At the time I am writing this I have been a student in an ATA school in Edmond Oklahoma for about 7 months. I am now a camo w/ gold stripe rank in the leadership program working toward my first degree black belt. I greatly enjoy martial arts & weapons of all kind. I was very happy to find a place of instruction like ATA where every school teaches the same structured curriculum. ATA emphasizes balance, control & realistic combat self defense in both physical and mental aspects of the art. I greatly enjoy the soothing feeling you get from the motion & repetition of the forms I have learned so far. In addition to the typical self defense instruction ATA also teaches full contact point based sparing for use in cross-school & national tournaments, advanced combat techniques and traditional weaponry of the art if one chooses to learn them.
In researching a martial arts training facility what I found out about ATA very much impressed me. From what I can see ATA differs from all other Taekwondo organizations. In an effort to form a structured, long lasting & recognized schooling the founder, Haeng Ung Lee, devoted his life’s work into building an extremely well documented method of instruction and implementing it in a sound business plan. One of the great things about my instruction so far is that I am provided with a DVD covering all the material of my current 8-week training period. I know what the content is and can study it prior to exercising in the classroom. I can go back several belts ago & review material if I need a refresher. I found that the “The Way” book set is a good investment as well. Written by Haeng Ung Lee, these books cover all of the material & philosophy behind the colored belts up to 1st degree black belt. The detail of these books is impressive. Not a single page is wasted in fluff. Each book goes over the mental preparation and philosophical background of; types of strikes, the forms and the physical conditioning focus of each separate 8 week training period.
There are 18 forms in Songahm ATA Taekwondo. When executed back to back they form a pattern on the ground in what is called the “Songahm Star.” The Songahm Star regulation size is based on the foot size of the practitioner. From each point to center is equal to the distance of 9 foot lengths, making 18 foot lengths square from point to point. The actual size of my Songahm Star is approximately 16 english units feet across. Each form is to begin facing East in respect for the Korean decent of the art form. I haven’t read this anywhere but based on the forms I have learned so far, I would say that if you are an opponent standing within my 18 “foot” star, you’re within immediate striking range and I can strike you with great force with either a kick or punch.
I’m going to build one of these on the property of my new house.
[space reserved for pictures of completed project]
A little about the gear ATA Taekwondo uses:
Some of the weapons have sparing versions. It’s quite fun to be allowed to beat someone with a stick violently & not to have the cops called on you.
The Ssahng Jeol Bong is
comprised of two short sticks connected by rope or chain. The
Ssahng Joel Bong can be practiced as a single or double weapon and
is admired for its speed and complex twirls. Consistent practice
with the Ssahng Jeol Bong develops coordination and
conditions muscles, especially the muscles of the arms and
shoulders.
The Ssahng Jeol Bong, also
known as the Nunchuku, once served the farmer in harvesting
his crops by separating the grain from the shaft. The farmer would
beat the crop with a tool that comprised of a long staff with a
shorter stick attached to the end by a rope. During times of
fighting or war, this farm tool could easily be used as a weapon.
Often called a Chul Te or Dur Ree Ge, it worked very
similarly to a mace. The length of the longer shaft allowed the
warrior to stay at a safer distance from his opponent and would also
aid in the generation of power in a strike. As peace time
prevailed, the warriors, with little to do but train, fashioned the
Cuhl Te into smaller versions creating the design we are
familiar with today.
The Bahng Mahng Ee is a
short stick. It can be practiced as a single or double weapon.
Practitioners like this weapon because of its challenging partner
drills and disarms.
The Bahng Mahng Ee was
originally used as a tool such as a leverage bar for an ancient
Korean backpack, a laundry stick, and an ironing stick. The
ironing stick has a very interesting history. Folded cloth would be
placed on a flat rock surface and rhythmically struck with two
specially designed sticks in order to flatten the wrinkles out. The
ironing rock often became a place for the women mother and
daughter or perhaps neighboring women to gather and work
together. By listening to the rhythm of how a woman beat the
clothes, passersby could tell whether she was happy or sad. The
daily chore of using the sticks to beat clothes conditioned the
upper body and taught the women how to strike forcefully and
efficiently. It was only natural for the women to pick up one or
both of these sticks in the face of danger.
The Jee Pahng Ee is an extremely effective weapon. Of all the
weapons that were and, in some cases, still are implemented to aid
in daily domestic chores, the Jee Pahng Ee is the weapon that
is most commonly still in use as a tool. The cane can be taken
anywhere because it is mainly implemented as a walking aid, and most
people are completely unaware that the cane can also be wielded as a
weapon. The shaft of the cane is swung, using centrifugal force to
generate powerful strikes. The curve of the crook and the walking
end of the cane are used for thrusts, and the crook is also used to
hook wrists and ankles.
Gumdo (Korean Sword) is designed
to give students a chance to train with the most famous of all the
martial art weapons. Its purpose is to execute justice with
the light of the sword that is as majestic and brilliant as the
morning sunlight on the east sea. It is a beautiful and powerful
art that originated some 1,700 years ago on Mt. Baekdu in Korea. It
has been passed down through the ages, from warrior to warrior. Unlike other martial arts, Gumdo doesn’t require advanced
athletic prowess, so it’s the perfect martial art for all ages.
Students learn how to perform sword forms and one-step combinations,
as well as methods in which to draw and sheathe their swords.
Advanced Students may also practice sword self defense techniques,
bamboo cutting and candle extinguishing. Overall, a student will
develop balance, coordination, concentration and focus through
training with the Gumdo.
The three-section staff is one
of the most difficult and versatile weapons within Taekwondo. More
prevalent in Northern Systems, the three-section staff can be used
as both a close-quarters weapon, a trapping weapon and as a
long-range flexible whip-like weapon
.
The Sahn Knat or Kama are
traditional farming implements similar to a sickle used for reaping
crops and also employed as a weapon. Before being used in martial
arts, the Sahn Knat was widely used to cut crops, mostly rice. The
Sahn Knat is a formidable weapon, traditionally used in pairs,
though in agricultural use it would be used one-handed, whilst the
other hand grasped the stalks for cutting.? As a weapon, both
the point and sharpened edge of the metal blade are called in to
use, while the Sahn Knat could also be used to block, trap and
disarm weapons used against the wielder. The hard edge of the Sahn
Knat blade would traditionally be kept razor-sharp to enable
efficient cutting of crops, which made it a lethal weapon in the
right hands, though this is sometimes a cause of training accidents
by unskilled wielders, for whom blunt training versions of the
weapon are created. It is also a popular modern forms competition
weapon.
The Jahng Bong was used in
daily domestic chores and doubled as an effective weapon against
larger or multiple opponents at increased range. The Jahng Bong
uses leverage to generate powerful strikes the proper execution of
which increases upper body and core strength. (The Jahng Bong,
is essentially a leaver, a slight motion by the user results in
a faster, more forceful motion at the tip; thus enabling long-rang
crushing and sweeping strikes.) The Jahng Bong, may also be
used for thrusting strikes and for joint-locks. The Eighth degree
black belt Master G. K. Lee says of the Jahng Bong,
Personally, I think this is one of the most beautiful weapons to
watch or use. The combination of strength and skill needed to make
it a truly effective weapon makes it one of the most respected of
all weapons.
Head, Face, Hand, Foot & Mouth Protection:
Basic Taekwondo Commands in Korean
Chah Reot – Attention
June Bee – Ready
Keu Mahn – Stop
Bah Ro – Return to Ready Position
Keyong Nae – Bow
She Jahk – Start/Begin
Shi Uh – At Ease/Rest
Songahm Spirit of TaekwondoAs Taekwondo Event Begins:”Sir/Ma’am: I will practice in the Spirit of TaekwondoWith Courtesy for Fellow StudentsLoyalty for my InstructorAnd Respect for my Juniors and Seniors, …Sir/Ma’am!”
As Taekwondo Event Ends:”Sir/Ma’am: I shall live with Perseverance in the Spirit of TaekwondoHaving Honor with OthersIntegrity within myselfand Self Control in my Actions…Sir/Ma’am!”
Belt Meanings and Colors
ATA Taekwondo uses a rank system to develop the skills, discipline, and self-controlwhich are necessary for proper Taekwondo techniques. The number nine is the highest single digit; in someoriental cultures, nine represents the highest attainable goal of any measurable endeavor. ATA has nineranks of color belts and nine degrees of Black Belts. The colored and 1st degree black belt ranks aredivided into two levels: recommended or decided.
9th grade White Belt “Pure and without the knowledge of Songahm Taekwondo. As with the pine tree, the seed must now be planted and nourished to develop strong roots.” The student has no knowledgeof Songahm Taekwondo and begins with a clean (pure) slate.
8th grade Orange Belt “The sun is beginning to rise. As with the morning’s dawn, only the beauty ofthe sunrise is seen rather than the immense power.” The beginner student sees the beauty of the art of Taekwondo but has not yet experienced the power in the technique.
7th grade Yellow Belt “The seed is beginning to see the sunlight.” The student begins to understand the basics of Taekwondo.
6th grade Camo Belt “The sapling is hidden amongst the taller pines and must now fight its way upwards.” The student begins to realize his/her place in the world’s largest martial art. The student mustnow begin to spar in order to promote in rank.
5th grade Green Belt “The pine tree is beginning to develop and grow in strength.” The student’s technique is developing power. The components of the basic techniques are beginning to work in unison.
4th grade Purple Belt “Coming to the mountain. The tree is in mid-growth and now the pathbecomes steep.” The student has crossed over into a higher level of Songahm Taekwondo. The techniques, forms, and level of sparring becomes more difficult creating a “mountain” that must be overcome.
3rd grade Blue Belt “The tree reaches for the sky towards new heights.” Having passed the midway point, the student focuses his/her energy upwards toward black belt.
2nd grade Brown Belt “The tree is firmly rooted in the earth.” At this point the student has mastered the basics and developed deep roots in Taekwondo.
1st grade Red Belt “The sun is setting. The first phase of growth has been accomplished.” The first day (the period of time from White to Red belt) of growth is coming to an end. The physical skill has been developed but lacks control; therefore, physical and mental discipline must now be achieved.
1st degree recommended Black Belt “The dawn of a new day. The sun breaks through the darkness.” The previous day has ended giving way to a new dawn. The student must begin a new phase of training; that of being a black belt.
1st degree decided Black Belt “The tree has reached maturity and has overcome the darkness. It must now begin to ‘plant seeds for the future’.” The color black is created when all the colors of the light spectrum have been absorbed into an object. That object has “taken control” of the colors and retained them. If one color was to “escape”, the object would no longer be black. The student has mastered the nine grades of Taekwondo. He/she has “absorbed” all the knowledge of the color ranks and overcome or”mastered” that level of training.
Colored belts
- 9th Grade White Belt – Songahm 1 – 18 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 9th Grade White Belt
- 8th Grade Orange Belt – Songahm 2 – 23 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 8th Grade Orange Belt
- 7th Grade Yellow Belt – Songahm 3 – 28 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 7th Grade Yellow Belt
- 6th Grade Camouflage Belt – Songahm 4 – 31 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 6th Grade Camo Belt
- 5th Grade Green Belt – Songahm 5 – 34 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 5th Grade Green Belt
- 4th Grade Purple Belt – In Wha 1 – 44 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 4th Grade Purple Belt
- 3rd Grade Blue Belt – In Wha 2 – 42 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 3th Grade Blue Belt
- 2nd Grade Brown Belt – Choong Jung 1 – 44 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 2nd Grade Brown Belt
- 1st Grade Red Belt – Choong Jung 2 – 46 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 1st Grade Red Belt
ATA Taekwondo spends 8 weeks on colored belts teaching form & self defense. Without going into the exact details of the self defense moves, here is what type of defense is learned on each colored rank:
- Self Defense Techniques – Colored Belts
Martial arts has quite the presence on the internet these days. All videos below are public streamed videos directly from www.youtube.com. ATA maintains its own youtube channel @ http://www.youtube.com/user/myATAtv
Eventually I’d like to replace these youtube videos with videos of myself doing the forms in my “dojo” once it’s built.
Black belts
- 1st Degree Recommended Black Belt – Choong Jung Ee Jahng 2
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 1st Degree Recommended Black Belt
- 1st Degree Black Belt – Shim Jun – 81 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 1st Degree Black Belt
- 2nd Degree Black Belt – Jung Yul – 82 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 2nd Degree Black Belt
- 3rd Degree Black Belt – Chung San – 83 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 3rd Degree Black Belt
- 4th Degree Black Belt – Sok Bong – 84 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 4th Degree Black Belt
- 5th Degree Black Belt – Chung Hae – 95 moves
- Technical Information – Songahm Taekwondo 5th Degree Black Belt
- 6th Degree Black Belt – Jhang Soo – 96 moves
- 7th Degree Black Belt – Chul Joon – 97 moves
- 8th Degree Black Belt – Sah Boo – 98 moves
- 9th Degree Black Belt – Dong Seung – 99 moves
Wanted - Chul Joon ATA 7th degree video
Wanted – Dong Seung ATA 9th degree video
Using this space as a notepad for in class notes.
2ND DEGREE REC. BLACK BELT DOUBLE SSAHNG JEOL BONG DRILLS
#1 Feet Apart
Step out and simultaneously strike downward, hitting Ssahng Jeol Bong on inner leg.
#2 Feet Together
Strike downward, hitting SSahng Jeol Bong on armpits and back to tricep.
#3 Feet Apart
Step out and simultaneously put both Ssahng Jeol Bong together, strike downward, hitting Ssahng Joel Bong on inner leg/buttocks, then back up to the left shoulder area, back to the inner leg/buttocks, an then to the right shoulder area, then twirl back up to a high load position…
#4 Feet Apart
Step out and simultaneously strike downward, hitting Ssahng Jeol Bong on inner leg, inward twirl, outward twirl, bring hands up to shoulder in high load position, strike downward again, three inward twirls and simultaneously step together, finish with a drill #2.
#5 Feet Together
Strike downward, alternately hitting Ssahng Jeol Bong on armpits and back to tricep.
#6 Feet Together
Strike downward, alternately hitting left Ssahng Jeol Bong on armpits and back to tricep, while right Ssahng Jeol Bong hits across to left hip and back to tricep.
#7 Feet Apart (in shoulder width stance)
Triangles without upwards twirl. One Ssahng Jeol Bong strikes across to opposite hip, back across belly to same side hip and then up to tricep. As first Ssahng Jeol Bong moves from the same side hip to tricep, other Ssahng Jeol Bong strikes to opposite hip, and follows back across belly to same side hip, and back to tricep (repeating sequence).
#8 Feet Apart
Step out and simultaneously strike downward with right Ssahng Jeol Bong, alternate with left, then right again, step together and continuously alternate left and right strikes (landing on tricep).
#9 Feet Apart (in shoulder width stance)
Same as number 7, except right Ssahng Jeol Bong twirls horizontally over the head before striking opposite hip.
i’m a little concerned with how easy it is to advance in belt rank. apparently there are events where, for a price, students can advance a belt rank in less than a week.
while this may be available to students, i do not plan on taking part in any such event as i believe it diminishes the actual amount of work & physical improvement one should be experiencing for advancement.
smells an awfull lot like those iphone apps where you can spend real money to buy “game bucks” or in game items.
leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.
some interesting pre-H.U. Lee ATA history here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chung_Do_Kwan