The Southwick Black Belt Academy
Student & Parent Reference Guide

Uchudo - Building Warriors not Fighters

The Southwick Black Belt Academy is owned by Master Scott Southwick, a 6th Degree Black Belt; and Mrs. Tia Southwick, a 4th Degree Black Belt. The focus of this school is to provide students with the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment. We focus on academic achievement, discipline, physical health and self-respect.

What is Uchudo?

Uchudo is a Japanese term meaning the “Universal Way” .  The masters in Uchudo have mastered various styles including but not limited to: Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu, Jujitzu, Akidodo, Kendo, Wing Chung, Tai Chi and Kempo. We are not “mixing” the martial arts we preserve each one in it’s entirety. This way each student can become the kind of martial artist they choose. Most “mixed” instructors teach what they like and “boil out” many of the intricacies of the traditional martial arts.

What do students learn?

Students learn the fundamentals of Taekwondo through choreographed sequences of combative moves, the breaking of boards and two person controlled sparring. Students are taught how to defend themselves, not only physically, but mentally.  They also receive instruction in principles such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance and self-control.

Programs Offered | Student Regulations | Parents Responsibilities
Equipment Needed | Weapons | Yong Kwon Promise
Little Dragon Student Creed | Taekwondo Belts | Terminology

Benefits of Taekwondo

Programs Offered

Little Dragons - (3 to 6 years)

The little dragon program introduces your child to the basics of Taekwondo and self defense. Emphasis is placed on positive reinforcement while teaching them how to follow directions and respect themselves and others. This program prepares them for the Karate Kid program.

Karate Kids - (7-12 years)

The Karate Kids program promotes healthy habits such as good study skills and respect. Your child will learn Taekwondo basics, goal setting, self-respect and achievement. Good values are reinforced so that y our child will grow into a respectful, caring young adult. The martial arts help children of this age develop socially, form work ethics and learn leadership skills.

Adult - (13 and up)

This program teaches the basics of Taekwondo and self-defense. Students develop a stronger body, a sharper mind, and a healthier lifestyle.

Basic Program

This program is for all ages for a beginning level of Taekwondo. This program is to introduce to students the basic forms, self-defense, and fighting sequences. This program will advance a student to a Gold Belt for Little Dragons and Camo Belt for Juniors and Adults.

Black Belt Training

This program is for juniors and adults who wish to pursue the goal of becoming a 1st degree black belt. In conjunction with basic forms and techniques, more advanced techniques and self-defense, board breaking skills, sparring and weapons are taught.

Leadership

This is a program, by invitation only, for students who not only want to be a black belt, but want also want to be a responsible leader. This program is for anyone who wants to be an instructor. This program allows for unlimited number of classes, free or discounted clinics and seminars, discounted graduations, and specialized weapons training. This program will advance a student through Mastership training.

Student Regulations

• Bow to the flags each time you enter or leave the do jahng to show respect to the instructors and fellow students.
• Bow to the flags each time you enter or leave the practice mat.
• Instructors are to be addressed as "Mr., Mrs., or Miss" followed by their last name or "Sir or Ma’am".
• If you are late to class, stand at the edge of the mat with hand raised to ask permission to enter class.
• Always line up according to belt rank
• Keep uniform clean and straight at all times with belt tied evenly
• Females need to wear a black t-shirt under their do bok (uniform).
• Full uniform will be worn at all times. A white or black t-shirt may be worn instead during hot summer months, or specified by instructor.
• No shorts or tank tops
• Turn away from flags, instructors and partner when adjusting your uniform or belt
• Do not lay your belt on the floor. This shows disrespect for what you have learned.
• Keep good personal hygiene and nails trimmed.
• Jewelry shall not be worn in class except a wedding ring.
• No shoes are allowed on the mats except approved taekwondo shoes.
• No gum chewing on the mats.
• No profanity or horseplay on school property.
• No unnecessary talking in class.
• Raise your hand to ask a question.
• Do not engage in free sparring without all proper gear and supervision of an instructor.
• Notify an instructor or your leadership trainee if you will be unable to a class for an extended amount of time. (208-406-8960, 208-406-2396)
• If you miss a class, you will need to schedule a make-up lesson with your assigned leadership trainee.
• To graduate you must attend all classes or make-up the ones you miss.
• Keep the do johng clean.
• Show respect at all times.
• Use self control when sparring or working with a partner
• Do not leave the floor for any reason without getting permission from the instructor
• Please keep all conversations to a whisper as not to disrupt the classes in session

Parent Responsibilities

• Bring children to class on time and consistently
• Pick up child after class on time
• Help children to keep uniform clean and neat
• Hem uniform to fit child
• Supply proper equipment for child
• Pay class fees on time
• Register and pay graduation fees on time
• While in lobby area during class, keep your voice down and do not distract the students
• Keep other children in the lobby quiet and do not allow them to run around
• Bring all problems and questions to the instructors
• Reinforce at home practice of Taekwondo
• Keep yourself informed of what your child is doing at school and Taekwondo
• Help us help you child become the best they can be

Equipment Needed

(needed after camo belt for sparring)

• Sparring head gear
• Sparring foot gear
• Sparring hand gear
• Chest Protector
• Mouth piece with case
• Athletic cup (males only)
• Bag to carry equipment

Weapons

• Ssang Jeol Bong - Nunchaku
• Bahng Mahng EE - Escrima stick/short stick
• Jahng Bahng - Bo staff/long stick
• Ssahng Nat - Kama/sickle
• Gum Do - Sword
• Tri Staff
• Shin pads (optional)

Yong Kwon Promise

(Student Oath)

"Sir / Ma’am"

I will train with the intent to become stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I will show gratitude to my seniors, service to my juniors, and respect for myself and family.

I seek honor not glory, patience not rage, courage instead of fear, and the power to protect those who cannot.

Little Dragon Student Creed

I'm a little dragon, point to your chest

Oh so strong, raise arms like a muscle man

Learn each day what's raise right pointer finger and shake

Right and wrong back and forth

During this class, I know I'll find

Honesty for the heart put hand on heart

And knowledge for my mind pint to your head

Dressed in purple, green and white (Point to each color on uniform)

This class will teach me "might for right"! (clap 3 times in sync with "might for right")

The Taekwondo Belt

The promotion test and graduation was created to bestow recognition onto students for their achievements. The student is able to see the mental and physical improvements made since starting taekwondo and to show family and friends these improvements.

White Belt: The student has no knowledge of taekwondo and begins with a clean slate. The white belt is automatically gained by taking taekwondo classes.

Orange Belt: The student sees the beauty of taekwondo, but has yet experienced the power of the technique

Yellow Belt: The student begins to understand the basics of taekwondo

Camouflage Belt: The student begins to realize their place in taekwondo. They must now begin to spar in order to promote rank.

Green Belt: The student’s technique is developing power and the components are beginning to work in unison. The student is growing as a taekwondo student.

Purple Belt: The student has crossed over into a higher level of taekwondo. The techniques become more difficult.

Blue Belt: The student has passed the mid-point and focuses upward

Brown Belt: The student has mastered the basics and has developed deep roots in taekwondo.

Red Belt: The student has developed the physical skill but lacks control

Red/Black Belt: The student is entering a new phase of training; that of being a black belt

Black Belt:  The color black is created when all the colors of the light spectrum have been absorbed into an object. The student has absorbed all the knowledge of the other color ranks.

Terminology

Korean Commands

Korean Counting

Korean Terms