Welcome to our school. This introduction to our Art is designed to answer some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions, please feel free to speak with one of our instructors at the school or contact us by e-mail or phone (contact information on page 3).
Our Art - Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do literally translated is “China Hand Way.” “Tang” implies our origins in China’s ancient Tang dynasty. “Soo” means hand or fist and implies our physical training in the art of self-defense. “Do” means way, or way of life.
Tang Soo Do is a blend of the “soft,” circular movements from our Chinese ancestry blended with the “hard,” powerful Korean kicking styles.
Originally the martial arts were created for self-defense, but through evolution it has become much more than just kicking and punching. It is a way of training to improve our body, mind, and spirit.
Affiliation
We are proud to be members of the World Tang Soo Do Association with over 100,000 members and growing. Our association covers 36 countries worldwide on six continents with more than 500 member studios. This means any student can easily transfer to another studio and have recognized certification.
Our organization is led by Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin. He has studied and developed our Art for over 50 years, has been featured in numerous martial arts magazines, and is also known to be Chuck Norris’s original instructor.
For more information on the association, go to the web page at www.worldtangsoodo.com. The association provides certification for promotional testing, newsletters and many other benefits for the student.
Instructors
All our instructors are certified with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Master Roy Uttech, head instructor, has been training and teaching since 1979. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the World Tang Soo Do Association, is the Regional Director for Alaska, and teaches regularly at the Master’s Clinic held annually in Alabama.
Mrs. Stephanie Simpson started training in Tang Soo Do at the age of 5. She is a Third Degree Black Belt, has been training in Tang Soo Do since 1987, and has been teaching since 1995.
Mrs. Lena Crane has been training in Tang Soo Do since 1994. She is a Third Degree Black Belt and has been teaching since 2002.
Our Philosophy, Objectives, and Expectations
We consider ourselves a traditional style, focusing on honor, integrity, and discipline. We strive to instill honorable values in our students so that they may be as prepared as possible for nature’s constant changes. We challenge students to try their best, both physically and mentally. We do not emphasize any one component of the art (such as fighting), but all areas are emphasized to assure balance of mind, body, and spirit.
Our ultimate objectives are:
- Self-defense.
- Health – we promote physical and mental health.
- Self-improvement – we strive to improve character by instilling confidence and discipline through our training program.
Our expectations are high for all our students, but we understand that improvement comes through the student’s effort, one step at a time. We, as instructors, show the way and motivate the student when required, but ultimately all the students must earn their way through the ranks, for it is the journey towards the goal that is most important. Integrity, honor, respect, discipline, and responsibility are products of this effort.
Class Formats
We use Korean terminology during class for basic commands and techniques and to help the students develop good memorization skills.
- Joint rotation and warm-up
- Warm up and stretch
- Basic techniques – punches, blocks, kicks, combinations
- Forms (Hyung)
- One-step techniques (prearranged combinations with partner)
- Instructor’s choice – sparring, ground defense, three-step techniques, pad work, weapons, street fighting techniques, etc.
Fees
Initiation Fee
New students are required to register with the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA).
The one-time fee is $25 and includes:
- Lifetime Gup membership and registration into WTSDA
- Student manual
- Patches for uniform
- WTSDA membership card
- Quarterly WTSDA newsletter
Monthly Fees
Monthly fees are due the first week of the month.
Teens & adults: Two classes per week (4 hours of class per week)
$65 for 1 month
$180 for 3 consecutive months
$330 for 6 consecutive months
Three classes per week (6 hours of class per week, September through May)
$70 for 1 month
$190 for 3 consecutive months
$335 for 6 consecutive months
Kids, ages 7-12: Two classes per week (2 hours of class per week)
$50 for 1 month
$140 for 3 consecutive months
$275 for 6 consecutive months
Three classes per week (4 hours of class per week, September through May)
$65 for 1 month
$180 for 3 consecutive months
$330 for 6 consecutive months
Little Dragons, age 5-7: Two classes per week (two ½-hour classes)
$40 for 1 month
$110 for 3 months
$210 for 6 months
Family rate: 10% discount for immediate family (spouse, parent & child, siblings).
Promotional Testing Fees
Little Dragons testing fee - $20
Gup (Colored Belt) testing fee - $35
Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt candidate) testing fee - $60
All testing fees include certification and belt. Fees will be refunded if the test is not passed.
Other testing expense will be cost of wood required for breaking as needed at $1 per board.
Promotional Requirements
Promotional tests are held as follows:
Adult Gup tests are held approximately every four months.
Cho Dan Bo test is private and is held at such time as the individual is deemed ready for the rank, a minimum of six months following prior test.
The purpose of testing is to show the student’s mental and physical growth. In order to pass the test, the student must be proficient in:
- Philosophy, terminology, and history of Tang Soo Do – written test (study aids provided beforehand)
- Forms (sequences of several techniques)
- One-step sparring (pre-arranged techniques with a partner)
- Self-defense techniques (with partner)
- Free fighting
- Breaking boards
- Attitude
- Attendance
- Physical endurance
As the student advances in rank, the requirements increase as well.
We strongly believe the student’s rank is earned through a challenging physical and mental test, rather than received by just attending class over a period of time. Each of these areas tests a student’s effort towards goals of self-defense, health, and self-improvement.
Required Student Equipment and Safety Rules
Uniform (Do Bohk) and belt of appropriate rank (uniforms available through the school at our wholesale cost)
Groin protection for males
Read and understand handout entitled “Free Sparring Rules”
No gum or food in class
No jewelry or watches worn in class
Keep fingernails and toenails short
Hand, foot, shin, and head gear as well as mouthpiece are required during certain exercises.
Class Schedule
Teens & adults Monday, Wednesday 6:10 to 8:00 PM
Saturday Noon to 2:00 PM (September through May)
Kids, ages 7-12 Monday, Wednesday 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Saturday Noon to 2:00 PM (September through May)
Little Dragons, ages 5-7 Monday, Wednesday 4:30-5:00 PM
Location
7751 King Street, Anchorage, Alaska
Contact Information
Roy Uttech 248-7650 roy.uttech@gmail.com
Stephanie Simpson 529-1566 blue_cimorene@hotmail.com
Lena Crane 229-3899 pialena@gci.net |