Most tae kwon do students wear white pants, a white jacket,
and a cloth belt. For some martial arts, the belt color
shows the student's skill level and personal development—from
white (beginner) to black (expert). The colors reflect
nature. For example, the white belt that students start
out with stands for a seed. The yellow belt that they
get next stands for the sunshine that opens the seed.
To advance from one grade level to another, you have to
pass loads of tests—five for the green belt, nine
for the brown belt, and 10 for the black belt! You can
get a first-degree black belt in two to four years, but
after that, there's still more to learn... There are 10
black belt levels!
For sparring (practice fighting) go for full gear, including
a mouthpiece and padding on your head, hands, feet, and
shins.
Look for an instructor who's into respect and discipline,
but still has plenty of patience. The class area should
have lots of space and a smooth, flat floor with padding.
The fewer students the better—more attention for
you!
Wear all the right gear. Warm up and stretch so you're
loose and ready to go! You need good instruction before
launching into any moves. And when you do learn the moves,
remember your limits. For example, white belt students
shouldn't spar (practice fight).
When you are ready for matches, you've gotta have an instructor
around to regulate. Some martial artists use special weapons
(like swords), but it's almost a sure thing that you'll
get hurt with them unless you're totally advanced... so,
no weapons. During your match, make sure that your partner
knows when you're ready to stop. If you let your guard
down, your partner may think it's a good chance to take
you down!
Martial artsza special type of defense skillszstarted
in the Orient (East Asia). Today, they're taught all over
the world for self-defense and avoiding conflict, too.
Body and mind control, discipline, and confidence are
key. There are a lot of martial arts styles, but since
certain types rough up the joints (like knees) more than
others, these are some of the best for kids your age:
Tae Kwon Do comes from Korea and means "the way of the
foot and fist." It's famous for high kicks. Tae Kwon Do
became Korea's national sport in 1955 and is now the world's
most popular martial art.
For more information, visit: www.bam.gov/sub_physicalactivity/activitycards_martialarts.html
