About Taekwondo
Information on all aspects of Taekwondo can be found here.
Te five Tenets of Taekwondo
Courtesy
Courtesy, or 예의 in Korean Hangul (pronounced ye-wee), refers to showing courtesy to all others in the dojang (training area or school) as well as people you may meet outside of formal Taekwondo training. Included in this tenet is observing correct etiquette and manners at all times.
Integrity
Integrity, or 염치 in Korean Hangul (pronounced yom-chee), includes not only the general definition of integrity where one is not only able to determine the difference between right and wrong but also being able to stand up for what is ethically correct. Being honest and having strong moral principles is paramount and working hard to be beyond corruption are important aspects of the tenet of integrity.
Perseverance
Perseverance, or 인내 in Korean Hangul (pronounced een-nay), simply refers to the willingness of the Taekwondo student to continue to struggle against all odds to reach their goal. This applies to their Taekwondo training as well as other aspects of their lives
Self Control
Self control, or 극기 in Korean Hangul (pronounced gook-gee), means to have control over your thoughts as well as your actions. Maintaining a pure mind as well as a pure body by keeping your emotions in check, particularly in difficult or trying circumstances
Indomitable spirit
Indomitable spirit, or 백절불굴 in Korean Hangul (pronounced beckjool boolgool), is difficult to define but generally refers to having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and to stay strong in those beliefs and convictions no matter what the odds against you may be. It also refers to consistently exhibiting a full 100% effort in all that you do inside the dojang (training area) and in life
Belts and Grading
On joining Carlton – Arena Taekwondo, a student will start as a “white belt" or "10th Kup”. Approximately once every four months all students will undergo a promotion test and, on being successful, the student will be awarded a new grade.
When reaching the grade of 1st Kup (red belt + black tag), the student will spend a minimum of six months preparing for his or her black belt grading (1st Dan).
Taekwondo belts
Promotion tests for Kup grades, at Carlton – Arena Taekwondo, are carried out by
Grading Panel
Sophie Hirst (née Chatel) 4th Dan, assisted by Master Luke Prout (5th Dan) and the other instructors
Demonstrations
Kaitlin Waddell (3rd Dan)
Iqui/Hannah Freeman (3rd Dan)
Loic Busca (3rd Dan)
Dan Grading
Black belt promotion tests are held once a year.
The black belt promotion test panel consists of a minimum of five Masters (5th Dan and above).
Poomsae
Poomsae/Patterns: Are a set of continuous taekwondo moves based on: “defence – attacks” when the student pretends to face an imaginary attacker. The technical difficulties of a poomsae are levelled to the grade of the student.
Sparring
Kyorugi = meaning sparring or fighting - is the way to check that the Taekwondo basics/techniques learnt (mainly kicking, punching) are correct and working when needed in a self defence situation.
“ Sport Taekwondo” is full contact sparring as done at the Olympics or in Kyorugi competitions.
Body armour is worn by the players above yellow belt.
Page last updated : 19th November 2025