| Go Back
Membership
When students join
Scota Karate Academy, they are registered with
the World Tang Soo Do Association. Members receive
an association manual which explains the history
of Tang Soo Do, rules of behavior, testing requirements,
terminology, etc. Members also receive an association
identification card which serves as their training
transcript.
The World Tang Soo Do Association is an international
organization with studios on six continents. Color
belt membership is a lifetime membership as long
as the student remains active in the association.
The identification card is honored by all studios
in the association. This way, if students move
during their color belt training period, they
may join a World Tang Soo Do Association school
in their new location at their current ranking.
You may attend two free classes to evaluate training,
association requirements, and instructors. If
you wish to join the association and school following
the evaluation period, instructors will assist
you with the necessary paper work.
Class Structure
Classes are structured to meet the needs of members
according to belt rank and age. Classes for children
start in the late afternoon for the convenience
of parents and children alike. This affords young
children the opportunity to experience the martial
arts and still be in bed on time. Belt-specific
classes are in place to focus on the techniques
required for advancement.
Test Procedure
Gup, or Color Belt, Testings will be
held about every three to four months. These events
may feature visiting instructors and students.
A Gup test consists of two parts, written/verbal
and physical. The written test may be given before
the date of the physical test. The date of testing
will be announced well in advance so that proper
preparations can be made. On the day of the test,
the physical test will be run before a panel of
one or more examiners. The candidates may be called
upon to answer questions on any area of their
ranks requirements at the examiners discretion.
The physical test includes warm up, basic/advanced
drill, hyungs, self defense, sparring, breaking,
and any other requirements. These tests are designed
to "test" the current knowledge of the
student, not to teach them new techniques.
Details for testing and proper test protocol will
be explained to the eligible student. A handout
will describe all fees and paperwork due prior
to the testing date, as well as what is expected
of the student on the day of the test. Guest Instructors
and Students from other studios may be invited
to the test. Therefore, it is important that proper
protocol is followed at all times.
Dan tests are held twice a year. These test dates
are set by World Headquarters. The testing is
coordinated and implemented by Region #7. Black
Belt tests are very intense and challenge the
ability of the student. To achieve Black Belt
takes approximately four years of continuous training.
The details of the requirements of this test will
be explained to eligible students.
Remember, when testing through the ranks and eventually
to black belt, the goal is not the belt, but the
proficiency in techniques that is achieved. The
belt is worn around the waist, but it is what
is in your heart that matters. If you have any
questions about your progress, please ask your
instructor.
|
