YELLOW BELT
You have achieved the rank of Yellow Belt!  There are some pieces of equipment I would like to suggest.

An ITA student manual is a very convenient resource.

It includes:
* Complete written explanation of each form White Belt through 5th Degree Black Belt.
* Complete written explanation of each one step sparring movement.
* Introductory information for things like sparring, board breaking, and tournaments.
* Complete description of all testing requirements through 5th Degree Black Belt.

Or...
An ITA form video for those of you who are visual learners.

It includes:

* Complete demonstration with front and side view of each form White through Red Belt.
* Subtitles including the name and target of each movement.

These are optional items, but many students feel they are beneficial in their training.  If you would like to preview either of these items please let our staff know.  We would be thrilled to help you!
GREEN BELT
You have earned your Green Belt!  Along with your new rank you are now permitted to take part in sparring lessons provided in classes for Green through Black Belts.

In order to participate in sparring class you must purchase protective sparring gear.  All sparring gear used in ITA facilities must carry the ITA approved logo.  Any gear not approved by ITA CANNOT be used in our classes.  Your TaeKwonDo Academy is the only authorized dealer of ITA approved gear and we will be happy to assist you in the acquiring of your new gear

A double focus target (Clapper Target) is a tool you will use through the rest of your training.

Clapper Targets:

* Provide instant feedback to student as to the accuracy of kicks and punches with "clapping" noise heard with each correct strike to the center.
GREAT FOR BOARD BREAKING PRACTICE!


* Are lightweight hand held targets that Moms, Dads, and spouses can hold for home practice.

* Are very versatile and can be used to practice sparring, self-defense, stretching, and more!


Please contact your instructor regarding sizing and enjoy sparring!
BLUE BELT

BROWN BELT
You have earned your Brown Belt!  As a Brown Belt a new piece of equipment is required for your training.  A rebreakable board is a tool you will use in class and at special clinics to prepare you for the requirements of your next rank test.  All rebreakable boards used in our classes and clinics must be ITA approved.  Any board not approved by the ITA CANNOT be used.  Our staff will be more than happy to help you select the correct board for your rank and age.

Rebreakable Boards are:

* Designed to be the most accurate and safest test of the speed, power and   accuracy of your skills.

* Have various difficulty levels to accommodate different ages and ranks.

Many of you purchased this equipment early in your training when it was first permitted.  If you have not yet purchased your rebreakable board please do so at your next class.

Once again, congratulations on achieving the rank of Brown Belt!
RED BELT
You have earned the rank of Red Belt.  Welcome to the first stage of advanced TaeKwonDo training.

The rank of Red Belt is considered by many to be one of the most demanding stages of TaeKwonDo training.

At this Rank it becomes critical that you maintain superior attendance and effort in the classroom.

Many new Red Belts find attending private lessons a valuable investment.

All of the Instructors are rooting for you as you enter this next challenge.

Good Luck, Future Black Belt!
BLACK BELT
Congratulations!!


  After years of training you have achieved your goal as an ITA Black Belt.  You should feel that you have arrived...yet, you have only just begun.  You can now begin to develop the deeper understanding of the art that comes with advanced rank and increased experience.
  Along with your new rank comes new responsibility.  You are no longer an intermediate student.  You will assume the privileges and responsibilities of an ITA Black Belt.
As a Black Belt your responsibilities include:

* Attend at least 3 classes per week.

* Train on your own twice per week reviewing past forms and one-steps weekly.

* Own and study the student manual.  You are responsible for reading and knowing policy and procedures.

* All Black Belts are expected to be judging at formal testings, attending Black Belt Camp, competing in tournaments, performing at demonstrations, etc..   As you advance in rank, consistent attendance at the functions becomes more, not less, important!

* You should begin to consider if you want to function in a teaching mode and notify instructor of your intentions so they can prepare you for the Instructor Trainee Test (Red Stripe Test).



   Remember, in order to be a Decided 1st degree Black Belt you must test and pass again with your new form (Gwang Gae Pattern) before 6 months or 3 belt tests have passed.  Failure to do so may result in loss of Black Belt status and reinstatement of the rank of Senior Red Belt.   Many students choose to test at the very next rank test after receiving their Probationary 1st Degree Black Belt.
At the TaeKwonDo Academy, specialized Black Belt classes are available.  These classes are important for your growth and should be consistently attended.  You may also want to travel to nearby TaeKwonDo Academies and train with their Black Belts.  You are expected to attend and document formal classes that number a minimum of 16 per 8 week cycle.
  If you have any questions regarding your rank, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Your instructor will be ready to assist you in any way we can.
  Once again, Congratulations!
Remember, winners never quit..........Good Luck!