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Is TaeKwon-Do with Destiny Martial Arts right for me?This document has been created with the seeker in mind… the person who is wondering if they have what it takes to step up to the next level in every area of their life. The person who wants to see positive change in themselves or their children; the person who wants to be someone who lives a life of excellence and achievement… someone who aspires to something extraordinary.

Please review these details in full before making your decision. The road to black belt is a rewarding one. The life dedicated to martial arts is not for everyone, but those who understand that great achievement requires dedication, grit and perseverance will find the way of TaeKwon-Do to be entirely fulfilling.

A Brief History of TaeKwon-Do:

TaeKwon-Do was developed by a Korean military General by the name of Hong Hi Choi. This Korean Martial Art was a mix of two other martial arts: Shotokan Karate and an ancient foot fighting martial arts called Taekyon. Originally designed to teach the Korean military in unarmed combat, it was considered a fighting system as opposed to a martial art. Shortly after the creation of TKD, Choi formed the Korean TaeKwon-Do Association (KTA) eventually dissolving the KTA and forming the International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF) on March 11th, 1966. The ITF was at that point the only TaeKwon-Do organization in the world. General Choi and his family were eventually exiled from Korea for political reasons and he began to spread the art of TaeKwon-Do on a global basis.

In 1973 – as a show of defiance against Choi – the Korean government formed the World TaeKwondo Federation (WTF). The WTF system evolved to emphasize sport and competition far more than it is rooted in the original martial art and defence tactics and this shows in the techniques they use today. Impractical and limited in its effectiveness, WTF TaeKwondo bears very little if any resemblance to the authentic ITF TaeKwon-Do style and it’s philosophies.

At Destiny Martial Arts we practice authentic ITF TaeKwon-Do and highly practical and effective self-defence skills; the club is a member of both ITF HQ Korea and ITF Union.

Destiny Martial Arts Leadership:

Destiny Martial Arts students are privileged to train under one of the most highly skilled TaeKwon-Do instructors in the world. Master Dana Johnson – 7th Degree – has trained directly under and was awarded his 4th degree directly from the founder of TaeKwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi. Master Johnson also holds a 3rd Degree black belt in Japanese Ju-Jitsu and was control tactics instructor for the Alberta Justice Staff College in Edmonton during his employment as a law enforcement officer. Master Johnson has taught martial arts seminars and courses throughout Europe, South East Asia and throughout North, Central and South America. He has also successfully coached international competitors to world championship wins.

Under Master Johnson’s leadership, Mr. Shaun Kirby – 4th Degree, and Mr. Jori Parrott – 4th Degree, oversee all training programs within the organization including Kinder Kickers, our kids’ program (7-12 years) and our Adults program (13 years & up). Mr. Kirby and Mr. Parrott are assisted by all Destiny Martial Arts black belts and many senior-ranking colour belts in class; this is a key element of martial arts – that those who achieve the higher ranks pass on their knowledge to the juniors.

Destiny Martial Arts is a non-profit society with a Board of Directors who oversees all activity of the club.

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Key Components of TaeKwon-Do:

Fundamental MovementsPatternsSelf-DefenceContinuous or “Free” SparringBoard Breaking – Power and SpeedTheory & Knowledge

The Student Oath:

I shall observe the tenets of TaeKwon-DoI shall respect my instructors and seniorsI shall never misuse TaeKwon-DoI shall be a champion of freedom and justiceI shall build a more peaceful world

The Tenets of TaeKwon-Do:

CourtesyIntegrityPerseveranceSelf-ControlIndomitable Spirit

Belt Levels & Minimum Time Between Ranks:

White Belt – 10th Gup: 4-6 weeksYellow Stripe – 9th Gup: 6 weeksYellow Belt – 8th Gup: 2 monthsGreen Stripe – 7th Gup: 3 monthsGreen Belt – 6th Gup: 3 monthsBlue Stripe – 5th Gup: 4-6 monthsBlue Belt – 4th Gup: 6 monthsRed Stripe – 3rd Gup: 6 monthsRed Belt – 2nd Gup: 6 monthsBlack Stripe – 1st Gup: 1 year

Black Belt Levels & Titles:

Black Belt – 1st Dan – Boosabum (Junior Instructor)Black Belt – 2nd DanBlack Belt – 3rd DanBlack Belt – 4th Dan – Sabum (Instructor)Black Belt – 5th DanBlack Belt – 6th DanBlack Belt – 7th Dan – Sahyun (Master)Black Belt – 8th DanBlack Belt – 9th Dan – Saseong (Grandmaster)

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Training Schedule:

At Destiny Martial Arts, we aim to transform lives. This is not your typical after-school activity but a life-long commitment to achieving greater success and personal character growth. It is expected that all DMA students wish to train and progress and that they will make every effort to take ownership of their own success. We understand that everyone goes through challenges of varying types that can make regular training difficult: stresses at school, injuries, life events (birth of a baby, death, divorce) etc. but our aim is that our students will endeavor to persevere through these challenges with grace and heart.

Our club trains year-round with students choosing to attend twice a week in either Calgary or Airdrie. While our schedule is reduced to 1 class per week through July and August, it is expected our students will attend classes year-round and maintain their membership without interruption except for extenuating circumstances e.g. major injury, moving for college, etc. Any student wishing to suspend their membership at any time will be subject to re-application and may not be accepted for re-enrollment in our programs following their leave.

Gear Requirements:

Do Bok (Training Uniform)

All students require a Destiny Martial Arts branded ITF Do Bok; this is the white training uniform worn in ITF TaeKwon-Do. The Do Bok must be worn on all training and competition occasions. It must be kept clean and in good repair and must be replaced when it becomes stained or no longer fits the student. If an undershirt is worn under the Do Bok, it must be white in colour with no graphics. We wear the white Do Bok to symbolize the traditional colour of the Korean costume.

Sparring Gear (Protective Equipment)

All students require a full set of sparring gear within 6 weeks of registration or by the time they reach yellow stripe or 9th gup. Full sparring gear includes head and hand protection, foot protection, mouth guard and groin cup for males. A groin cup is optional for females and shin pads are optional for all students. All sparring gear must be ordered through Destiny Martial Arts. While gear may be purchased in white, black, blue or red, blue and red are the official competitive colours for TaeKwon-Do competition. Any students wishing to compete at higher levels will be required to use red or blue protective equipment.

Club-Wear & Branded Apparel

As training progresses, students are highly encouraged to purchase additional club-wear and other gear including summer training t-shirt, club track suit, hooded sweatshirt and gear bag. Mass orders are placed periodically and are communicated via email to all DMA students. Family members of students are also highly encouraged to purchase club-wear to show support for Destiny Martial Arts and pride for our club and instructors.

Tournaments & Travel:

Competition is an integral part of martial arts training. As such, tournaments make up a vital part of our curriculum and local travel is required. Destiny Martial Arts typically participates in 3-4 tournaments within the province of Alberta annually: both in Edmonton area and our own DMA Challenge in Northeast Calgary. It is expected that all students regardless of rank or experience take part in these tournaments and that all DMA families support our student team. Tournament competition tests a student’s skills, character and indomitable spirit and forms a critical part of one’s development as a martial artist.

Tournament Fees range from $60-$80 per competitor per event and events generally last two days over a weekend. Students compete in patterns, continuous sparring and breaking divisions according to rank, age and size.

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Expectations of the Student:

1. Students must know and recite the ITF TaeKwon-Do student oath at the start of class. Students must be familiar with the Tenets of TaeKwon-Do and seek to demonstrate those characteristics in every facet of their lives.

2. Students must always wear a clean, complete uniform in good repair. The dobok must be clean and undamaged; the belt must be tied properly and should never be dragged on the floor.

3. Students must stop, come to attention and bow to all black belts as a greeting and to show respect for their rank. Bowing is a tradition within TaeKwon-Do that shows respect for rank, an opponent or training partner. It is a staple practice in our discipline.

4. Students must arrive early to class and be on the training floor on time. If a student arrives late, the or she should enter the training floor, bow to the instructor and stand at the door waiting for an invitation to join the class in progress. A student should never interrupt an instructor.

5. Students are expected to train with the club twice a week – either in Airdrie or in Calgary. Any student missing two or more classes in a row should send an email to info@destinymartialarts.com with a valid reason for being excused from training. Missed sessions can and should be made up at the alternate location or through personal training at home.

6. Students must scan their attendance cards prior to each class to ensure they maintain their training schedule and test for each new rank at the appropriate time. Failure to scan in may result in delayed belt grading.

7. Students requiring extra warm-up time due to age or physical limitations should ensure they arrive early enough to complete a personal warm-up session in advance of the class start time. In-class warm-ups will consist of fundamental movements and mild dynamic stretching.

8. When a student is addressed by an instructor, he or she must answer with, “Yes, Sir” or “No, Sir,” “Yes, Ma’am,” or “No, Ma’am,” as appropriate.

9. When asked to sit, all students must sit cross-legged facing the instructor with hands folded or on their knees and back straight. Exceptions will be made for those with physical limitations.

10. Just like any other personal discipline in art, music or sport, students are expected to practice what they learn in the dojang or on the training floor in their personal time. Regular personal practice should include fundamental movements and patterns up to and including a student’s junior and senior pattern for their rank. Daily practice is ideal.

11. Students must endeavor to maintain good physical fitness. Martial arts include personal discipline and character development in addition to speed, agility, strength, and mental acuity. As such, it is expected each student will aim to diligently prepare their body for the tasks involved with regular cardiovascular training and mobility/stretching.

12. Students represent Destiny Martial Arts any time they are in uniform or club-wear. Smoking, drunkenness, loud cursing and disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. This applies to students at the training facility, competition facility, or any other public place. Take pride in your club and your instructors by showing your best side at all times.

13. All students are expected to participate in the tournaments that Destiny Martial Arts attends in Alberta and to wear the requisite uniform and club-wear, showing support for each and every DMA competitor. Our tournaments are suitable for every rank from white belt through black belt.

14. Loyalty is paramount within the martial arts tradition. A student should always seek to elevate his or her instructor or Master. Any student wishing to attend a class, seminar or other event at another dojang must obtain permission prior to attending so that a proper introduction can be made.

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In class conduct:

» Long hair must be tied back with a plain hair tie » No jewellery, watches or bright hair accessories are

to be worn » Practice good hygiene with clean and trimmed

finger and toenails » Food and drinks are not allowed on the training

floor nor is gum chewing permitted » Turn away from instructors when adjusting uniforms

and belts » Students are not to be talking in class unless told to

do so by their instructor » Keep gear bags neat and tidy with all personal

effects tucked neatly inside » Ask permission before leaving the training floor to

use the washroom » Students are not to teach other students unless

instructed to do so by their senior » Sparring outside of the dojang is not permitted » Ensure your instructor is aware of any medical

conditions that affect your training » Students are required to bring a water bottle to class

We are excited that you are considering joining Destiny Martial Arts. We believe in the power of TaeKwon-Do to transform lives, hearts, minds and attitudes – to create champions who are empowered to take on every challenge in life and to learn to defend themselves and to stand up for the oppressed.

We look forward to hearing from you. If you’re ready to take the first step with us, please submit our online registration application to get started.

TaeKwon!