Introduction
Tae Kwon Do
Owner & Head Instructor Julius Baker Jr.
What You Need to Get Started
Studio Guidelines & Etiquette
Korean Tae Kwon Do Terminology
Free Sparring
Forms
Belt Rank & Promotion
Special Classes & Programs
Studio Rules & Other Things to Remember
Student Creed
Studio Holidays

Introduction

Welcome to BAKER'S MARTIAL ARTS! We’ve designed this handbook to introduce you to the basics you will need to get started in your Tae Kwon Do training. The handbook is intended as a reference guide to assist you during your first few months of instruction.

If you have never studied a martial art before, many of the techniques and traditions may seem strange or awkward at first. We would like that “awkward period” to be as brief as possible. Feel free to ask your instructors or advanced students (look for students wearing black or red belts) questions outside of class or during class at appropriate times.

You should read your handbook from cover to cover during your first couple of weeks of training and refer to it as needed thereafter. We hope it will provide a good introduction to your Tae Kwon Do training at Baker’s Martial Arts.

We also hope you will find studying Tae Kwon Do as rewarding as all of us. Welcome to the family.

Tae Kwon Do

The origins of Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, are believed to date back hundreds or even thousands of years. Tae Kwon Do has emerged as one of the most popular and practiced martial arts in the world and was first introduced in the United States in the middle of the last century. It enjoyed its premiere as an Olympic sport at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

Tae Kwon Do is often translated as the art of punching and kicking. Literally, Tae can be translated as foot, Kwon as hand or fist and Do as art or way of life. This intricate art form is interpreted differently by everyone who practices. On the most basic level, it is a mode of self-defense and physical fitness. But for those who dedicate themselves to the art, it is artistic expression through movement, an exciting life sport and an avenue to gain physical, mental and spiritual focus and fitness in their lives. Practicing Tae Kwon Do is a means to developing self-discipline and self-respect that can be applied to all aspects of your life.

As the art is passed from teacher to student, the personality and life experiences of the teacher are also passed along. At Baker’s there is a great diversity of martial arts experience among our instructors. Many of our instructors have practiced other arts and blend their diverse knowledge into their Tae Kwon Do curriculum.

Your Tae Kwon Do training and its ability to enrich your life are only limited by your commitment and imagination.

Julius Baker, Jr., 7th Degree Black Belt
Owner and Master Instructor

Julius Baker began his Tae Kwon Do training in 1969 under Master Byong Yu and Master Ken Youn. After receiving his Black Belt, Mr. Baker began teaching at the Young Adult Project (YAP), a program for inner city youth in 1973. He taught at the YAP for seven years until founding BAKER'S MARTIAL ARTS in 1980. Originally based in Berkeley, the studio was moved to this Oakland location in 1998. In addition to his over thirty years of Tae Kwon Do training, Mr. Baker has also studied Aikido, Escrima, Judo, Capoeira, and Tai Chi. He continues intensive study in Tai Chi and added Tai Chi to the martial arts curriculum at BAKER'S MARTIAL ARTS.

Mr. Baker grew up in Berkeley. After an honorable discharge from the US Navy, he went on to receive a BA and then a Masters Degree in Health Science at San Francisco State Universtiy. After receiving his degree, he taught Physical and Health Education at college level.

Mr. Baker has over thirty years experience working with children. In addition to teaching martial arts to kids, he has worked as a pre-school teacher, physical education instructor, teaching assistant, and a counselor for the Alameda County Juvenile Probation Department.

What You Need to Get Started with your Tae Kwon Do Training

The following are some of the things you will need to get started:

1. Uniform (dobok-Korean/ghi-Japanese): Can be purchased at the studio.
2. White belt: Your white belt is included with your uniform. See the section below or ask an instructor or advanced student to show you how to tie your belt. Students with previous martial arts training may be evaluated and started at a higher belt.
3. Federation and Tae Kwon Do patches: can be purchased in the office.
4. Schedule of Classes: A schedule is included with this handbook and is posted in the website. Post it on your fridge or in your office and try to make it to at least two classes a week.
5. Student ID Card: You will be issued a student ID card with a unique bar code. Your card will be filed in the box on the desk outside the office. Before each class, pass the bar code on your card under the scanner (also on the desk). This allows us to track how many classes you have attended and determine when you are ready for promotion.
6. You will also need lots of…Patience, Self Discipline, Motivation and a Desire to Learn!

How to Tie your Belt:

1. Place the center of the belt on your belly button.
2. Pull both ends behind you with both hands & bring both ends around to the front, tucking the left side underneath. (The belt should appear as a single layer from behind.)
3. Take the right end and tuck it under both layers. Finish by taking the other end, looping it underneath and through to finish the knot. The finished knot should be a square knot with both ends hanging towards the floor.

Studio Guidelines & Etiquette

You will find that Tae Kwon Do has its own set of rules and etiquette. Great emphasis is placed on self-discipline and respect for yourself, others and the art. In the studio, you will be asked to show respect to instructors, students and the studio by bowing.

When to Bow….
- Before entering and leaving the training floor
- At the beginning and end of class as directed by the instructor
- Before entering a class when you are late (you should kneel down and wait to bowed in by the instructor when you are late for class)
- When greeting a Black Belt in the studio
- To your partner before and after sparring

There are numerous other situations where bowing is appropriate, but not always expected. Keep your eye on more experienced students and follow their lead.

How to address the instructor or other Black Belt…
- During class you should always address the instructor as sir or ma’am or by their last name (i.e. Mr. Baker), unless directed otherwise.
- Questions during class should be saved for when the instructor has told the class to sho or relax after the completion of a series of techniques. Only interrupt technique practice for urgent matters, such as an injury.

General Etiquette
- The studio or Dojang is a place of respect. Treat it like your second home. Help keep it clean by discarding your trash, putting equipment away and remembering to take your belongings home.
- Remind any visitors that you bring to the studio to remove their shoes if they are entering the workout area.
- Try to be quiet and refrain from talking loudly when a class is in session. Students should only talk during class at appropriate times.
- Treat your instructors and fellow students with courtesy and respect.

Tae Kwon Do Terminology

You will find that the majority of instruction at Baker’s is in English. However, there are a few Korean (and a couple Japanese) terms that are used on a regular basis. Here is the list you should familiarize yourself with

Korean Terms

Choombi – Ready position
Paro – Return to ready position
Sho – Relax
Dobok – Uniform
Dojang – Studio
Poomse – Forms
Kwan Jang Nim – Master Instructor
Sabum Nim – Instructor
Dan – Degree (Black Belt)
Gup – Grade or level (Colored Belts)

Japanese Terms

Katas – Forms
Ghi – Uniform
Dojo – Studio

Free Sparring

Free sparring or light contact fighting is very important in the application of the techniques you practice in class. Most students begin sparring after approximately two months of consistent training. Free sparring is designed to allow you to move and throw techniques in a more realistic, spontaneous manner. You must wear the protective sparring equipment listed below. You may also elect to wear additional gear (i.e. forearm pads, chest protector, etc.).

- Head gear
- Mouth piece/protector
- Gloves or other hand pads that pad the knuckles
- Shin & foot pads (must cover the instep of the foot)
- Cup (men only)

The following are guidelines and rules for sparring:

- Inform your instructor and your partner of any injuries or limitations you have.
- Communicate with your partner if the intensity or level of contact is too high.
- Wait for the instructor’s direction before sparring begins.
- Stop sparring immediately upon request of the instructor or your partner.
- Bow before and after sparring to acknowledge friendship and cooperation with your partner.
- Spar at the pace/level of the least experienced practitioner.
- Beginning students should not spar without higher belt supervision.
- Relax, learn & have fun!

Illegal Contact Areas:
- Head & face (light contact to the headgear is permitted)
- Throat
- Spine
- Kidney area
- Knees
- Shins
- Attacks against the joints
- Groin (light contact to the inside of the thigh is permitted)

Forms (Poomse or Katas)

Forms are choreographed combinations of movements and techniques. As you progress in your martial arts training, you will learn forms that correspond with your increasing skill and belt level. Learning forms takes patience and diligence. You should try to practice your forms outside of class. The following is a list of the 15 forms practiced at Baker’s:

Hwrang 1, 2 & 3
Yushin 1, 2 & 3
Chuma 1, 2, 3 & 4
Yidigo
Nago
Bosai
Tiger 1 & 2

Belt Rank & Promotions

All Tae Kwon Do students are expected to test and advance in belt level. Promotions are generally held every couple of months. Promotional fees should be paid prior to the promotion.

When students double promote, their fee includes the cost of the level they skipped as well the level of their promotion. Students who miss regular scheduled promotion and wish to do a make-up will be subject to an additional $10 fee.

If you have been training consistently, you should expect to participate in every promotion. Increases in rank are very incremental. Students must receive two stripes on their current belt to advance to the next belt. You should consult the belt requirements posted on the bulletin board and in the website for a list of the techniques you will be expected to know for promotion. Please check with your instructor if you are not clear on any of the requirements.

Other important things to remember for promotion:
- Your uniform should be clean and pressed with all appropriate patches.
- Be sure to be in your uniform and ready to start promotion at the time listed.
- Know all your requirements and the student creed.
- Try not to be too nervous, project confidence & do your best.

Special Classes & Programs

Monday Children’s Class, 4pm

This class was designed especially for our young tiger cub students ages 5-7. The class is limited to these students only & is separate from the regular program. Please see Mr. Baker if you would like your child to be a part of this class.

Cardio-Kickboxing

Cardio-kickboxing was introduced at Baker’s in 1998. The class is fitness-focused and is designed for students of all levels. The class is designed to allow students who are not practicing Tae Kwon Do to learn and practice some of the basic techniques taught in the regular program. Tae Kwon Do students are also encouraged to participate in the class, which provides an excellent conditioning workout and another venue to practice their skills. The class is done to music and includes bag work and conditioning exercises for the abdominal, leg and upper body muscles.

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi is a form of exercise characterized by slow moving forms and postures performed in a relaxed and conscious manner. The practice of Tae Chi is a health and regenerative exercise and greatly helps to release stress and tension.

Sunday Sparring, 11am-1pm

Sunday sparring has been a Baker’s tradition for nearly 20 years. This class is not part of the regular program, but is utilized by many students to practice and sharpen their sparring skills. This program is also open to martial arts students from other schools. Sparring gear is required for all who participate. Students at Baker’s are asked to make a $3 donation to the school to keep the Sunday tradition going. Students from other schools should make a $5 donation.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available upon request and ideal for students who want to polish their skills for a promotion or competition. Please see Mr. Baker for more information.
Staying Connected & Getting Friends & Family Involved

Besides the regular program, the studio frequently sponsors special events and programs for students and their loved ones. Promotions occur almost every month and are a great way to introduce your friends and family to the studio. Even if you’re not promoting, attend promotions to support your fellow students. Visitors are always welcome to watch promotions or any class. So encourage family and friends to come check out promotions or a class.

Black Belt promotions are generally held once a year and are a special time at the studio. Black Belt candidates spend countless hours training and preparing for their big day and need your encouragement and support. Mark your calendar when the dates are announced and again feel free to invite family and friends.

Besides promotions, the studio usually sponsors a few non-martial arts events every year. These include a potluck picnic for all students followed by a kid’s overnight camping trip. During the summer months, the studio usually hosts a camping trip for students and their loved ones. Don’t miss these great opportunities to hangout with your fellow students and meet their family and friends.

Studio Rules & Other Things to Remember

- Parents & Students – Please read the bulletin boards on a regular basis.
- The workout area is for participants only. Observers must stay behind the partition.
- Students may be in the workout area only with the permission or under the supervision of an instructor.
- Students should try to be on time for class.
- Students should check-in before class.
- Don’t sit or lean on the partition separating the work out area from the observer area.
- No smoking or eating while in the studio.
- Remove your shoes before stepping on the mat and take your shoes back to the dressing room. Street clothes must be kept in the dressing room and not brought onto the workout area.
- Put your belongings in the area designated for them. Try not to bring valuables or money to the studio, as we cannot be responsible for them.
- Do not kick or punch the walls.
- While in class, your attention must be on your instructor at all times. Save talking and joking for after class.
- Please request permission of the instructor or assistant instructor prior to using the office.
- You are responsible for any repairs or replacements for anything broken or damaged due to your carelessness.

Physical care requirements:
- Cut your toenails and fingernails regularly.
- Wash and press your uniform regularly.
- Don't wear any jewelry that could potentially cause injury to yourself or to your partner, such as: dangling earrings, nose rings or facial jewelry, bracelets or watches, and rings with protruding stones or metal.

Please remember, we are all learning together. Especially in a contact activity, mistakes are inevitable. They must be handled in a mature manner. Have patience and understanding of your fellow students.

Student Creed

All students are expected to learn the student creed. Students may be asked to recite the student creed at promotions and discuss its relationship to their martial arts training.

As a Member of Baker's Martial Arts
I will strive to build true Confidence through
Knowledge in the mind
Honesty in the heart &
Strength in the body.

To keep Friendship with one another
and to build a Strong and
Happy Community.

Never fight to achieve selfish ends
But to develop Might for Right.

BAKER'S MARTIAL ARTS Holiday Schedule 2004

Martin Luther King………………………January 19

President’s Day……………………………February 16

Easter Celebration………………April 10 thru 12

Memorial Day…………………………May 28 thru 31

Independence Day…………………………………July 3

Labor Day………………………… September 3 thru 6

Indigenous People’s Day…………………October 11

Veterans Day……………………November 11 thru 13

Thanksgiving…………………November 25 thru 27

Christmas & New Year... Dec 23 thru Jan 2, 2005