BLACK BELT TEA CEREMONY

1.       Explanation of the two Different Bows

(Begin after the initial bow onto the floor)

The traditional bow that the students have just done is performed from a standing position.  The student stands with hands at his side and bows deeply from the waist.  The eyes are always down when performing this bow.  In the Asian culture to look in the eyes of the one you are bowing is a sign of mistrust and disrespect.  The traditional bow is similar to the common American handshake.

(Begin after the kneeling bow)

The bow performed while in the kneeling position is reserved for only very special occasions.  It shows the seriousness of the occasion and the deepest respect possible.  In the old days, only those called “the high class people” would perform this bow.  This bow is used very rarely and is called the “Yang Bahn” which means “high class”.  The amount of respect one had for someone else or for a special occasion would be shown by the depth of the bow.  The “Yang Bahn” bow shows the deepest honor and respect.

Ring the Gong 9 times (slowly)

2.       Ring the Gong

The ringing of the Gong nine times symbolizes the ending of a journey, the perfection of a task completed.  In Korea, the number 9 means perfection and completeness.  The sounding of the Gong represents that the student has reached a measure of maturity and completeness in his or her training and the achievement of a part of his journey.

3.       The Tea Ceremony

In times past, when tea or any other drink was used in a ceremony, it portrayed the seriousness and importance of the event.  It showed that the ones participating in the ceremony believed deeply in what they were doing.  It was not something to be taken lightly.  It manifested a spirit of humility and respect for what the student has learned and a dedication to continued growth in the future.

The student first pours the tea for his seniors, beginning with his instructor.

(Wait until the Juniors have started to  pour the tea for the Seniors before going on with the explanation)

This pouring of tea represents the humility and respect that the student has learned over his long periods of training leading up to the rank of Black Belt.  It also shows that the student has learned that he who would be first must learn to be last; that the one who would be leader must first learn to be a servant; and the one who would be the greatest of all must first become the least of all.

(Wait until all instructors have had the tea poured)

Now the Seniors each pour a little of their tea into the cup of the new Black Belt representing how each have given some of their training.  It is a special gift, not one of emptiness, but one that has great meaning and symbolism.

(Wait until everyone has drunk his tea and the teacups have been placed back on the table before proceeding.)

4.       The Giving of Gifts Ceremony

The giving of the gifts shows the gratitude of the Hucsung (student) to the Sah-Bum Nim (Teacher) for the time that has been put into their training.  It is a special gift, not one of emptiness, but one that has great meaning and symbolism.

5.       The Signing of the Covenant

In the signing of the Covenant, the old tattered box is opened.  It represents the Hucsung (student) who is now opening his heart and mind for the future.

(Sah-Bum Nim reads, junior repeats)

(Wait until the Black Belts have been seated around the table and have signed the Covenant before proceeding)

6.       Black Belt Presentation

The tying of the Black Belt is an ancient tradition followed when one achieves the rank of the Black Belt.  The Sah-Bum Nim ties the belt around the waist showing that the student could not have accomplished this great feat on his own.

7.       Lighting of the Candles

Light often represents knowledge, learning and understanding.  The center candle is a representative of the source of the knowledge of Taekwondo.  As each Black Belt lights his candle from the center candle, he or she is reminded that they have received their knowledge from a long line of others who have gone before them.  In accepting the light of the knowledge of Taekwondo, each is promising to let their light shine brightly for the benefit of their students and to remember that they too have now taken their place in the line in which they will pass their knowledge of this art to others.

8.       Ring the Gong 9 Times

The sounding of the Gong 9 times depicts that the student is now being released to continue on his journey towards future growth and maturity in Songahm Taekwondo.

(Start the ATA song. The students will perform their form while the music plays)

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Black Belts of Brent Ellison Taekwondo USA would like to present to you:

(Say Rank ie 1deg Black belt and full name ie Ms/Mr xxx xxxx)