In taekwondo schools, they use colored belts to indicate that a student has progressed from one rank to another. The junior ranks are known as gup while the senior rank is known as dan, or black belt. Belt systems vary between different schools. However, the most common system uses only six belt colors: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black.   What Does Each Belt Signify?   White Belt Every student must begin at this level. They usually begin at the 10th geup level. The color white is an indicator of innocence and this belt is given to the student the moment they enter the school. Before they advance to the next level, they must gain a yellow stripe in their belt.                                  Yellow Belt This is the first rank that a student is promoted to. It signifies the sun and the earth. The two elements are necessary for growth and therefore serve as an indicator that the student is still growing. Half way between the yellow belt and the next belt rank, the student is given a green stripe.   Green The green belt is used to show that the student is still growing and has great potential for growth. At this stage, the student is unrefined and is still developing strength and growing into the art. Before they advance to the next level, the student will be given a blue stripe.   Blue The color blue signifies the sky. The sky is the limit and students should aim to reach the other ranks. They are usually given a red stripe before they advance to the next rank.   Red This belt signifies the final stage of the junior belt ranks before the student advances to the black belt. The color red is associated with danger and it warns other students that the student is becoming a skilled fighter. When the student receives a black stripe on their belt it shows that they are half way up to reaching the black belt rank.   Black The black belt indicates that the student has reached maturity. They are given the rank of a first dan and are promoted from the junior ranks. From there, they can advance through the black belt ranks.   Other colors Some schools include other colors such as brown, purple, and orange in the junior rankings. These colors are not widely used and only remain in the schools or particular association. PREVIOUS PAGE |  NEXT PAGE

In Taekwondo, a student must strive to perfect their patterns so as to win tournaments. The following are some of the tips that you could use in order to perfect the patterns: 1. You don't have to think of the patterns; the primary goal is to execute them. This therefore means that you have to learn your patterns thoroughly. You can further sharpen your skills by performing them on both your right and left side. It might seem like it is unnecessary but it is still essential.                                   2. Your every move should have power and conviction. Students may have a flawless technique but they do not execute it properly. For instance, a student may just stick out their legs and arms. This is incorrect because every move should be executed as if you were actually striking, attacking or blocking an opponent.   3. Judges look for a variety of factors in every competition. When they call out your name, you must stand up and answer loudly; not like someone who was forced to come to the competition by their parents.   4. In a competition, the most critical movements include the first and the last. Judges use this to determine which competitor is superior. If your pattern is longer than that of your opponent's, ensure that you pay particular attention to the final move of your pattern. You should also finish in the spot where you started. PREVIOUS PAGE  |  NEXT PAGE

There's a certain chill in the air now that it's wintertime, and as much as we all want to snuggle in our blankets with warm mugs of coffee, the adventurous souls out there might be looking for something a bit different. If you're one of those people who're looking for new sports to master this winter season, you're in just the right place! Here are four winter sports that are bound to quench that thirst for seeking adventure in the snow.   Ski jumping You can't talk about winter sports without talking about skiing, but here's a variation you might not be as familiar with: ski jumping. It's as the name sounds; players slide down their skis from a curved ramp, and the one with the longest jump and the best style and form wins the competition. All you need to start ski jumping is your standard ski gear and a helmet. You don't need to take any official classes, although that can help speed up the learning process.   Snow polo We all know about polo, but have you ever tried to play the winter version of this sport? This game involves the same rules and requirements of regular polo, except it is played on frozen ground rather than grass. The players are divided into two teams of four, and they use mallets to score goals at the opposite ends of the field. Snow polo also involves additional conveniences for the players, such as a bigger and brighter ball and special grips for the horses to help them stay steady on the ice.   Dog sledding This sport is perfect for you if you're an animal and nature lover. Originating from Alaska, where big dogs help to pull sleds in the transportation of goods, dog sledding eventually transitioned into a famous sport played in icy regions. The basic premise of the sport requires the participants to create a team of powerful and fast sled dogs, and the one who can get across the finish line the fastest is considered the winner.   Snowmobiling While many people associate snowmobiling as a recreational activity, it's actually a competitive sport that is played in tournaments as well. If you're a beginner, you're bound to find it challenging, but with time and practice, you'll get the hang of the basics of riding a snowmobile in no time. Once you're well-acquainted with the features of the mobile, you can take it out for a ride. Start off slow but gradually pick up pace as you get used to the ride. You can also challenge yourself by trying out different terrains, although always check the weather and any hazardous avalanche predictions in that area beforehand. The four sports we've shared can seem a bit daunting and challenging to master at the start, but the effort will surely pay off once you've put in enough hours! Pick a sport you enjoy, set your goals for the winter, and above all, make sure you enjoy every moment of the process. We wish you the best of luck in your icy endeavors!

Starting as a beginner at boxing may seem daunting since there's so much to learn and do. This confusion regarding where and how to start is further enhanced by the various boxing montages that can be seen on various TV shows and movies. It is essential for a beginner to keep things as simple as possible to build a strong foundation that you can develop over time.    Decide where to train. The first step includes deciding whether you need to go to the gym for training or are considering training at home. This initial decision is based on whether you want to train like an expert with professional equipment or choose boxing as a side hobby and can make do with little to no equipment you can acquire in your home. If you're talking about the former approach, you need to ensure that the gym is close to your residence or workplace and has the equipment that pertains to your specific needs. You can do this by visiting various local gyms and making a decision based on your personal preference.    Get in contact with a coach. Secondly, it is exceedingly helpful to have a trainer who will guide you through the entire process and ensure that your technique and ability develop as needed. You can check whether the coach will be right for you by asking various necessary questions, such as their coaching philosophies. This insight will help you understand whether they will be the right fit for you.    Do your research. If you're training at home and want to get the best out of your training, it is essential to research various aspects, starting with the initial forms, such as the boxing stance. A boxing stance should help you strike and defend yourself equally. Then, it is important to start small with right and left jabs and repeat them until you have perfected the form and the technique so that it becomes easier for you to build up from them in the future. In this stage, you can utilize various resources, such as video tutorials and books.    Remember to focus on footwork. Another critical thing to consider, whether you're training at home or a gym, is that you need to focus on your footwork. This will help you to build a rhythm that can be seen in your boxing. Not only this, but it also helps you help you cover ground when you are trying to strike or are in the process of defending a strike.    Diversify your training. You should also include a form of cardio and conditioning exercise, such as jump rope, in your routine, which will help build your stamina and improve your boxing. Having a diet plan that suits your body's specific requirements and fitness goals can also be a huge asset. Make sure you don't get too into the boxing part and start neglecting other vital aspects of your fitness journey.  Once you've followed all these steps, you can start boxing in no time!