Frequently Asked Questions
Following is a list of frequently asked questions:
- When are classes held?
- Who teaches the classes?
- What will I learn?
- What are the fees for participating in the class?
- Are community members eligible to join the club?
- When can I join the class?
- Can I wear my old uniform in class?
- Are there any rules I am supposed to follow in class?
- What are my opportunities to compete?
- What else does the Stanford TKD club do?
- What promotional ranking system does Stanford TKD use?
- What are the requirements for testing?
- How do I choose my uniform size?
- How do I find out more information?
1. When are classes held?
Please refer to our schedule page for the most up to date class times for the current quarter. Classes for all belt levels are held two evenings during the week. For interested members of all belt levels, additional and optional workouts are offered on Saturday mornings. These classes offer more rigorous aerobic workouts and are sparring-oriented.
2. Who teaches the classes?
The Stanford Taekwondo Club is pleased to welcome 5th Dan Master Tim Ghormley as the master instructor for the club as of January 2000. Black belt student instructors (1st Dan - 3rd Dan) aid in class instruction for the beginner and intermediate classes.
3. What will I learn?
A typical class begins with some warm-up exercises and stretching. Next the class practices basic kicks and footwork, complemented by punches and blocks. Poomse, which are memorized forms consisting of series of basic moves, and occasionally self-defense techniques are included. In the latter half of class we often practice kicking of paddles and partner drills with combination kicks. During Saturday classes the emphasis is on sparring to prepare members for tournament competition.
4. What are the fees for participating in the class?
The class requires a fee of $80 (Stanford Students, Faculty, and Staff) per quarter for access to all classes, equipment (including paddles and rebreakable boards for kicking), and other instruction. This fee covers a modest honorarium to our master instructor, the use of Burnham Pavilion and the Arillaga Mat room, as well as other Club activities and costs throughout the year. This registration fee is not refundable and cannot be prorated. Please follow the registration link on the About Page. It is due by the end of the second week of practice. High-quality ribbed uniforms imprinted with the Stanford logo are available for $45 each. Finally, quarterly color belt promotional tests require a $25 fee to cover administrative and equipment costs, as well as to subsidize our traditional post-test celebratory dinner.
5. Are community members eligible to join the club?
Unfortunately, community members are not allowed to particpate in most club activities according the University policies.
6. When can I join the class?
The only time to join is at the beginning of each academic quarter, so that we can maintain our flow of instruction.
7. Can I wear my old uniform in class?
Only uniforms without a logo of other martial arts studios or programs are allowed in class.
8. Are there any rules I am supposed to follow in class?
Please see the Rules.
9. What are my opportunities to compete?
We hold our annual Stanford Taekwondo Spring Open Tournament in late May or early June. This is a good opportunity for Stanford TKD members to enter poomsae and/or sparring competition. Those not interested in competing often volunteer as judges, referees, and scorers. Other local and regional tournaments throughout the year are also good opportunities to get experience in competition.
10. What else does the Stanford TKD Club do?
The Stanford Taekwondo Club performs demonstrations around campus throughout the year and in the past has performed for the International Festival and the Multicultural Springfest. Once or twice a year we organize special seminars on topics such as board-breaking, sparring strategies, and refereeing. Several times a year members go out for dinner and other fun social events.
11. Which Poomsae is learned for each belt level at Stanford TKD?
| Belt Level | Kup/Dan | Poomsae (Forms) |
| Black belt (4th degree) | 4th Dan | Pyongwon, Sipjin |
| Black belt (3rd degree) | 3rd Dan | Taebaek |
| Black belt (2nd degree) | 2nd Dan | Keumgang |
| Black belt (1st degree) | 1st Dan | Koryo |
| Advanced red belt | 1st Kup | Taeguk Pal-jang |
| Red belt | 2nd Kup | Taeguk Chil-jang |
| Advanced blue belt | 3rd Kup | Taeguk Yuk-jang |
| Blue belt | 4th Kup | Taeguk Oh-jang |
| Advanced green belt | 5th Kup | Taeguk Sa-jang |
| Green belt | 6th Kup | Taeguk Sam-jang |
| Advanced yellow belt | 7th Kup | Taeguk Ee-jang |
| Yellow belt | 8th Kup | Taeguk Il-jang |
| White belt | 9th Kup | Kibon Il-jang |
12. What are the requirements for testing?
There are minimum attendance requirements and skill requirements for belt testing. This is to foster both aspects of the martial art for our members. It is also at our coaches' discretion to refer you to test based on your performance during practice.
Attendance requirements: Let n be the number of days off from academic classes (ie holidays) in said quarter. To test, we require:
- At least 0.8(16 - n) classes must be attended. (For winter 2024, n=2. For spring 2024, n=1)
- At least 7 of these classes must be regular classes:
- For those testing for yellow/high yellow/green belts, these regular classes MUST be beginner classes unless you talk to one of the coaches
- For those testing for high blue and beyond, these regular classes MUST be advanced.
- For those testing for high green/blue, either beginner or advanced classes work
13. How do I choose my uniform size?
Please use the size chart below to determine your appropriate uniform size.
Size - Height (Ft.) Weight (Lbs.)
3 - 4'11" - 5'2" 85 - 125
4 - 5'3" - 5'6" 105 - 150
5 - 5'7" - 5'9" 135 - 175
6 - 5'10" - 6'0" 165 - 200
7 - 6'0" - 6'3" 190 - 220
8 - 6'3" - 6'5" 210 - 260
9 - 6'5" and over 240 - 290
14. How do I find out more information?
Please see the Contact page for information on how to contact a particular club officer or staff member, and on how to sign up on one of our e-mail lists.
