SFAFMA FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Question:
What is Tang Soo Do?
Answer:
Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean Martial Art with roots dating back
over 2000 years. Many who have trained
in Tae Kwon Do have observed similarities to Tang Soo Do. SFA
Family Martial Arts (SFAFMA) classes are conducted by certified instructors
of Gateway Tang Soo Do (Gateway
TSD). Gateway TSD is one of over 500
studios sanctioned by the World Tang Soo
Do Association (WTSDA) with over 100,000 members world-wide. The WTSDA was chartered in 1982 by
GrandMaster Jae Chul Shin. (Note:
One of Master Shin’s most famous students was martial arts action star Chuck
Norris). There are WTSDA Studios located
in 36 countries with the World Headquarters located in Philadelphia, PA . More information about SFAFMA and Gateway
TSD may be found at http://sfaSports.net/Martial_Arts.htm
. More information about the WTSDA may
be found at http://www.WTSDA.com
Question: How
do I earn belt promotions in TSD?
Answer: All
students start as “White Belts.” Gateway
TSD offers 2 belt promotion programs. Our Little Dragons Program is aimed
towards our youngest martial artists (ages 5-7). Little Dragons can
progress through a series of 7 Yellow Belts.
Little Dragons transition to
the WTSDA Program upon completion of
the Yellow Belt series or at age 8. Older
students (through Adult) participate in the WTSDA Program.
Students may earn/test for a series of 10 belts (also called Gup Belts) leading to Cho Dan Bo (Blue Belt).
Question: Doesn’t
the WTSDA have a Black Belt?
Answer: Yes! However, the WTSDA has set very stringent
standards and only allows the promotion of Black Belt (also know as a Dan Belt) by satisfying a panel of WTSDA
Masters. Eligible Ch Dan Bo students would typically need to travel to one of several
out-of-state regional Black Belt tests offered twice a year. High-rank students should discuss their
desires and options with the Gateway TSD Head Instructor.
Question: How
long does it take to earn a Blue Belt?
Answer: Martial
Arts are meant to be a life-long endeavor.
Progress is dependent on a student’s dedication, commitment, and
attendance. Most students (especially higher ranks) should not expect to test
at every scheduled belt test. Under the
current training schedule at Gateway TSD, a student would typically require a
minimum of 5 plus years to achieve Cho
Dan Bo.
Question: Other
programs around town claim to promote students in less time. Why does it take so long with Gateway TSD?
Answer: Gateway
TSD follows the stringent guidelines of the WTDSA. Belts are EARNED, not bought.
Our class frequency is also more deliberate than what may be found at
other clubs. These strict requirements
and training cycles make our development more gradual but also makes Gateway
TSD and WTSDA students second to none.
Question: What
are the costs?
Answer: The costs associated with martial arts training may be
categorized as follows: Session
Enrollment - SFAFMA offers Spring and Fall sessions. Sometimes, Summers Sessions are conducted
depending on enrollment interest. All enrollment
proceeds are donated to SFA School.
Belt Promotion:
Little Dragons are typically charged $5 per belt earned to help defray
the cost of the belt purchase and certificates. WTSDA Program students are charged a $15 fee for each test. WTSDA students are also charged a one-time
$25 membership fee in the WTSDA (incurred when the first test is taken). All test and membership fees are sent to the
WTSDA to cover their administrative costs, student manual, ID Cards, association
patch, certificates and the purchase of belts.
Equipment: Uniforms may be acquired individually or purchased at
wholesale prices (typically $20 or less) through the Head Instructor. Protective equipment is available by the
club but headgear and mouth-guards are typically purchased by higher rank
students. Other equipment purchases (gym
bags, staffs, etc,) are optional and may be acquired individually or through
the Head Instructor (at wholesale prices).
Special Events:
Tournaments, Kick-A-Thons and other special events may be scheduled but
are infrequent (only 2 such events in the past 8 years at SFA). The cost is typically $10 or less per event.
Question: Will
I get injured?
Answer: Instructors
endeavor to keep training practice commensurate with student ability. Sparring is conducted by higher-ranks who
with a focus on controlled-contact (a balance of no-contact and/or full-contact
sparring conducted by other clubs).
Protective equipment is periodically used. Bumps, bruises and slight soreness/sprains sometimes occur but,
historically, have been much less frequent nor severe than in many other
sports.
Question: How
do we train?
Answer: In a
word – repetition. It is the key to
learning then mastering techniques. The
goal is to imbed martial arts into the subconscious – making the techniques a
controlled reflex. Situational learning
is also utilized to make students more aware of potential danger (Stranger
Danger, self-defense, etc.). Our
purpose is to build strength of spirit, confidence, respect and flexibility/
fitness. Classes are conducted as they
have been for centuries. Yet, we try to
balance formal training with a little fun (games, obstacle courses, etc.).
Question: Can
anyone take Martial Arts?
Answer: Yes! Age, maturity, ability, size, health or
behavioral issues may impact the rate of advancement but martial arts can be practiced by anyone. A favorite analogy is swimming. Some may become expert swimmers and even participate
in competitive events while others may only learn to float or dog-paddle. Regardless, everyone can expect to grow in mind,
skill and fitness.
STILL
HAVE QUESTIONS? More information is available from the
Gateway TSD Instructors or at …