Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I tie my belt?

1. Start by wrapping your belt behind you with tips facing front. If you have a decided rank stripe it goes on the right side.

2. Wrap the right side over and pull through.

3. Wrap the right side under and pull through.

4. When finished, tips should be equal length and the rank stripe should be on the right side.

2. When do I need to get a uniform?

3. Uniforms are required by the end of your first month's enrollment.

4. What else do I need to know about my uniform?

   • Uniforms are required for all CTC and ATA functions unless otherwise stated.

   • Any student that attends class without a uniform will not be given credit for that class, unless given prior permission by CTC.

   • Uniforms are to be worn as a complete set. Do not come to class with only a top or bottom, or without a belt.

   • Never bleach your uniform, patches and lettering can be ruined.

   • Tie your top with the left flap over the right flap.

   • NEVER wash your belt. Not only will it fade, but it's against the philosophy of Taekwondo.

5. What does the black stripe around the collar of a black belt student's uniform represent?

6. It signifies that the student has earned the title of Instructor.

7. What does the red stripe around the collar of a black belt uniform represent?

8. At Carmi Taekwondo Center this signifies that he/she has achieved the rank of 1^st Degree Black Belt and is a Instructor Trainee.

9. What does the black trim around the bottom of a black belt student's uniform represent?

10. It means the student has achieved the rank of 1^st Degree Decided Black Belt.

11. What does a black stripe on an instructor's pant leg represent?

12. It signifies that the instructor is a 4^th Degree Black Belt or higher.

13. Why is the number '9' used so much in Taekwondo?

14. In Korea, 3 is a significant number and 9 is 3 multiplied by itself and is also the highest single digit multiple of 3.

15. Why should both ends of your belt hang evenly?

16. For sake of neatness.

17. It represents the physical and mental equality.

18. Why do we break boards in Taekwondo?

19. Boards are broken merely to demonstrate the power and speed that the human body is capable of utilizing through taekwondo.

20. Why do we tie our belts in a square knot?

21. It is the simplest and strongest knot.

22. Why are we taught to use our feet more than our hands in Taekwondo?

23. The element of surprise.

24. A longer reach against your opponent.

25. The leg is stronger than the arm.

26. What does Taekwondo mean?

27. "Tae" means foot. "Kwon" means hand. "Do" means art, Way, or method. Taekwondo literally means "The Way of the foot and hand". The "W" in way is capitalized to signify that Taekwondo is a way of life.

28. Why do we emphasize control during workouts?

29. To prevent injury to your opponent.

30. To prevent injury to yourself.

31. To keep balance.

32. To improve forms and techniques.

33. To gain control over all movements of our bodies.

34. To gain coordination.

35. To gain control of power.

36. To have better timing and aim a strike or block at the right place at the right time.

37. To aid in controlling ourselves outside the dojang.

38. It aids in the mental side of Taekwondo.

39. It helps to further respect our opponent.

40. It aids in the beauty of the art and makes it an exciting sport.