Hey Guys.
My goal in all of this, is to one day in the not so distant future.. open and run my own Tae Kwon Do/martial arts school. I want to share what I have learned with others. I've never had a firm grasp on what I wanted to do once my dreams of becoming a rock star were over, but I think I have finally found a common ground between having a normal job, and doing something extroardinary. I've been tossing around ideas, with another instructor friend of mine, and another friend who studies TKD with me as well (1st dan, we are talking about doing this as partners).
I'm wanting to open the school in a town about 30 minutes from where our current school is. There used to be a school there years ago, but since then.. nothing. The school did well in those days, except for the instructor angering parents being too rough with his students (I started there).
Anyway, here are a few of the ideas I have right now that I am gonna start compiling out in a notebook to keep track of. I plan to teach as an assistant instructor at my own school before any of this happens, but its fun to plan ahead and research how "I" would do things if it were me.
Here goes..
Belt Structure
(between each belt level. Students would have that chance to earn 3 stripes. These stripes would represent a part of the curriculum that the student has excelled at. Sparring, Self Defense, or Form. They must get all 3 stripes to test for the next color belt.)
White - 3 yellow stripes
Yellow - 3 green stripes
green - 3 blue stripes
Blue - 3 red stripes
Red - 3 black stripes
Recommended Black (black belt with red stripe in middle)
1st dan.
I'm liking the fact that there are only six actual belts, though I'll touch on the half belt in a moment.
The tape stripes: Not a big fan of them. I think that they look sloppy (my opinion) and are unnecessary. On the other hand, they can be a good teaching tool and a good motivator, and since you indicate that there will be no charge for the tape stripes, if you like it then do it.
I'm not sure that a 'recommended' blackbelt needs an additional belt between red and black. I've always seen this as an unnecessary test and another fee. I'd save the halvsy belt for the kids. And speaking of kids...
Class Structure
Adults - Adults are considered age 12+.
Kids - The kids class will consist of kids ages 8-12. I thought about starting them earlier. But there are very few kids out there who can grasp what needs to be grasped.. THAT early. The belt structure for the kids class would be the same as the adults. With the exception of the grading. Once the child reaches Black Belt he will be granted a "JR BLACK BELT" which will basically be a black belt with "JR BLACK BELT" embroirdered in white on the end. Basically this signifies that this student has completed the curriculum as it is taught to those under the age of 12. Once the student attains JR BLACK BELT. He or she has the option to join the adults class (even if younger than 12, which won't be likely). Once in the adults class, the student will then begin a review of all the material covered in the kids version of the class, on an adult level. The grading scale will increase, and the child will then have to perfect what one has learned. After they have achieved a level of "adult" learning, They will test for 1st dan black belt as an adult. If the JR BLACK BELT is not 12 years old, and wishes to remain in the kids class. They can do so and continue to do the curriculum but will not test again until they are moved to the adult class.
...this is where a halvsy belt should be used. Junior blackbelt is another blackbelt that needs to be explained. I would stick with the halvsy red/black belt. The rest of it is fine. Once again, if you're comfortable with having junior blackbelts, that is up to you. Some very good schools use them. Personally, I feel that it muddies the waters.
Testings
I would like to schedule testings at set intervals. Testing for belt colors of all ranks, would be done on a weekend. Preferably during the evening. I would like to make a big deal about it when students test. I want them to feel like they have earned something, and not just another belt. Almost like a graduation ceremony. Maybe some speakers, special guest instructors/testers, demonstrations and refreshements. etc.
One of the advantages you have with only five colored belts and one half belt is that you won't be testing so frequently that such occasions become so common that they become
commonplace. Also, special guests and parties are more financially feasible with the limited belt number you mention, so this is a good idea.
What do you guys think so far?
I think that you have a good start with putting together your structure. Sounds like you have your curriculum picked out. I would strongly suggest keeping the curriculum as focused as possible. Your ITF taekwondo curriculum and nothing more would be my suggestion. If you want to add some practical SD techniques, that is okay, but not any more than that. No matter how well intentioned, the larger the curriculum becomes, generally, the less skill the students have in each piece of it because they're trying to learn too much.
Best wishes to you!
Daniel
