Twin Dragons Martial Arts & Fitness wants to ensure students feel comfortable in adjusting to a new setting. This section covers proper studio etiquette, understanding the class opening ceremony, belt ranking system and membership in the World Tang Soo Do Association. Students should demonstrate the proper Tang Soo Do spirit not only during training, but also at home, school and work.

• Studio Etiquette
• Class Opening/Closing
• Belt Requirements
• Membership Information

• Arrive at ten to fifteen minutes before the class is scheduled to start.
• Salute the flags when entering and leaving the training area.
• As a sign of respect, all students should bow to Black Belts upon greeting them.
• Avoid conversation during class that may disturb other students, especially during forms and sparring.
• No horseplay in the hallway or training area is allowed. Horseplay may cause injuries or disturb class.
• Warm-up prior to class.
• Wear a clean white uniform with no marking except the indication of your school and appropriate patches.
• Do not wear jewelry or watches during class. Wearing jewelry may cause injuries.
• Students and instructors should use Korean terminology at all times.
• Observe the rules and codes of Tang Soo Do to the best of your ability.
• All students should take part in maintaining the cleanliness of Twin Dragons.
• Students should notify their instructor in advance of prolonged absences.
• Instructors should be notified of any illnesses or injuries a student may be experiencing.

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For the opening and closing ceremony, students will line up according to rank and seniority. The higher ranking member will be on the right. Once the front line is positioned, students in subsequent lines will line up directly behind a senior. This process should be done as quickly as possible, with no conversation or conflicts. The instructor will take a position in the front center of the class.

The following commands will be given:

• Cha Ryut (attention)
• Kukgi Bae Rye (salute the flag)
• Ba Ro (return)
• Ahn Jo (take a sitting position)
• Muk Yum (meditation)
• Ba Ro (return)
• Kwan Chang Nim E Kyung Yet (bow to Grandmaster)
• Yu Dan Ja Nim E Kyung Yet (bow to Black Belts)
• Sun Bae Nim E Kyung Yet (bow to senior student)
• Boo Sah Bum Nim E Kyung Yet (bow to 3rd Degree Instructor)
  or Kyo Sa Nim E Kyung Yet (bow to 2nd Degree Instructor)
  or Boo Kyo Sa Nim E Kyung Yet (bow to 1st Degree Instructor)

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In order to progress in rank, Twin Dragons and the World Tang Soo Do Association requires a minimum number of classes and time between Belt Tests, knowledge of appropriate one-steps (il soo sik) and self defense (ho sin sul) techniques, and proficiency performing required forms (hyungs). In general, a student who attends class regularly should expect to test every three months.

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Upon successful completion of a student's first belt test, they are registered with the World Tang Soo Do Association. Members receive an association manual, which explains the history of Tang Soo Do, rules of behavior, testing requirements, terminology, etc. Members also receive an association identification card, which Twin Dragons maintains. This card serves as a student's training transcript.

The World Tang Soo Do Association is an international organization with studios on six continents. Color belt membership is a lifetime membership as long as the student remains active in the Association. The identification card is honored by all studios in the Association. This way, if students move during their color belt training period, they may join a World Tang Soo Do Association school in their new location at their current ranking.

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The content contained within this page is the property of Twin Dragons Martial Arts & Fitness and the World Tang Soo Do Association. The images and information contained herein may not be reproduced without the expressed permission of Twin Dragons and the World Tang Soo Do Association Headquarters. This page was created and is maintained by Charles Dunn and Twin Dragons.

World Tang Soo Do Association Headquarters
709 Oregon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-468-2121
Fax: 215-336-2121
E-mail: WTSDA@aol.com