Taekwondo is a Korean martial art of self defence which when translated means the art of hands and feet. South West Taekwondo Academy founder Mr Shin Boo Kim (1944 – 2009) first began teaching taekwondo in Bunbury at the old Burke Street PCYC in 1972.
South West Taekwondo Academy is affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation and Kukkiwon through our national body Australian Taekwondo. The academy has enjoyed many successes with students and instructors representing Australia at World Championships in both competitive disciplines of Sparring and Poomsae.
South West Taekwondo Academy classes are run for beginner and intermediate classes are available for:
- Primary school students
- High school students
Adults as well.- Private tuition is available on request please contact us here.
At South West Taekwondo Academy, our classes cover a range of skills including blocking, punching, kicking as well as developing effective self defense skills and self discipline. Martial arts is a great pursuit and can improve your confidence and self esteem, co-ordination, focus and social interaction, all in a fun, caring and supportive environment.
Our Taekwondo classes are great fun and are provide excellent physical fitness and have mental benefits too. South West Taekwondo Academy coaches are all champions in their own right having competed for Australia on the world stage plus accredited referees in both poomsaes and sparring.
If you or your child wishes to compete in competitions this path way is available.
Contact your nearest South West Taekwondo Academy Club, located at
Taekwondo is a fun Martial Art and a life time skill,
start by enquiring today.
Grading – South West Taekwondo Academy
Taekwondo is an ancient Korean Martial Art and is steeped in traditional. Gradings and belts
hold great significance and meaning.
Gradings are held at the end of each term for those students who have achieved the required skill level. Gradings are performed in according to the rules of Taekwondo Australia and the World Taekwondo Federation. Gradings are held at your normal class location
(until otherwise notified).
Black Belt Dan’s are recognized worldwide and are sent to Korea where the word federation
– Kukkiwon awards the certificates.
Black belt gradings are held on merit once or twice a year as students reach the required levels.
Where you will start
At the beginning, after your trail you will need to purchase a taekwondo uniform which is called a Dobok. Your Dobok comes with your very first belt, a white belt. The white belt symbolises innocence and is
the first step in your Taekwondo journey.
Each coloured belt has 3 levels called Gups, 9 through 1st plus one extra for the red belt level.
Yellow Belt
Your first graded taekwondo belt is a yellow belt. The yellow belt represents the earth, where
your taekwondo foundations are laid. Yellow is for the sun to nurture the new seed. As you sit
your grading and have a achieved the relevant level you earn the right to add a white strip to
the bottom of your belt.
Yellow 1st Strip – 9th Gup, 2nd Strip – 8th Gup 3rd Strip – 7th Gup
Blue Belt
Blue belt signifies the sky. As your skills grow you are becoming a tall plant reaching for the
blue sky. Blue 1st Strip – 6th Gup, 2nd Strip – 4th Gup 3rd Strip – 4th Gup
Red Belt
Red belt means danger, your skills are becoming great but you must learn self-control, for this
reason there are 4 levels to a red belt. Cho Dan Bo is the 4th level and is a red belt
with a black strip.
Red 1st Strip – 3rd Gup, 2nd Strip – 2nd Gup 3rd Strip – 1st Gup and Cho Dan Bo.
Black Belt
A black belt is what all taekwondo students aspire to. A black belt is a combination of perseverance, skill and practice. A black belt represents the rejection of fear and darkness,
the endless universe and a realisation of the infinite techniques available.
Black belts are start at 1st Dan (under 15 years a black belt is called a Poom) and can continue as you skills build.
Remember Taekwondo is not only about reaching the next level but having fun
and learning lifelong skills along the way.
We hope you will never need to defend yourself in a dangerous situation but it is wonderful to
know you have the skills if ever you should need them.
Grading – South West Taekwondo Academy
Ask your instructor for more information on grading dates and requirements.