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ATA Martial Arts Academy
1007 Waterdam Plaza Drive, McMurray, Pa. 724-942-9522

Student Information Page

SONGAHM SPIRIT OF TAEKWONDO  
                   
I will practice in the Spirit of Taekwondo,
with Courtesy for Fellow Students,
Loyalty for my Instructor,
and Respect for my Juniors and Seniors 

I shall live with Perseverance in the Spirit of Taekwondo
Having Honor with Others,
Integrity within myself,
and Self Control in my Actions

In the words of Eternal Grand Master H.U.Lee

 

Belt Ranking System       9th Grade White Form: Songahm 1 8th Grade Orange Form: Songahm 2 7th Grade Yellow Form: Songahm 3 6th Grade Camo* Form: Songahm 4 5th Grade Green Form: Songahm 5 4th Grade Purple Form: In Wha 1 3rd Grade Blue Form: In Wha 2 2nd Grade Brown R** Solid Brown Belt Form: Chung Jung 1 2nd Grade Brown D Striped Brown Belt Form: Chung Jung 1 1st Grade Red R Solid Red Belt Form: Chung Jung 2 1st Grade Red D Striped Red Belt Form: Chung Jung 2 and Pressure Points 1st Degree Black Belt R 1/2 RedBlack Belt Chung Jung 2 and required previous forms 1st Degree Black Belt D*** Form: Shim Jun

Basic Commands in Korean   Char Reot - Attention Kyeong Nae - Bow June Bee - Ready She Jahk - Start / Begin Shi Uh - At Ease / Rest Bah Ro - Return to Ready Position Keu Mahn - Stop What is Block Training?  You may notice that a student wearing an Orange Belt may be performing the Yellow Belt Form. This is because of  Block Training. To maximize the time the instructors may spend with a particular group of students, certain ranks are grouped together, or "blocked."  The Orange & Yellow Belts are combined in one block, learning the same form together. So are the Camo & Green Belts, also the Purple & Blue Belts. On one session the Orange & Yellow Belts will work on the Orange Belt material together.  On the following session, they would perform the Yellow Belt material.     Like This.... Session A Orange & Yellow - Orange Belt material Camo & Green - Camo Belt material Purple & Blue - Purple Belt material Session B Orange & Yellow - Yellow Belt material Camo & Green - Green Belt material Purple & Blue - Blue Belt material Now, given the example of an Orange to Blue Belt Class, the instructors would be teaching 3 sets of material each session blocked, instead of 6 sets of material in the same time period, unblocked.  This allows more time be devoted to any particular grouping of students to work on their material.

* Students must purchase sparring gear upon testing to the rank of Camo Belt. ** Students must join the Black Belt Club weapons training program at promotion to the rank of Brown Belt *** Students must have attended at least one ATA-Sanctioned tournament prior to testing for the rank of Black Belt Decided

Tournament Info: Please see the page for tournament competition information.

1. Place the center of the belt in front of you... (If you have a single wrap belt, place the center behind you and place the right side over the left... then start at step 3.)		2. Wrap the right side around the back and place that end under the left side...
3. Wrap the left side around the back and cross over the top of the other side...		4. Wrap the left strap under the belt and pull up...
5. Then down...		6. Place the right strap under the left strap and then cross it back over...
7. Continue by wrapping the right strap upwards and through the center of the hole. 8. Pull both ends tight.  The ends should hang evenly.

Your uniform represents your art and your school.
An unkempt and poorly maintained uniform shows disrespect for both.
This includes the proper attachment of all required patches and trim.
It uniform should be clean, neat, and odor free.

1) Wash only in cold water.
2) Never use bleach! It will cause the patches to bleed and the uniform to turn gray.
    If you need to whiten it a bit, use a bit of LaFrance in the wash water instead.
3) Don't machine dry.  Hang the uniform to dry.  Outdoors when possible. 

Patches must be sewn on, and all appropriate patches must be on the uniform at all times.
Patches may not be used a pockets.
Pinned on patches are not allowed.  Pins are an safety hazard!
Strips of velcro where a patch should be do not substitute for a patch....it looks terrible.
Students with missing patches are considered out of uniform.
Only patches required by the ATA or your instructor are permitted on the uniform.

Sew them on.  Period. Just do it.
All of the other "easy" ways: Velcro, pins, & snaps, whatever, are more trouble than they are worth in the long run.  
Pins are downright hazardous!  Don't even try them.  
Merit Stars, which the student worked for, are often found on the Dojang floor.
Sewn the stars on the patches and stars stay put, and they look good.  

Check for yourself:  Go to a tournament or event...see what results from alternate "easy" methods.  
Do you want your kid's uniform to look like that!

The belt should be tightly tied and the ends (which represent the balance of body and spirit) should hang evenly.
New belts will come loose more often until they are "trained."
The belt should never be dragged on the floor or treated is a disrespectful manner.
Never wash the belt...if it gets stained or dirty, it must be worn that way.  So...don't get it stained or dirty!
Respect and Responsibility are two of the many things that a martial artist must learn...
Your uniform is a visual representation of both.

This is the "official" uniform standard regarding the trim:
Black Belt students, beginning with the First Degree Decided rank, wear 1" black trim (7/8" Grosgrain is commonly used and recommended...Don't use satin...it won't hold up!) around the bottom of the uniform jacket. (Stripe should follow the bottom hem, including the side vents.)

See your instructor if you wish to have your uniform professionally trimmed. (recommended)

If you want to do it yourself: Just run it along to bottom edge of the uniform...follow up and down the side vent...the "V" shaped cut. On the opening side of the uniform...just follow up with the trim as far as you did on the vent side.  If in doubt, take a look at one of the other Black Belt Student's uniform.  Note however that if you do it yourself, and it is done wrong, you will have to redo it.

Sparring for Karate Kids is done during regular classes:  Please bring all necessary sparring gear to every class.  
Males must wear groin protection to every class.  
Students Camo belt and above who are not prepared for sparring will not be offered class credit.

Parents, Note:  We want sparring to be safe and fun...please do your part...read the following:

1.The instructors are not going to call and let you know when sparring will be held in class.
Assume it may be held any class.  Always bring the gear!  "I didn't know there was sparring today" is not an excuse.

2. The instructors are not going to check for groin protection. If your boys aren't wearing it, you are lazy and irresponsible... Period.  Get with the program.  Some things are best not learned by experience.

3. Refrain from sending your daughters (and sons :-) to class bedecked with jewelry.  A bracelet or chain, or a dangling earring can get caught on the uniform, carpet, hair and cause a nasty injury. A ring can hurt not only the one wearing it, but another student as well. The instructors are not able to search every child to see if a long chain is hidden under their uniform.  If ears are pierced and the earrings cannot be removed, use something small and safe.  
The dangerous items must be removed, and the academy will not be responsible if they are lost.
Some things are best not learned by experience.

4.  Just like playing outdoors, sometimes accidents may happen in sparring class...except sparring class is likely much safer.
The instructors see far, far more students injured at the playground, gymnastics/sports, or their own backyards than in sparring. 
Also, as often as not, it is as much the fault of the recipient of the injury (running into a kick, for example) as the supposed offender.  If there is fault...the instructors will determine it and handle it as they deem appropriate.

So...Shake it off.  Deal with it.  The kids do. It's not about winning or losing either. It's about learning!

 If a parent absolutely cannot stand to see their child spar or is horrified at the thought that their little one may get an occasional ouchie...don't watch.  Remember, this is a martial art you signed them up for. :-)

Scoring Areas:
1 LIGHT (CONTROLLED) CONTACT ONLY.
2.HAND TECHNIQUES TO THE BODY ONLY. (The body is defined as the belt to the shoulders.)
3.KICKING TECHNIQUES ARE PERMITTED TO THE BODY TOWARD THE HEAD. (Adults are permitted light contact.)

Illegal Techniques:
1.No techniques below the belt.
2.No techniques to the back.
3.No hand techniques or feints to the head, face, or throat.
4.No sweeps or takedowns.

Safety Equipment:  All must be ATA logo/spec.
1.Hand Pads
2.Foot Gear
3.Head Gear
4.Mouthpiece*
5. Face Shields are required for testing at tournaments, national events, and for weapons sparring.
6. Chestguard
7.Groin Protector (boys)

ATA Spec weapons and gear is required.  
The Academy will exercise it's right to reject the use of any gear which does not meet it requirements.

Common Sense Alert:  Necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry are not allowed in sparring class. 
It's dangerous to the wearer and to others.  It is impossible and time consuming for the instructor to inspect all students for jewelry, especially when it could be hidden by sparring gear.  A student, or a parent who allows a student to wear these items in class is fully responsible for any injuries caused by them. 

*For health and sanitary reasons, any mouthpiece left behind after sparring or any other class will be disposed of at the end of the day.  A spare mouthpiece and a mouthpiece case is highly recommended.

These instructions are printed verbatim from a package mouth guards.
They are only a guideline for the proper fitting of a mouthpiece. The use assumes all liability for its fit and use.

Read instructions carefully before you begin. Follow timing accurately with second hand of watch. Use a mirror when fitting mouth guard.

1. Have container of cold water ready, next to pot of boiling water. Immerse mouth guard completely in boiling water for 35 seconds.

2. Remove mouth guard from boiling water and dip into cold water for an INSTANT. Remove quickly and place over upper teeth.

3. With mouth guard in proper position, immediately place tongue against roof of mouth and with strong sucking motion, suck out all excess water and air.

4. Bite LIGHTLY with back teeth.

5. Remove carefully from mouth and put into cold water.

6. After mouth guard is chilled, check fit. If tighter fit is desired, simple remold by following steps 1 to 5.

HELPFUL HINTS: If necessary, any portion of mouth guard can be trimmed away with small sharp scissors. Mouthguard is easy to keep clean. Wash in lukewarm water after each use.

WARNING: Users of mouth guard are subject to personal injury. Mouth guard has a degree of protection but is not warranted to protect the user from injury.