.

      Olympic Taekwondo

      The WTF is the sole source for taekwondo's inclusion in the Olympic Games. Therefore, the WTF has designated governing bodies that function to promote taekwondo as an Olympic sport. There are two levels of these groups. The first are the larger administrative bodies that oversee entire continents. They are the Africa Taekwondo Union (AFTU), the Asia Taekwondo Union (ATU), the European Taekwondo Union (ETU), and the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU). Under the direction of these associations are the national governing bodies that oversee Olympic-style taekwondo competitions and organize national teams.

      To participate in any sanctioned Olympic-style event, a taekwondo practitioner must become a member of the organization in his or her country that has been established for this purpose.

      Independent Organizations

      Many countries around the world have seen the rise of independent taekwondo organizations. These independent groups are commonly founded with the premise that their organizers do not wish their curriculum to be governed by an overseer association. As a result, the majority of these associations are not formally affiliated with either of the two primary governing bodies and are not formally associated with any of the original Korean kwans. Thus, all of their rank and instructor certifications are wholly organization-based.

      In some cases, these independent associations have been founded by advanced masters of taekwondo who are certified by one of the two primary associations and perhaps one of the original kwans. In other cases, independent organizations have been founded by individuals trained in a more eclectic style of taekwondo that possesses little resemblance to the traditional art. Over the years, some independent organizations have become established and respected entities, while others lasted for a while and then dissolved.

      BEGINNING TAEKWONDO training is no doubt the most difficult step to take in your immersion in the art. Although taekwondo schools can be found in every country across the globe, you must find the right school and the right instructor to meet your specific needs.

      To provide you with an understanding of what you can expect as you walk through the doors of a dojang, this section will discuss some of the things you may encounter.

      CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL of taekwondo is essential if you are to maintain an ongoing interest in the art, while continuing to grow as a human being. Therefore, your enrollment in a school should never be taken lightly.

      It is important to understand that what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another person. If somebody tells you that he or she attends the best taekwondo school on the planet, that does not mean it is the right studio for you.

      Choosing a school of taekwondo must be done scientifically. You must study all of the elements of the school and then make a conscious decision about whether or not it is the right place for you to train.

      Ten Questions

      The most important thing you can do before you choose a school of taekwondo is to go and watch a class at the studio you are considering attending. As you do, ask yourself these questions:

      1. Is the school teaching what I want to learn?

      2. Are the classes taught in a manner that will be beneficial to me?

      3. Does the senior instructor teach the class, or does he have his students teach the class?

      4. Are the beginning students treated with respect?

      5. Are the white belts (beginners) at the school left to learn the techniques completely on their own, or are there advanced students helping them on their way?

      6. How long has the school been in business?

      7. Is the school affiliated with a large taekwondo governing body, or is it teaching an independent style?

      8. Is the school's primary focus on self-defense or competition?

      9. What are the belt promotion standards for the school (how long does it take to advance between belts, and what is the price of promotion)?

      10. Do I have to sign a contract when I join the school, or are payments made on a month-to-month basis?

      The Hype

      When you go to watch a class for the first time, you will probably be given the hard sell by the instructor or one of the senior members of the school. They will usually attempt to convince you that their school is the best in the area, and that all other schools are not up to their level of expertise. This is a very common practice, so it is essential that you do not allow yourself to be drawn into a school that you do not truly wish to attend.

      Some schools allow you to take a free introductory class. This is an exceptional way to decide if a school is right for you. With a free class you get to actually experience a school's method of training.

      The Instructor

      An obvious selling method in taekwondo is for an instructor to list all of his accomplishments. A taekwondo instructor's credentials are, obviously, an essential element in making your decision about where you will train. Accomplishments, however, do not necessarily mean that a particular taekwondo instructor is a dedicated teacher or the right instructor for you. Just because an instructor tells you that he is a "World Champion," "Ninth-Degree Black Belt," "Supreme Grand Master," or "Olympic Coach," don't assume that he is a competent instructor. When seeking out a school of taekwondo, you must weigh the instructor's accomplishments against his teaching ability.

      It is essential to keep in mind that many taekwondo instructors have relocated from South Korea. Taekwondo training in South Korea is vastly different from what one commonly experiences in the West. It is much more intense. For example, the average Western student would not appreciate being struck with a bamboo shaft when he performs a technique incorrectly. This, however, is a very common occurrence in the schools of taekwondo in South Korea.