Frequently Asked Questions
| What is Tae Kwon Do? |
| Tae Kwon Do is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, which teaches more than mere physical fighting skills. It is a discipline which shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. It is also a modern sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics. |
| What is the UB Tae Kwon Do Club? |
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UB Tae Kwon Do is a SA sport club here at the University at Buffalo. It has existed for 12 years now since gaining SA recognition in 1992. UB TaeKwonDo has been a very successful club throughout its existence.
The University at Buffalo Tae Kwon Do club is affiliated with Grand Master Sun Ki Chong. Master Chong's schools are located here in the Buffalo area. Master Chong acts as our Grand Master and is the head of all our promotion testings. Master Chong has been a U.S. National Team head coach and a vice president of the United States Tae Kwon Do League. Our Club participates in the INCTL (Ivy-Northeast Collegiate Taekwondo League) tournaments sanctioned by the NCTA (National Collegiate Taekwondo Association). The team also competes at the State and National level. |
| Who can join? |
| All members of the UB community are welcome to participate in classes. This includes, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. However, due to restrictions placed on the club by the Student Association, only Full-Time undergraduate students may hold cabinet positions |
| Do I need any martial arts experience? |
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No! We welcome students of all skill levels, from beginner up to black belt. Our training program is designed to bring a student with no experience to black belt level in 4 years. This program has proved quite successful, and we have consistently produced new black belts every year from our ranks of students who had no proir martial arts training.
Advanced students are also welcome; we depend upon you to bring fresh ideas and techniques to the club, and you will be looked to for leadership roles and setting examples for the beginners. |
| What do I need to join? |
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Beginners just need to show up in loose, comfortable clothes to work out in. Doboks (uniforms) are not a required purchase to participate; however, you will need to purchase one if you intend to advance in rank.
We also require that all participants have health insurance. All insurance information (company, policy #, etc.) must be recorded and filed with the club BEFORE you are allowed to take part in a practice. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. Other than the above, the only things we need you to bring are an open mind and an enthusiastic attitude about learning a martial art! |
| What are the costs associated with the club? |
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That depends on what you want to get out of the club. Lessons themselves are provided free of charge. As mentioned above, uniforms are not required to work out, but they are necessary to advance in belt rank. these are typically in the $30 price range. There is also a $30 fee for each belt test. The book of curriculum can be purchased from any of Master Chong's Schools for about $15. Beginner packets with the white belt curriculum are provided free of charge.
Sparring gear is sold in packages. The typical men's package costs $60 and the women's package is $55. Sparring gear is required to enter all tournaments; for practices and classes, the club has a stock of chest protectors that can be lent out free of charge. Tournaments usually involve travel, food, and accomodations, and vary in price depending on location. Based on info from past tournaments the price may range up to $50 per person. All of the costs listed above are optional. We do not charge mandatory membership fees, and we attempt to fundraise to defray some of the above costs. We encourage you test the waters before you spend the bucks, then decide how much you want to spend and how much you want to get out of the club. You may find that sparring is not for you but you still enjoy advancing in belt rank. The club is very flexible in this respect and we can fit to your needs. |
| Does the Club compete in any tournaments? |
| Yes. We are a member of INCTL (Ivy-Northeast Collegiate Taekwondo League) and we compete regularly against other member schools in tournaments. We try to attend at least one major tournament per semester, and we may go more depending on scheduling. Any member who is at least yellow belt may participate in the tournament, but all members are invited to come and cheer the team on.
We are not a varsity sport, but we still have teams set up within the club. Members are assigned to teams based on experience, skill and weight class. For more information on tournaments visit http://www.inctl.org. |
| How are classes run? |
| Classes are run by our black belt instructors. Our instructors are fellow UB students who volunteer their time and experience at no charge to the class. Classes generally break down into warmup, kicking practice, skill area, and cool down. The skill area may vary from day to day; on monday we could be working on curriculum while on wednesday we could be practicing sparring. |
| Do I have to attend every class? |
| No. Come as frequently as you like. Our classes for beginners are based around repetition, so missing a day here or there won't be too serious. However, attendance is taken into account when our instructors evaluate candidates for belt testing, and if you have missed more than a reasonable amount of classes you may not be allowed to test. Attendance is taken at the beginning of every class. If you have extenuating circumstances (night classes, other clubs, etc.) please speak with an instructor to discuss your options. |
| I have taken another style/form, will my previous belt level transfer over? |
| Possibly. Master Chong's schools all study palgwe forms (as opposed to taeguks) and each belt level has a different form. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of form and technique before your rank will be recognized. Since each situation is unique, it is best to speak with one of the instructors to determine where you stand. |
| Where can I find more information on Tae Kwon Do? |
| If you have any other questions feel free to contact a cabinet member, post to our message board, or check out our links section for more information about Tae Kwon Do. |