1. MCKENZIE’S
TAE KWON DO
AND SELF-DEFENSE
ACADEMY HANDBOOK

2. 1
Table of Contents
History......................................................................................... 2
Master Clifford McKenzie.......................................................... 3
Rules of the Academy................................................................. 4
Tenets.......................................................................................... 5
Student Behavior......................................................................... 7
The Students' Creed .................................................................... 7
The Students' Pledge ................................................................... 7
Student Uniform.......................................................................... 8
MEN ...................................................................................... 8
WOMEN................................................................................ 8
Meaning of Belt Colors............................................................... 9
Ranking....................................................................................... 9
Belt Requirements..................................................................... 10
Cost of Testing.......................................................................... 16
Theory of Power ....................................................................... 17
Korean Terminology................................................................. 18
Korean National Flag................................................................ 20

3. 2
History
Tae Kwon Do was a Korean-style martial art practiced in the Silla Dynasty of Korea
around 6th century A.D.
Originally, Silla possessed the smallest territory of the three kingdoms of Korea, and received
constant harassment and invasion from Koguryo in the north and Baekchae in the West.
During the reign of King Chin Hung (540 - 576) strong, patriotic youths were called upon and
formed into a military organization called the Hwa Rang-Do ("The way of the Flowering
Knights"). Under General Kim Yu-Sin (595 - 673), the bravery, honor, and valor of the Hwa
Rang-Do led to the unification of the three territories in 668 A.D.
During the Yi Dynasty (1393 – 1910), the art of valor was humiliated in Korea while the literary
arts were encouraged. Under the Japanese occupation in World War II, hand techniques were
introduced into the art and combined with extensive Korean foot techniques.
After the liberation, there was a movement to find the “real” name for this Korean martial art. In
1955, a special board of Tae Kwon Do masters, historians, and prominent leaders was formed.
The term “Tae Kwon Do” was unanimously accepted. "Tae" means to kick or smash with the
foot, "Kwon" means to punch with the fist with destructive power, and "Do" means art or
method.
Although many techniques have been changed and improved to conform with present-day
society, the same basic principles have been taught by most Tae Kwon Do instructors today, as
were practiced by the 6th century founders of the art. Those tenets are COURTESY,
INTEGRITY, PERSEVERANCE, SELF-CONTROL, and INDOMITABLE SPIRIT.
Today, Tae Kwon Do is taught as a very effective means of self-defense. Training combines total
body and mind involvement; hence, it is unsurpassed in developing a complete mentally- and
physically- fit body.
Tae Kwon Do is an encompassing art that can be taught and practiced by any person regardless
of their size, experience or physical handicap.
Tae Kwon Do has grown to be the most popular style in the martial arts field throughout the
world, particularly here in the United States where it was first introduced in the early 1960's. In
most cases, it is referred to as "Karate" as it is the term most understood by the American public.

4. 3
Master Clifford McKenzie
Master McKenzie runs one of the largest systems of Tae Kwon Do Schools in the Corpus
Christi, Texas area. His school has over 300 students - 75 black belts. He has trained Junior and
Senior National Champions from 1981 to Present. He has over 28 years in Tae Kwon Do, and is
one of the youngest 7th Dan black belts in the United States.
SpecialRecognition/ Accomplishments:
Korean Moo Duk Kwan Association for outstanding services, teachings, and dedication to the
Tae Kwon Do Art.
Featured in Tae Kwon Do Times.
Three-time Midwest Grand Champion.
Team Captain - Undefeated in over 200 matches.
Full contact Tae Kwon Do individual and team champion.
1978-80 – Junior lightweight Champion.
1981 - Midwest Grand Champion.
1982 - Lightweight Form and Sparring Champion.
1984 - Self-defense instructor for Women Take Back the Night Program.
1985 - Wisconsin Middleweight Champion - Sparring.
1986 - Wisconsin Champion - Form, Sparring and Breaking.
1987 - 89 Undefeated Midwest Middleweight, Lightweight and Heavyweight Champion.
1988 - 90 USTU coach for Wisconsin State University.
1992 - President of United Tae Kwon Do Association, USA.
1993 - Middleweight South Texas Champion.
1993 - Tournament director for "The Meeting of the Masters" Del Mar College.
1994 - Member U.S. Thai Boxing Association.
1995 - Member U.S Hapkido Association.
1996 - Caller-Times "Best of the Best - Martial Arts School".
1997 - Member AAU Tae Kwon Do.
1998 - Member of Traditional Tae Kwon Do Association - USA.

5. 4
Rules of the Academy
The purpose of these rules is primarily to ensure maximum benefit from the study of Tae Kwon
Do. Most rules have been part of Tae Kwon Do from its inception.
1. Bow to the flags and instructor when entering and leaving the Do Jang.
2. Do not enter class late nor leave class early without the permission of the instructor.
3. Bow before speaking to instructor(s) and shall address him as Sa-Bum-Nim, Sir, Mr.
______________ or Ms.______________.
4. Assume the position of attention while speaking to your instructor or any other Black
Belt Holder. Use words of consideration while speaking, such as "yes sir", "no sir" and
"pardon me".
5. Any use of profanity, obscene gestures or actions, or unnecessary roughness towards a
fellow student is prohibited.
6. No chewing gum.
7. Keep your body and uniform clean.
8. Any substitute teacher shall be treated as your regular instructor.
9. Do not give a demonstration or teach Tae Kwon Do without the approval of the Institute.
10. Do not engage in any activities that might degrade the code of Tae Kwon Do Ethics or
the reputation of the Institute.
11. All sparring activities must be supervised by a Black Belt.
 Disciplinary actions will be taken for violators of the above regulations. Penalties will vary at
the discretion of the Institute.

6. 5
Tenets
Courtesy(Ye Ui)
To be courteous means to always show respect, be polite, and be kind. Tae Kwon Do students,
and martial artists in general, should treat others how they wish to be treated.
Tae Kwon Do students should try to put into practice the following elements of etiquette:
To promote the spirit of mutual concessions. To be helpful to others without expecting praise or
reward. To be polite to one another. To show respect to one’s elders. To distinguish the
Instructor from student and senior from junior.
Integrity (Yum Chi)
One must be able to define right from wrong and have a conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt.
Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking.
 The Instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to
his students because of lack of knowledge or apathy.
 The student who misrepresents himself by “fixing” breaking materials before a
demonstration.
 The Instructor who camouflages bad techniques with luxurious training halls and false
flattery to his students.
 The student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
 The Instructor that teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gain.
Perseverance (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, “Patience leads to virtue or merit. One can make peaceful home
by being patient for 100 times.” Certainly, happiness and prosperity are brought to the patient
person. To achieve something, one must set the goals and then consistently strive to accomplish
that goal.
Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider
trying to spin its web. His perseverance and tenacity finally enabled him to free Scotland in the
14th century
One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader in Tae Kwon Do is to overcome every
difficulty by perseverance.

7. 6
Self-Control(Gukgi)
Whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one’s personal affairs, it is wise to practice
Self-Control. Do not be quick to excite or to anger. Always act as if you are under watch by an
instructor.
This tenet is extremely important both inside and outside the Do-Jang. A loss of self-control in
free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live within one’s
capability, or sphere, is also a lack of self-control.
Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)
“Here lie 300, who did their duty”
A simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind.
Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermopylae
showed the world the meaning of Indomitable Spirit. It is shown when a courageous person and
his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.
Containing a martial arts fighting spirit is a way of facing life. A martial artist is not afraid to
exercise what is right. To have an indomitable spirit means to resist temptations and be strong
minded. It means to defend the rights of yourself and others.
A student of Tae Kwon-Do will be modest and honest at all times. If confronted with injustice,
he will deal without any fear or hesitation at all with an indomitable spirit, regardless of
whosoever and however many the numbers may be.

8. 7
Student Behavior
1. Never tire of learning. A good student can learn anytime, anywhere. This is the secret of
knowledge.
2. A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his art and instructor. Many students feel that
their training is a commodity bought with monthly dues, and are unwilling to take part in
demonstrations, teaching, and working around the Do Jang. An instructor can afford to lose
this type of student.
3. Always set a good example for the lower ranking belt students. It is only natural that they
will attempt to emulate their senior students.
4. Always be loyal and never criticize the instructor, Tae Kwon Do, or the teaching methods.
5. If an instructor teaches a technique, practice it and attempt to utilize it.
6. Remember that a student's conduct outside the Do Jang reflects of the art and the instructor.
7. If a student adopts a technique from another Do Jang and the instructor disapproves of it, the
student must discard it immediately or train at the Do Jang where the technique was learned.
8. Never be disrespectful to the instructor. Though a student is allowed to disagree with the
instructor, the student must follow the instruction and then discuss the matter later.
9. A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions.
10. Never break a trust.
The Students' Creed
To build ourselves mentally and physically,
To build friendships with one another and be a strong group,
To never fight to achieve selfish ends,
But to develop might for right.
The Students' Pledge
This should be memorized by all students, regardless of rank.
 I will observe the principles of Tae Kwon Do
 I will respect the Instructor and all senior ranks
 I will never misuse Tae Kwon Do
 I will be a champion of freedom and justice
 I will build a more peaceful world

9. 8
Student Uniform
The student’s practice suit is called a Dobock. It is considered a primary necessity in training for
the following five reasons:
1. It should instill pride in the wearer as a practitioner of Tae Kwon Do.
2. It identifies individual capacity and degree of Tae Kwon Do cultural education attained.
3. Its style is symbolic of the Tae Kwon Do heritage and tradition.
4. Its grade and degree, which are noted with belt color, create incentive while at the same
time preserving humility.
5. It is extremely practical and healthy.
 It is very important for the wearer to keep the Dobock clean at all times, wear it correctly and
treat it with respect. When in the Dobock, remove all jewelry (including watches, rings,
necklaces and earrings).
MEN
 A supporter and cup are strongly recommended
 Must wear Dobock left side over right
WOMEN
 Must either wear a T-shirt or fasten the Dobock with a safety pin
 Must wear Dobock with right side over left
 A mouth guard and safety gear is required when sparring.

10. 9
Meaning of Belt Colors
WHITE - Signifies Innocence
YELLOW - Signifies Earth
ORANGE – Signifies Sun
GREEN - Signifies Growth
BLUE - Signifies Heaven
RED - Signifies Danger
BLACK - Signifies Maturity, Proficiency, and a Lack of Fear.
The above colors have not been arbitrarily chosen; they are in fact steeped in tradition. The
colors of black, red, and blue denoted the various levels of hierarchy during the Silla dynasty.
Ranking
White............................10th Gup
Yellow........................... 8th Gup
Orange........................... 7th Gup
Green............................. 6th Gup
High Green.................... 5th Gup
Blue............................... 4th Gup
High Blue...................... 3rd Gup
Red................................ 2nd Gup
Red-One Stripe.............. 1st Gup R
Red-Two Stripe............. 1st Gup D
Recommended Black...
Black 1st degree............ 1st Dan

11. 10
Belt Requirements
The following are a general guideline to what each student will be asked to demonstrate while
testing for the respective belt color. These requirements are subject to change.
1. Yellow Belt
Stances: Neutral, Horse, Front, ‘L’ Fighting, Kickboxing
Kicks: Front, Side, Roundhouse, Riser, Stepping Side, Outside Crescent
Blocks: Down, High, Side, Outside Forearm Block, Inside Forearm Block
Punches: h-m-l (horse stance), jab, cross (fighting stance), chop
Form: Chon-Ji
One-Steps: 1-5
Footwork: Box Pattern (w/step & slide, push step)
Breaking: Stepping Side-Kick
TKD Handbook: 5 Tenets of TKD, ‘1-10’ Korean, Student’s Pledge & Creed, Definition
TKD, Form Meaning
Self-Defense: 1. Timeline of a Crime (TOC) – 3 Stages
2. CQ Form-Part I: Negotiating Position, Index Palm, Palm Strike,
SPEAR, CQS
3. SPEAR Tactic vs. Haymaker, vs. Front Tackle
2. OrangeBelt
Yellow Belt +
Kicks: Reverse Side, Inside Crescent, Lead Roundhouse, Jumping Front
Blocks: Knife-Hand Guarding, Twin Forearm Guarding Block
Punches: Reverse Punch, Elbow Strike, Knife-Hand Strike, Back Fist
Form: Dan-Goon
One-Steps: 6-10
Footwork: Pendulum Step, Rear Parry/Catch/Cover
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: 5 Tenets of TKD (definition/application), Theory of Power, Form
Meaning, Belt Meaning
Self-Defense: 1. Explain Intuition & Enemies: Denial, Rationalization, Fears (3)
2. CQ Form-Part II: Elbow/Slap/Rake, SPEAR, Elbow, Knee, Front/X-
Axis Kick
3. Primal/Protective SPEAR vs. Haymaker, vs. Front Tackle

12. 11
3. Green Belt
Orange Belt +
Kicks: Lead Front & Side, Reverse Hook, Axe Kick, Reverse Crescent, Front
Fake Round
Blocks: X-block
Punches: Hook (long and short), Spear Hand, Ridge Hand
Form: Do-San
One-Steps: 11-15
Footwork: Bridging the Gap
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: ‘11-50’ Korean, Basic Korean Terms, Form Meaning, Belt Meaning
Self-Defense: 1. NVP Theory & Examples
2. CQS vs. grabs, takedown, pickups; SPEAR conversion using other CQ
tools
3. Ground I: mount hold-down, mount defenses, mount escapes
4. High-Green Belt
Green Belt +
Kicks: Switching Front, 360o Jumping Inside Crescent, Power Round
Blocks: Counter to Uppercut & Overhand
Punches: Uppercut, Overhand, Flat Spear Hand
Form: Won-Hyo
One-Steps: 16-20
Footwork: Slip/Bob/Duck/Shoulder Roll
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: Korean Terms, Basic Korean History, Form Meaning, Belt Meaning
Self-Defense: 1. CWCT Theory & Demo using CQ Form Tools
2. SPEAR Mirror Drill; SPEAR vs. Haymaker-Headlock-Tackle comb.
3. Ground II: tactical get-up, grounded kicking

13. 12
5. BlueBelt
High-Green Belt +
Kicks: Jumping Lead Leg Roundhouse
Blocks: Counter to 4-Count #1 & #2, Double Form Guarding Block
Punches: 4-Count #1: Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross; 4-Count #2: Cross, Hook, Cross,
Hook
Form: Yul-Guk
One-Steps: Self-Defense 1-6
Footwork: Slip/Bob/Duck/Shoulder Roll for 2-minute round vs. Partner (jab & cross)
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: Flag Meaning, Korean Terms, Korean History, Form Meaning, Belt
Meaning
Self-Defense: 1. Emotional Climate Training (ECT) Drill: vs. Haymaker vs. Front
Tackle
2. SPEAR recovery from “compromised” Haymaker, Front Tackle
3. Ground III: cross-side hold-down, cross-side defenses, cross-side
escapes
6. High-BlueBelt
Blue Belt +
Kicks: Jumping Lead Leg Sidekick, 360o Jumping Round
Blocks: Counter to 4-Count #3
Punches: 4-Count #3: Cross, Uppercut, Cross, Hook
Form: Hwa-Rang
One-Steps: Demonstrate and Explain 1-20 & Self-Defense 1-6 at judges request
Footwork: Demonstrate any of above for 2-minute round vs. Partner (jab, cross &
hook)
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: Korean Terms, Korean History, Form Meaning, Belt Meaning
Self-Defense: 1. Explain 3D Model of Self-Defense
2. Primal/Protective/Tactical SPEAR vs. Random Frontal Attack
3. Ground IV: guard position, guard defenses, guard escapes

14. 13
7. Red Belt
High-Blue Belt +
Kicks: Jumping Reverse Hook/Side/Crescent
Blocks: Counter to Uppercut & Overhand
Punches:
Form: Choong-Moo
One-Steps: Judges’ Choice
Footwork: Demonstrate any of above for 2-minute round vs. Partner (punches &
kicks)
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: Form Meaning, Belt Meaning, judges’ choice
Self-Defense: 1. Primal, Protective, Tactical SPEAR vs. Chokes
2. Ground: Demonstrate hold-downs for 2-minute round vs. Partner
3. Ground: Demonstrate escapes to tactical get-up for 2-minute round vs.
partner
8. High-Red I Belt
Red Belt +
Kicks: 360o Jumping Axe, Judges’ Choice
Blocks: Judges’ Choice
Punches: 2-minute rounds vs. Partner
Form: Joon-Goon
One-Steps: Judges’ Choice
Footwork: Demonstrate any of above for 2-minute round vs. Partner (punches &
kicks)
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: Form Meaning, Belt Meaning, Judges’ Choice
Self-Defense: 1. Ground VI: Basic takedowns – single, double-leg
2. SPEAR vs. Takedowns
3. Weapons Defense I: Largo De-fanging the Snake vs. Angles 1-5

15. 14
9. High-Red II Belt
High-Red I Belt +
Kicks: Judges’ Choice
Blocks: Judges’ Choice
Punches: 2 x 2-minute rounds vs. Partner
Form: Toi-Gye
One-Steps: Judges’ Choice
Footwork: Demonstrate any of above for 2-minute round vs. Partner (plus
takedowns)
Breaking: Judges’ Choice
TKD Handbook: Form Meaning, Belt Meaning, judges’ choice
Self-Defense: 1. Elbow/Knee/HB Drill
2. SPEAR vs. Random Frontal Attack
3. Weapons Defense II: Clear-Control-Counter
10. Recommended BlackBelt
High-Red II Belt +
Stances: Judges’ Choice
Kicks: Jump, Spinning Reverse Kicks
Blocks: Judges’ choice
Punches: 2 x 2-minute rounds vs. Partner
Form: Po-Eun, Kuemgang
One-Steps: Judges’ Choice
Footwork: Demonstrate any of above for 2-minute round vs. Partner (punches &
kicks)
Breaking: Student’s Choice
TKD Handbook: Form Meaning, Belt Meaning, judges’ choice
Self-Defense: Ballistic Micro Fight

16. 15
11. Black I Belt
Rec. Black Belt +
Stances: Judges’ Choice
Kicks: Judges’ Choice
Blocks: Judges’ Choice
Punches: 2 x 2-minute rounds vs. Partner
Form: Koryo, Gwang-Gae
One-Steps: Develop and Demonstrate a new one-step; Judges’ Choice
Footwork: Demonstrate any of above for 2-minute round vs. Partner (punches &
kicks)
Breaking: One brick
TKD Handbook: Form Meaning, Belt Meaning, judges’ choice
Self-Defense: Ballistic Micro Fight

17. 16
Cost of Testing
White to Yellow $45.00
Yellow to Orange $45.00
Orange to Green $45.00
Green to High Green $50.00
High Green to Blue $50.00
Blue to High Blue $60.00
High Blue to Red $65.00
Red to 1-Stripe Red $70.00
1-Stripe Red to 2 Stripe Red $75.00
2-Stripe to Recommended Black $100.00
Recommended Black to 1st Degree Black $150.00*
1st Degree Black to 2nd Degree Black $250.00
2nd Degree Black to 3rd Degree Black $350.00
3rd Degree Black to 4th Degree Black $450.00
*Plus $50 for certificate
 Testing fees should be paid before or on the day of testing, unless other arrangements are
made with the club President or the Instructor.

18. 17
Theory of Power
REACTION FORCE: If your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed, the force with
which you strike his head would be that of his own onslaught plus that of your blow. The two
forces combined, his and yours, are quite impressive. This then is the reaction force from the
opponent.
CONCENTRATION: By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will
concentrate the force and thereby increase its effect. It is very important that you should unleash
your strength at the beginning, and gradually, at a particular point of contact on your opponents
body. The shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow.
EQUILIBRIUM: In Tae Kwon Do, balance deserves special consideration. By keeping the
body always in equilibrium (well balanced), a blow is more effective and deadly. The stance
should always be stable yet flexible for both offensive and defensive movements.
BREATH CONTROL: Controlled breathing not only affects ones stamina, but can also
condition a body to receive a blow, and augment the power of a blow directed against an
opponent.
SPEED: Speed is the most essential factor of force. Reaction force, breath control, and the other
factors cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to speed and all these
factors must be coordinated to attain maximum efficiency.
MASS: Mathematically the maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body
weight and speed. It is all important that maximum body weight be utilized during the execution
of a blow. Maximum body weight is applied with the motion by turning the hip or by utilizing
the springing action of the knee joint.

19. 18
Korean Terminology
Kicks (Chagi)
Front Ap Chagi
Side Yop Chagi
Roundhouse Dol Ryo Chagi
Crescent Bon Dal Chagi
Hook Gul Chyo Chagi
Axe Naeryo Chagi
Reverse Round Dee Dol Ryo Chagi
Reverse Side Dee Yop Chagi
Reverse Hook Dee Gul Chyo Chagi
Punches (Koung-Kyok)
High Ha-Dan Koung-Kyok
Middle Jung-Dan Koung-Kyok
Low Sang-Dan Koung-Kyok
Knife hand Soo Do Koung-Kyok
Ridge hand Yuk Soo Do Koung-Kyok
Spear hand Kwon Soo Koung-Kyok
Palm Chang Kwon Koung-Kyok
Elbow Pal Kup Koung-Kyok
Blocks (Bong-O)
High Ha-Dan Bong-O
Middle Jung-Dan Bong-O
Low Sang-Dan Bong-O
Twin Knife hand Soo Su Do Bong-O
Twin Forearm Sung Pal Mok Bong-O
Knife hand Su-do ta-bi Bong-O
Side Yup tae-ri-ki Bong-O
Stances (Ja-sae)
Front Chun-Gul Ja-sae
Back Who-Gul Ja-sae
Horse Ke Ma Ja-sae

20. 19
Numbers
One Ha-Na
Two Tul
Three Set
Four Net
Five Tah-Sat
Six Ya-Sat
Seven Il-Guhp
Eight Yoh-Dul
Nine A Hop
Ten Yuhl
Twenty Sumul
Thirty Sulhun
Forty Mahun
Fifty She-un
Sixty Yeesoon
Seventy Ilhun
Eighty Yoden
Ninety Ahun
One Hundred Bak
General
School Do-Jang
Form Hyung
Yell Ke-Hap
Basic Exercise Kebon-Dong-jak
Uniform Dobock
Instructor Sa-Bum-Nim
Commands
Attention Char-yot
Bow Kyun-Nea
Ready Jhoon-Bee
Start She-Jak
Stop Ko-man
About face Turo-duro
Return Ba-Ro
At Ease Shuit

21. 20
Korean National Flag
The Korean national flag is called TaeGuk-Ki or TaeKuk-Ki. The meaning of the Korean
National Flag is very philosophical. The origin comes from the old oriental philosophy called the
theory of Um-Yang, in Chinese pronunciation Yin-Yang. Yin means dark and cold, while Yang
means bright and hot. This represents the dualism of the cosmos. The harmonious state of the
movement of yin and yang is called TaeGuk which is also the name of the Korean national flag,
TaeGuk-Ki. Ki means a flag. The upper half circle, red, of TaeGuk means Yang and the lower
half circle, blue, means Um. They stand for the state of harmony of yin and yang.
The symbols, called Kwe, in the four corners, mean the principle of movement and harmony.
Basically, each Kwe consists of three bars that can be either broken or unbroken bars. A broken
bar stands for Yang while an unbroken bar stands for Um. Here are the four Kwe, their names,
and what they symbolize.
Kun Heaven
Yi Fire
Kam Water
Kon Earth
Notice how Kun (Heaven) is opposite of Kon (Earth) and Yi (Fire) is opposite of Kam (Water).
This again represents the duality of the cosmos.