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U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation

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    Frequently Asked Questions About The U.S. Federation

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    Common Questions About
    The U.S. Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation®
    The U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation®


    National Member Headquarters
    P.O. Box 154
    Springfield, New Jersey 07081
    (888) SOO-BAHK
    (973) 467-5716 fax

    headquarters@soobahkdo.com
    http://soobahkdo.com
    https://soobahkdomoodukkwan.com
    http://soobahkdoinstitute.com 
    http://soobahkdo.biz
    http://sbdmdk.com
    http://soobahkdo.editme.com
    http://tac-usa.soobahkdo.org
    http://soobahkdofoundation.org
    http://moodochulhahk.com

    What are the protected trademarks and service marks of the U.S. Federation and the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Martial art system?

    What is required to become a Federation Member?

    Individual Dan or Gup membership is available to all qualified applicants who wish to train under the guidance of a Certified Instructor operating a Certified Studio or Certified Teaching Program in the Federation.

    • Apply for membership online here:
    • Note: Membership is required to gain access to the wiki pages where some resources listed below are available 

    If you are an instructor who intends to teach others, you will also need to obtain an Instructor Certification Study Kit to use in preparation for Instructor Certification (Jo Kyo, Kyo Sa or Sa Bom) so that you may be legally authorized to engage in the instruction of Grandmaster Hwang Kee's proprietary martial art system known as Soo Bahk Do® Moo Duk Kwan®.

    If you plan to teach students commercially, then you will also need to apply for Studio Certification License.

     

    One of the purposes of the Federation and one of the primary responsibilities of it's members is to adhere to the standardized techniques, philosophy and rank requirements that the founder of our art, Grandmaster Hwan Kee, has established. The requirements for each level of involvement in the Federation are clearly specified in the respective applications and the member manual.

    What is the first step I should take to become a Federation Member?

    You should apply for Federation Membership here:

    • Apply for membership online here:  
    • Note: Membership is required to gain access to the wiki pages where some resources listed below are available

    If you have had previous martial arts training, prepare a typed resume documenting of your training history by listing your previous instructors, ranks achieved (include copies of certificates received), indicate any past or present membership in other Martial art organizations and summarize your motivation for seeking Federation membership. 

    You should submit the following items to National Member Headquarters. 

    1. Submit documentation of your personal training history
    2. Enclose Proof of online membership registration
      1. Submit a copy of the ID card you receive after online registration is completed
    3. Enclose Proof of online membership registrationof your students
      1. Provide a list of all your student's names and the membership ID numbers they each received during their online membership application process plus identify the current belt rank each student is wearing. This information will be used during student transition.
    4. Enclose a completed Order Form for appropriate Instructor certification Study Kit
      1. must be signed by your sponsoring certified instructor or Regional Examiner before an order can be processed
      2. only necessary if you plan to seek Instructor certification Jo Kyo, Kyo Sa, Sa Bom
    5. Completed "Announcement of Intent" form and/or Application for Studio Certification
      1. only necessary if you plan to operate a studio

    You should also contact the closest Certified Instructor or a Regional Examiner in your geographical area and familiarize them with your history and establish a relationship with them.

    After your initial interview with a Certified Instructor or a Regional Examiner, they will advise you about how to proceed. 

    What happens next?

    If you are a student seeking the guidance of a Certified Instructor, the one you choose will explain the training program to you and with your paid Federation membership you will receive a copy of the "Federation Member Manual"  which lists all standardized techniques required to rank advancement. 

    If you are a Dan and an Instructor or Studio Owner, you will be expected to demonstrate your initiative and dedication over a period of time while you are becoming technically and philosophically standardized. 

    The length of time required to achieve standardization and receive rank or instructor certification depends on your motivation and active participation in the training opportunities available to you. 

    If you are remotely located from the nearest Certified Instructor or Certified Studio, then activating a subscription at the Soo Bahk Do Institute will provide you with unlimted access 365/24/7 to official Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwna instruction and seminars that can help you achieve  technical standardization sooner.

    During your communication with your Certified Instructor of choice or the Regional Examiner, they will inform you of the training opportunities which will be available to you so you can pursue technical and philosophical standardization. These may be Regional, National, or privately scheduled events. 

    If you operate a studio, the length of time required also depends on how long it takes for all your students to become registered Federation members and to become technically standardized before they can be rank certified. The certifications that you and/or your students plan to apply for may also affect the fees that will be incurred.

    The Certified Instructor you choose as your personal instructor or a Regional Examiner will help guide you and evaluate your progress and will recommend your for certification examinations when you have achieved sufficient proficiency.

    What happens during the "standardization" period?

    You should have already applied for Federation membership as you begin your standardization period.

    • Apply for membership online here:
    • Note: Membership is required to gain access to the wiki pages where some resources listed below are available

    If you are a student, your enrollment at a Certified Studio under a Certified Instructor will provide you with the opportunity to begin pursuing your training in their studio immediately.

    If you are remotely located from the nearest Certified Instructor or Certified Studio, then activating a subscription at the Soo Bahk Do Institute will provide you with unlimited access 365/24/7 to official Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwna instruction and seminars that can help you achieve technical standardization sooner.

    If you are an Instructor or a Studio Owner, your application for individual membership will usually be approved on a conditional basis provided your students are registered as Federation members and that you are diligently proceeding to become standardized as agreed upon.  You will be permitted to attend and participate in Federation events so that you can demonstrate your dedication and intent.

    If you  currently instruct others or intend to do so in the future, you will need to begin educating yourself in the areas that will be evaluated when you apply for  "Jo Kyo", "Kyo Sa" or Sa Bom" Instructor Certification.

    If you already operate, or plan to operate a studio, you will need to file an "Announcement of Intent" and "Application For Studio Certification" with National Member Headquarters so that an inspection visit can be scheduled with a Regional Examiner.

    Special provisions will usually be made for your students to be considered for rank promotions and certifications during this probationary period.

    The rank and other certifications that you and/or your students initially chose to apply for may affect fees that are incurred.

    Your Certified Instructor or a Regional Examiner will help guide you in this area or you may email or call National Member Headquarters with specific questions at (888) SOO-BAHK.

    Official Studio Certification will not be issued until a later date when all requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled.

    Will my current rank be recognized?

    The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. 

    If you are transferring from another style, then your experience in Soo Bahk Do "Moo Duk Kwan" does not yet exist, so you may need to begin at a lower rank and then progress toward your desired rank just as other Federation Members do.

    If you have previous Tang Soo Do or Soo Bahk Do "Moo Duk Kwan" experience, special circumstances may apply and the personal Certified Instructor you choose or a Regional Examiner will advise you as you.

    Regardless of past experience, the Fedration Member Manual and the Soo Bahk Do Institute can help you to accelerate your technical and philosophical standardization process.

    The rank and other certifications that you and/or your students initially chose to apply for may affect fees that are incurred.

    If a transfer's skill level is assessed by their instructor and determined to qualify for a Gup rank in Soo Bahk Do, then the instructor may recommend you in accordance with normal studio level gup test procedures by including a copy of your training biography and a letter of explanation to the TAC Chair along with your gup rank recommendation. You would apply per normal studio gup test procedures and after being certified as a gup then your time and procedures toward future ranks would be the same as indicated in the Member Manual.
     
    If your instructor determines that your skill and circumstances warrant, then you might qualify to be recommended for a Dan rank at some future date; however, you must have a minimum of 3 years of paid membership to be eligible for the lowest dan rank and your instructor would need to consult the Regional Examiners to assure mutual agreement about such of course of action.
     
    If your instructor and the Regional Examiners are in agreement they you will be instructed how to proceed and when to apply in accordance with normal Regional Dan test procedures.  If you have not accumulated a minimum of 3 years of paid membership by the time you plan to apply for Dan rank then you will be required to make up the difference in required membership fees in order to qualify for your target dan rank. You will need to contact the EA at Headquarters well in advance of your target testing date to make these arrangements so that you can provide the required proof that you have done so in your application packet to Regional Officials.
     

    When will I be eligible to advance in rank?

    If you are a student, your personal Certified Instructor will provide you with opportunities to advance in rank when you have achieved sufficient proficiency and have fulfilled the minimum time requirements as specified in the "Federation Member Manual" and have demonstrated satisfactory technical skill to achieve your next rank.

    You will be expected to meet all requirements as set forth by Grandmaster Hwang Kee and the Technical Advisory Committee for each rank.

    You will be recommended by your personal Certified Instructor or Regional Examiner for rank advancement as you fulfill the necessary requirements.

    If you are a 1st, 2nd or 3rd Dan then you must have the recommendation of your personal Certified Instructor or the supervising Instructor who is working with you or a Regional Examiner who has worked with you to help you achieve standardization before you will be eligible to appear before a Regional Testing Board at semi-annual Dan Tests authorized by the U.S.A.Technical Advisory Committee.

    Your participation, skill level and general preparedness will be evaluated before you are recommended to test.

    Ranks up to and including 3rd Dan can be recommended by Regional Testing Boards at the Regional level, but 4th Dan or above is only available to those who are invited to attend, and successfully complete, the annual week-long Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa held at a location specified by the Technical Advisory Committee.

    If you are a studio owner you will also need to fulfill all the requirements for Studio Certification and acquire a Studio Certification License.

    When will I be eligible for Instructor Certification?

    You will be expected to meet all the requirements as set forth by grandmaster Hwang Kee and the Technical Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors for (Jo Kyo or Kyo Sa or Sa Bom) Instructor Certification.

    You must also have the recommendation of your personal Certified Instructor or the Supervising Instructor who has worked with you or a Regional Examiner who has worked with you to help you achieve standardization before you will be eligible to apply for Instructor Certification. One of these sponsors must sign the form for you to order an Instructor Certification Study Kit.

    You participation, skill level and general preparedness will be evaluated before you are recommended.

    "Jo Kyo" certification examinations are conducted by Certified Instructors for assistants within their dojang.

    "Kyo Sa" certification examinations are conducted regionally by Regional Examiners.

    "Sa Bom" certification examinations are only available to eligible members who receive an invitation to attend the annual week-long Ko Dan Ja test held at a location specified by the Technical Advisory Committee.

    If you previoulsy held Instructor Certification in the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation then reinstatement may be possible.

    When will my studio be eligible for Certification?

    Your studio will be expected to meet all requirements as set forth by the Technical Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors for a location that is legally authorized to offer instruction in Grand Master Hwang Kee's Soo Bahk Do® Moo Duk Kwan® martial art system. 

    Your studio facility must meet certain criteria and pass the Regional Examiner's inspection.

    You must be properly certified as a "Kyo Sa" or "Sa Bom" Certified Instructor with a current membership and be in good standing with the Federation. 

    Your Studio Certification may be issued on a pending basis, providing that a Certified Instructor or the Regional Examiner assumes responsibility for assisting you until your fulfill all the requirements for Studio Certification.

    The Federation provides a number of online resources to support the activity of Certified Studios including free website access and free access to the Soo Bahk Do Institute.

     

    What else should I know about the Federation?

    As a member, and even more so as an instructor responsible for training and supporting students, you should be familiar with the Federation's Mission and Chartered Purposes of the Federation and its operational structure.

    The Federation is a non-profit Moo Do members' organization chartered in 1976.

    You should also familiarize yourself with the benefits of Federation Membership, how the Federation is structured administratively and how the Board of Directors support the activities of the Kwan Jang Nim and  Technical Advisory Committee.

    You can find additional information about the Federation in the Federation's Member Manual, the Federation wiki and other Federation websites.

    You may also contract your Region's elected Board Member, a Regional Examiner or National Member Headquarters with any questions you may have.

    What are the costs related to membership in the Federation?

    The U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation® connects you with a warm and caring community of fellow martial artists who all have a common bond and mission through Founder Hwang Kee and his Soo Bahk Do® Moo Duk Kwan® martial art system.

    The Federation's membership fees that help support pursuit of the Federation's 501c4 non-profit Chartered Purposes and its Mission and are nominal. 

    Fees for rank certifications, instructor certifications, event participation, etc. are published on the applicable forms and may vary per event and/or based on the certification or rank being applied for.

    As a national non-profit members' organization whose primary purpose is promoting the study of our martial art, and working toward World Peace by improving human relationships through the study of our art, our priorities are on ensuring you enjoy the most rewarding and productive training experience possible during your study. 

    When you become a Certified Studio Owner, you will also have access to additional support services and other special benefits reserved for Certified instructors operating Certified Studios.

    What information is available through the Federation?

    In addition to premiere technical training and guidance, educational text books, DVDS, Videos, other materials and websites are also available to enhance your study and your personal training experience.

    Federation members are entitled to substantial discounts on many products which may be ordered as indicated on the order form.

    We hope this answers most of your questions about the Federation and that you will make application to pursue membership in the Federation.

     "There is Only One Moo Duk Kwan" and we welcome all serious students to join our worldwide brotherhood. 

    If you need further assistance please contact National Member Headquarters.

    Click here to learn even more about the U.S. Federation