Tiny Tiger/Little Dragon

"Tiny Tiger and Little Dragon" is a kids program adapted from traditional World Tang Soo Do curriculum.  The focus of the TT/LD program is to have fun while gaining an appreciation for the martial arts.  Students also learn the appropriate behaviors and expectations for participating in a traditional hour-long martial arts class.  Ideally, the program serves as an introduction to traditional Tang Soo Do.

 

Age Range

 Students may join from ages 5-7 and may participate in the program for up to three years before transitioning into our beginner class for gups (colored belts).  At the end of the program, if the student is able to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate for a beginner class and can pass the test for 8th gup (orange belt), they may graduate to the beginner class.

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Class Structure

Classes are shorter in length and utilize many games and rewards. Each class consists of a traditional bow in and mat chat.  A mat chat is a brief lesson on some of the teachings of Tang Soo Do such as self-discipline and integrity, and a word of the day is introduced.  After a quick warm-up, the topic of class will routinely cycle through the following:

• Stances

• Balance

• Speed

• Basic techniques

• Target drills

• Self-defense

• Games and competitions

 

Testing and Belt Progression

The Tiny Tiger rank is for students generally in the first 18 months of practice and consist of 6 belts (white with different colored stripes).  After a minimum of 18 months, A Tiny Tiger may test up to a Little Dragon (yellow with different colored stripes).   Tests occur on the 7th and 13th week of a test cycle.  At the 7th week “stripe” test, students will be expected to demonstrate basic techniques (non-cumulative), as well as demonstrating appropriate behavior and focus for the test.  At the 13th week “belt” test, students will be asked to demonstrate any previously technique.  Testing occurs at every class for that week and cannot be made up if missed.  Belt testing is not mandatory and students may test out at any time upon agreement of parents, student, and Chief Instructor.

 

Black Belt Points

Points are given in response to both effort and accomplishment in class, and are never taken away.  At the end of class, students trade in their points for stickers.  A student must have 90% of their sticker chart filled (22 stickers) before they may take their next test.  The week preceding each test is a “point-focus” week, where a student may work towards filling their sticker chart if they are determined to test the following week.

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Competitions

Attending competitions is a great way to meet other students/families/instructors in the world of Tang Soo Do.  Some of my life-long friends were met at tournaments.  Students in the TT/LD program who are registered with the World Tang Soo Do Association are eligible to compete at regional and world tournaments.  Regional tournaments take place each May and November.  World tournaments take place in July of even numbered years.  The divisions consist of hyung (forms), and dae ryun (sparring).  Tigers and Dragons practice flag sparring, not contact sparring.  Competition is not mandatory for Tiny Tigers or Little Dragons.