Information and FAQs
General club policies, procedures, training tips and more ....
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 classes are conducted by instructors of Gateway Tang Soo Do. Gateway TSD is sanctioned by the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) with over 180,000 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 30 countries with the World Headquarters located in Burlington, NC. More information about our club may be found at https://sites.google.com/site/gatewaytsd/. More information about the WTSDA may be found at http://www.WTSDA.com
Question: How do I earn rank / 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 color stripe Belts. Little Dragons earn belts and certificates-of-achievement as they progress. Little Dragons transition to the WTSDA Program upon completion of the color stripe 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: I have trained in martial arts elsewhere. Will the rank I attained transfer?
Answer: A definitive Maybe :-) Different systems and organizations have different standards, training criteria and belt rank systems. You can be evaluated and, if appropriate, awarded the comparable WTSDA Rank/Belt based on your skill set and experience. There may be some requisite transitional training but prior experience from a reputable martial arts organization should help you fast track in WTSDA.
Question: Does the WTSDA have a Black Belt rank?
Answer: Yes! However, the WTSDA has set very stringent standards and only allows the promotion of Black Belt by satisfying a panel of WTSDA Masters. Eligible Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt candidate) students can test for Black Belt after attending several regional or national Black Belt events/activities offered at various locations throughout the year. Black belt testing is also typically conducted out of state. There are some options to consider and high-rank students should discuss their desires 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 promotion 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 that found at other clubs. These strict requirements and training cycles make our development more gradual but also makes Gateway TSD students second to none.
Question: What are the costs?
Answer: Gateway TSD offers Spring and Fall sessions. "Refresher" events are conducted in June and July. Session fees are based on the number of classes/session. Instructors teach voluntarily and all proceeds are donated to SFA School. Little Dragons are typically charged $5 per belt earned to help defray the cost of the belt purchase. WTSDA Program students are charged a one-time $25 membership fee in the WTSDA (incurred when the first test is taken). There is a $15 fee charged for each test ($20 for Cho Dan Bo). All test and membership fees are sent to the WTSDA to cover their administrative costs and the purchase of belts. Uniforms may be acquired individually or purchased through the Head Instructor. Due to bulk purchasing and available discounts to Instructors, price to students are typically $20 (or less) depending on the uniform size ordered. Protective equipment is available by the club but headgear and mouth-guards should be purchased by higher rank students. Special events such as a club tournament may involve a fee (typically $10 or less). Other equipment purchases (gym bags, staffs, etc,) are optional and may be acquired individually or through the Head Instructor (at wholesale prices).
Question: Will I get injured?
Answer: Gateway TSD classes are conducted with a emphasis on minimizing the chance of injury. Instructors strive to keep training practice commensurate with student ability. Many training exercise are performed individually. Sparring is conducted with a focus on controlled-contact (a balance of no-contact and/or full-contact sparring conducted by other clubs). Full body rotective equipment is periodically used. Bumps, bruises and slight soreness/sprains sometimes occur but, historically, have been much less frequent/severe at Gateway TSD than in many athletic endeavors.
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 aware of personal safety (Stranger Danger, self-defense, etc.). Our purpose is to build strength of spirit, confidence and respect. 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 your rate of advancement but martial arts are intended for everyone. A good analogy is swimming. Some may become Olympic competitors while others may only learn to float or dog-paddle. While you may not wish to win medals, what you learn may well save you if you “tip your canoe in the middle of a lake.” In addition, you can expect to strengthen your mind, spirit and fitness. Few will not benefit from a properly managed martial arts program.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? More information is available from the Gateway TSD Instructors or at …
https://sites.google.com/site/gatewaytsd/
Inclement Weather Policy
We will not have class on any day that SFA School has been closed due to weather. If school is held but weather conditions are deteriorating through the day, a decision regarding class will be made by 5:15pm. Check this website or contact the SFA Rectory Office (314-487-5736 press 3) for class status.