TaeKwonDo Facts
1969 American Taekwondo Association was founded by Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee Omaha NE
Current HQ: located in Little Rock, Arkansas
Present Grand Master: Soon Ho Lee
Creator of Taekwondo: General Choi
Taekwondo Originated: in Korea
Taekwondo Means: “The way of the hand and foot”
Songahm Means: “Pine tree temple” – Evergreen has strength the year round and a long life. Evergreen also is a symbol of unchanging human loyalty
In Wha Means: “An unbroken glory.”
Choong Jung Means: All things turn out perfect and beautiful”
White Belt – White Belt Meaning: Pure and without the knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo. As with a pine tree the seed must now be planted and nourished to develop strong roots. The student has no knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo and begins with a clean slate.
Orange Belt – Orange Belt Meaning: The sun is beginning to rise. As with the morning’s dawn, only the beauty of the sunrise is seen rather than the immense power. “The beginner student sees the beauty of the art of Taekwondo but has not yet experienced the power in the technique.
Yellow Belt –Yellow Belt Meaning: The seed is beginning to see the sunlight.” The student begins to understand the basics of Taekwondo.
Camo Belt – Camo Belt Meaning: “The sapling is hidden amongst the taller pines and must now fight its way upwards”. The student begins to realize his/her place in the worlds’ largest martial art. The student must now begin to spar in order to promote in rank.
Green Belt – Green Belt Meaning: “The pine tree is beginning to develop and grow in strength. “ The student’s technique is developing power. The components of the basic techniques are beginning to work in unison.
Purple Belt – Purple Belt Meaning: “Coming to the mountain. The tree is in mid-growth and now the path becomes steep.” The student has crossed over into a higher level of Songahm Taekwondo. The techniques, forms and level of sparring become more difficult, creating a “mountain’ that must be overcome.
Blue Belt – Blue Belt Meaning: “The tree reaches for the sky towards new heights.” Having passed the mid-way point, the student focuses his/her energy upwards toward black belt.
Brown Belt – Brown Belt Meaning: “The tree is firmly rooted in the earth.” At this point the student has mastered the basics and developed deep roots in Taekwondo.
Red Belt – Red Belt Meaning: “The sun is setting. The first phase of growth has been accomplished.” The first day (the period of time from White to Red belt) of growth is coming to an end. The physical skill has been developed, but lacks control; therefore, physical and mental discipline must now be achieved.
Black Belt Recommended Meaning: “The dawn of a new day. The sun breaks through the darkness.” The previous day has ended giving way to a new dawn. The student must begin a new phase of training: that of being a black belt.
Songahm 1 18 moves Ki-hap move #7 #3 side kick & move #16 Side kick
Songahm 2 23 moves Ki-haps move # 10 Left knife hand strike & move #21 Right knife hand strike
Songahm 3 28 moves Ki-haps move #7 R Punch, move #8 L Punch & move #17 #3 Jump Front Kick
Songahm 4 31 moves Ki-haps move #7 L Back fist, & move #24 R Knife hand strike
Songahm 5 34 moves Ki-haps move #10 #3 Side kick & move #25 R Rev. Horiz. Spear hand
In Wha 1 44 moves Ki-haps move #14 R Vertical back elbow strike, move #24 L Punch & move #34 R Side kick
In Wha 2 42 moves Ki-haps move #13 Twin upset punch, move #23 L Knife hand low block & move # 33 Knife hand low block
Choong Jung 1 44 moves Ki-haps move # 12 R Front kick, move #22 L Punch & move #32 L Reverse Palm heel strike
Choong Jung 2 46 moves Ki-haps move # 11 R Palm heel strike, move #21 L Reverse hook kick & move #31 L Horizontal back elbow
Nine Life Skills: Respect, Honor, Perseverance, Goals, Self-Control, Integrity, Courtesy, Loyalty, & Attitude
Songahm Star Meaning: Everything on earth has a center point; this is where we obtain our balance. An example would be the center point of a human being – the heart – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The complete poome-sae (forms) form a star with a center point and eight outer points (which create a circle if connected). This is the circle of life.