MOSTLY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DOBOG (UNIFORM)
Q: Why do I have to have a uniform – can’t I just wear sweat clothes?
A: Sorry, you must wear a uniform for several reasons. First, it’s more suitable than sweat clothes for martial arts (less restrictive or of appropriate weight). Second, it quickly becomes part of your “mental preparation” for Taekwondo – as you put your uniform on, your mind automatically shifts into “Taekwondo mode” (That may sound far-fetched, but several psychological studies support that statement). Third, it’s traditional – and the study of Taekwondo is founded in tradition.
Q: At what point does this requirement apply?
A: You are expected to begin wearing your uniform on or before your first promotion test (to yellow belt). Grandmaster Hong may allow limited exceptions to this requirement to accommodate very unusual circumstances. Until you have a uniform, you should wear loose light-weight clothing when practicing. You should change into a different set of clothes for class, other the set of clothes that you came into the building wearing.
Q: What are the components of a uniform?
A: The uniform consists of a Taekwondo shirt trousers/pants, and the belt. For practice sessions, you may substitute a Hong’s T-Shirt or plain white T-Shirt for the uniform shirt if you wish; however, the full uniform is required to be worn for promotion tests and any special events sponsored by Hong’s USA Taekwondo, Habgido, Gumdo. You may not wear any shirt or T-Shirt from home that has a picture on it, other than a Hong’s T-Shirt.
Q: Can I buy just any martial arts uniform that looks good to me?
A: Again, sorry – martial arts uniforms come in many varieties, depending upon the art and the school. To learn Taekwondo at Hong’s USA Taekwondo, Habgido, Gumdo, Inc., you must wear a Taekwondo uniform from the school. If you shop around, you’ll quickly learn that the prices of uniforms and equipment from Hong’s are at least comparable, and often less, than prices from other reputable sources.
Q: Grandmaster Hong wears a different uniform – when can I wear one like it?
A: Grandmaster Hong wears a uniform that is authorized for wear by individuals who have earned the rank of 8th or 9th Dan/Degree Black Belt in Habgido. You may wear a uniform like Grandmaster Hong’s when you have successfully tested for 8th Dan/Degree in Habgido. Those who have earned 1st Dan/Degree Black Belt in Habgido are authorized to wear a uniform that is similar to Grandmaster Hong’s, but with a white collar.
Q: But I see some people at Hong’s wearing uniforms that are different – why is that ok?
A: The other uniforms you see are either worn by students of other martial arts taught by Grandmaster
Hong (Habgido & Gumdo), worn by individuals at the Black Belt level, or both. To qualify to wear a Habgido or Gumdo uniform, a student must have successfully tested for at least one belt within that martial art and be authorized by Grandmaster Hong.
Q: What if I have other questions?
A: Please feel completely free to ask Grandmaster Hong – he’ll be happy to answer any question you may have related to Korean Martial Arts, and he’ll welcome the opportunity to increase your knowledge.
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