OVERVIEW
Curriculum Highlights Tang Soo Do Silver (TSDS) curriculum is progressive and nurtures your personal growth and development. Unlike the traditional martial arts program that features colored belt rank, i.e. white belt, blue belt, black belt, TSDS will have shirts to represent the various levels of achievement. You attain these levels by learning increasingly difficult routines based on this “hard and soft” approach. Self-defense with the use of your hands, as well as a cane or stick, will also be covered in the lesson plan. Overall awareness of your surroundings with basic moves will aid in keeping yourself safe from potential attackers.
It is IMPORTANT to note that this program is not only beneficial for health and mental improvement, but emphasis is on FUN and SELF-IMPROVEMENT and NOT on perfect technical skills as in strict and regimented martial arts training.
The Tang Soo Do Silver curriculum features training patterns (like dance routines) from both Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, and Yang-style Tai Chi. Martial arts aspects such as modified kicks, punches, and combination drills that are suited for the participant’s physical level. There will also be self-defense techniques and instructions as well as cane/stick martial functions based on the characteristics of Tai Chi postures with traditional Tao/Dao influences.
BENEFITS
As we age, it's crucial to find ways to stay physically and mentally active. One often overlooked form of exercise and mental stimulation for older adults is martial arts. Many might question whether it's safe or beneficial for older adults to participate in such activities, but the truth is that martial arts can offer a wealth of benefits at any age.
Improving Physical Health
Engaging in martial arts can significantly improve an older adult physical health. The practice of martial arts involves various forms of exercises such as stretching, strength training, and cardiovascular workouts. These exercises help to improve flexibility, balance, and overall strength, which are essential aspects of healthy aging.
Mental Stimulation
In addition to physical health benefits, martial arts also provide mental stimulation. The practice of martial arts requires focus, discipline, and memorization of various movements and techniques. This mental engagement can help improve cognitive function and memory, which are essential for maintaining mental acuity as we age.
Social Engagement
Participating in martial arts classes can also provide an opportunity for social engagement. Many older adults struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, and joining a martial arts class can help them connect with others who share similar interests. This social interaction can have a positive impact on mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Enhancing Self-Defense Skills
One of the practical benefits in martial arts is the development of self-defense skills. While the hope is never to have to use these skills, knowing how to defend oneself can provide a sense of confidence and security, especially for older adults who may feel vulnerable at times.
Program Curriculum
Tang Soo Do Silver program is progressive and nurtures your personal growth as you progress to each level. The higher the level the more advanced the techniques become. Each rank has a lot to learn for participants to test for their promotion.
The core of the Tang Soo Do Silver Program provides an adaptive approach that starts with the basics and progresses at the student’s pace delivering enriching and impactful martial arts sessions that resonate with the learners and drive continuous progress.
Understanding the Basics, Progression, and Development
Forms, or patterns, are a choreographed set of blocks and strikes, performed as if the martial artist was defending themselves against multiple attackers. The moves within the forms have been practiced for centuries, refined and perfected by countless generations of martial artists. Practiced regularly and correctly the forms teach a martial artist the movement and balance needed for an instinctive response to a threat.
Rank Overview
Techniques taught in a rank are a progression from the previous rank held. The higher in rank you get, the more advanced the techniques become. Each level rank has a lot to learn for students to test for their promotion. When an aspect of their level is perfected, students will receive a specific colored T-shirt/Sash based on the concept learned.
The following information provides a brief description of the Tang Soo Do Silver curriculum. The duration for each level is suggested and will depend on the progress of each participant.
Achievement at each level will be designated by colored T-shirts and sashes. All new participants will wear white Tang Soo Do shirts during training. Tang Soo Do shirt is included in the program registration.
Rank and Level evaluations will be performed as needed.
Yellow
Beginner/Novice
(Recommended 1 - 2 months or about 10 sessions)
TSD Pattern : Nine Step Block
Tai Chi Pattern : Yang Style 8 Form
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Blue with Silver Sash
Advanced Beginner
(Recommended 2 - 3 months or about 18 sessions)
TSD Pattern : Pyung Ahn Cho Dan
Tai Chi Pattern : Yang 8 Form
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Blue
Advanced Beginner
(Recommended 1 - 2 months or about 10 sessions)
TSD Pattern : Pyung Ahn Cho Dan
Tai Chi Pattern : Yang Style 8 Form
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Red
Intermediate
(Recommended 2 - 3 months or about 22 sessions)
TSD Pattern :Sip Soo
Tai Chi Pattern : Yang Style 24 Form
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Red with Silver Sash
Advanced Intermediate
(Recommended 2 - 3 months or about 22 sessions)
TSD Pattern :Sip Soo
Tai Chi Pattern : Yang Style 24 Form
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Gray with Silver Sash
Expert / Instructor
(Recommended 3 - 4 months or about 28 sessions)
TSD Pattern : Pyung Ahn Sam Dan
Tai Chi Pattern: Cane / Stick
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Gray
Advanced / Assistant Instructor
(Recommended 3 - 4 months or about 28 sessions)
TSD Pattern: Pyung Ahn Sam Dan
Tai Chi Pattern: Cane / Stick
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Black
Instructor / Master
Pyung Ahn Ee Dan
Cane / Stick
Kicks, Strikes, and Self-Defense
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Martial arts are not limited to young individuals. Older adults can also benefit from practicing martial arts and improve their physical and mental health. The TSDS program is specially designed for the older population.
Each situation is different. Please contact the administration and you will either be refunded or funds can be applied to future classes.
No, any comfortable T-shirt that is suitable for engaging in exercise activities. A white t-shirt with a logo is also available for sale. A uniform shirt will be required when you obtain your rank level as outlined in the curriculum.
There is a rank-level exam every eight weeks, but not all students are eligible to take the test. There are time and class attendance requirements at all levels, plus you must be ready to test and be invited by the instructor.
The recommended minimum time from beginner/novice to advanced level is 3 years. Advanced-level testing is by invitation only.
Grand Master Keith Yates
Elizabeth Rogan
New Student = Any color T-Shirt
Beginner/Novice = Yellow
Intermediate / Advanced Intermediate = Blue, Blud with Sash
Advanced / Assistant Instructor - Red, Red with Sash
Advanced / Instructor – Grey, Grey with Sash
Instructor / Master - Black