International Tang Soo Do Alliance

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Article I Name

Section I

The name of this organization shall be the International Tang Soo Do Alliance.

Article II Purpose and Function

Section I

The purpose of the International Tang Soo Do Alliance shall be as follows:

• A. To work for a better understanding of Tang Soo Do and the many other systems of Martial Arts through the exchange of forms, techniques and ideas.
• B. To educate the public and protect them from unscrupulous martial arts practitioners.
• C. To lend moral support to all independent martial arts instructors via a fraternal organization.

Article III Membership

Section I

Membership is open to any martial artist residing in the United States and or sponsored by a member in good standing.

Section II

School membership is open to any school operated by an Instructor member meeting the requirements of the Alliance.

Section III

Prospective instructor members are to:

• A. Submit a copy of their certificate showing their present rank.
• B. Submit to review a resume of their background and ability to the Alliance Headquarters.
• C. Submit a listing of their instructors, dates and places of training and promotion with a brief explanation of their particular art of style. Three photographs of the applicant are to be included.
• D. A basic qualification for the instructor is a minimum First Degree Black Belt.
• E. Submit to the Alliance Headquarters a video tape (VHS format) demonstrating a minimum of six forms:
• (1) two beginning forms
• (2) two intermediate forms
• (3) two advanced forms

Article IV Benefits of Membership

Section I

The benefits of individual and studio membership shall be as follows :

• A. Certification of studios and instructors.
• B. Tang Soo Do video training available through Alliance Headquarters.
• C. Ongoing programs from all instructors to refine the theory, history and philosophy of Tang Soo Do.
• D. A bi-yearly newsletter to cover techniques, personalities and promotions. All members are welcome to contribute to the newsletter.
• E. Legitimacy. The Alliance will strive to remain traditional and classical. We will strive for this goal for generations to come.
• F. Transferring and visiting privileges among Alliance members will allow members to be accepted into Alliance affiliated studios.
• G. Alliance studios and members are encouraged to exchange information regarding advertising, management and other business concerns.
• H. Verification Services. The Alliance will keep records of all members from gup ranking to Dan ranking.
• I. With a centralized headquarters, you may find out where other Alliance studios are located. Questions regarding technique, history, philosophy, etc. may be answered directly by mail or telephone.
• J. Belonging to the Alliance will enhance the comradeship to develop the mind, body and spirit. It will also allow members to develop friendships with fellow practitioners who share common interests and goals.

Article V Code of Conduct

Section I

Conduct yourselves as Ladies and Gentlemen at all times as to not bring disgrace to the Martial Arts.

Section II Complaints concerning members and their conduct shall be handled as follows:

• A. Submit a written letter to Alliance Headquarters stating the facts concerning conduct violations.
• B. Alliance Headquarters will respond to the complaint within 72 hours.

Article VI Rank and Belt System

Section I

The different belt colors symbolize the various stages of spiritual and physical development. Please note that this is just a "suggested" rank system, If you are an instructor and are satisfied with your particular color scheme, then please stay with your own ranking.

• 10th Gup White Belt: The beginners belt color. A primitive stage of development but the journey has begun.
• 9th Gup Yellow Belt: The student is developing slowly and carefully.
• 8th Gup Orange Belt: The student is developing new growth with the desire to learn.
• 7th Gup Orange Belt: The techniques are now coming together with more concentration and effort.
• 6th Gup Green Belt: Focus, concentration and speed are now coming into play.
• 5th Gup Green Belt: Confidence and a higher stage of concentration are now developing along with wisdom.
• 4th Gup Green Belt: Greater confidence is now developing, both mentally and physically.
• 3rd Gup Red Belt: This color represents life and energy. The techniques (Brown) are now flowing together.
• 2nd Gup Red Belt: Power and technique have become more efficient. (Brown) Accuracy is now developing.
• 1st Gup Red Belt: The student has now matured with the mind and body (Brown) preparing to attain the Black Belt.
• 1st Degree Black Belt: The student has now graduated with a degree in the Martial Arts. It is the final stage of one life cycle and the beginning of the next. True mastery will lead the student to higher ranks of Black Belt.

Please note that the suggested time frame for testing of each gup level should be three months. When reaching the 1st gup red belt rank, there should be a six month period before the student is prepared for the 1st degree Black Belt test.

Asticle VII Alliance Fees

Section I

The Alliance will charge $5.00 for each gup testing. The certificates of promotion will be issued within 48 hours upon receipt.

Section II

Students testing for Black Belt will pay a testing fee of $50.00 to include certification diploma.

Section III

Studio certification fees will amount to $25.00 annually.

Section IV

Black Belts wishing to transfer their ranking to the Alliance will pay a one time fee of $50.00.

Section V

Black Belts testing for higher ranking will pay a testing fee of $50.00 to include certification fees.

For further information regarding the International Tang Soo Do Alliance, please contact: