About Tae Kwon Do
- Tae Kwon Do is from Korea.
- It literally means, "the way of the hand and foot."
- It is a hard style consisting largely of kicks.
- It is known for long and low stances.
About Modern Arnis
- Modern Arnis was founded by Grand Master Remy Presas
- Master Presas traveled throughout the Phillipine Islands to gather together the many independent styles.
- Modern Arnis is a soft style focusing on weapon and open hand techniques.
About American Chang Moo Kwon
- American Chang Moo Kwon is an expanded form of the traditional style of Chang Moo Kwon
- American Chang Moo Kwon was founded by Sa Bu Nim Thomas Zoppi.
- Instead of a dominant kicking style, American Chang Moo Kwon uses about 50% kicks and 50% strikes.
- The Philipino art of Modern Arnis is integrated into American Chang Moo Kwon.
- The style emphasizes a balance not only between hard and soft styles but physical and mental disciplines.
About our Korean Titles
- Bo Ja Nim - An instructor or assistant instructor who has not yet reached 1st degree black belt.
- Yu Dan Ja Nim - A 1st or 2nd degree black belt instructor
- Kyo Bum Nim - A 3rd degree or higher black belt instructor.
- Sa Bum Nim - A 4th degree black belt or higher who is also the chief instructor.
About our Ranking System
- Colored belts are referred to as Gups.
- The Gups are:
- Advanced Brown Belt
- Brown Belt
- Advanced Blue Belt
- Blue Belt
- Advanced Green Belt
- Green Belt
- Advanced Yellow Belt
- Yellow Belt
- Advanced White Belt
- White Belt
- The advanced ranks are represented by a colored stripe of the next highest rank on the ends of the student's belt.
- First Degree and higher are referred to as Dans.
- The first four black belt levels are:
- 1st degree - Cho Dan
- 2nd degree - I Dan
- 3rd degree - Sam Dan
- 4th Degree - Sa Dan
- Between Advanced Brown Belt and First Degree is a rank called Provisional Black Belt.
- Provisonal Black Belt, also referred to as Cho Dan Bo, is a probationary rank that usually lasts for a minimum of one year.
