Yellow Belt Training Resources
Form: Dan-Gun
Tae Kwon Do Forms (Hyung) help our students develop techniques, improve their balance and coordination, and enhance their mental focus. Forms also serve as a way to preserve and pass down the traditional skills and movements of Tae Kwon Do.
The form Yellow Belts learn is called Dan-Gun. Dan-Gun is named for the legendary founder of Korea. Korea was founded in the year 2333 B.C. The form has 21 movements. Master Penny Duggan demonstrates Dan-Gun form in the video below.
Hand and Foot Techniques
Master Penny Duggan demonstrates hand / foot combinations. Use this as a daily workout tool for at-home training to practice your Tae Kwon Do mechanics. The new techniques to focus on practicing as a Yellow Belt required for testing for Green Belt include:
- Hand Techniques:
- Punches: 45-degree punch, 180-degree punch, 360-degree punch
- Strikes: Knife-hand strike
- Blocks: Knife-hand block, High X block, Low X block, Double forearm (C) block
- Foot Techniques:
- Kicks: Crescent kick, Swing kick, Jump-front kick, Backside kick, Back reverse kick
In this video, Master Penny Duggan takes students through the Tae Kwon Do Kicks, Basic to Advanced. Yellow Belts should focus on the Crescent, Swing, Jump-front, Backside, and Back Reverse kicks – along with reinforcing and refining their techniques for the Front, Side, Roundhouse, and Stepside kicks learned as a White Belt.
The second video demonstrates the defensive hand techniques and blocks learned in the Tae Kwon Do forms. Yellow belts should focus on practicing the techniques used in the form Dan-Gun (“L” stance Knifehand Block, “L” stance “C” block, Walking Stance High Block), the high and low X-block, as well as reinforce and refine blocks learned as a White Belt.
The third video demonstrates the offensive hand techniques and blocks learned in the Tae Kwon Do forms. Yellow belts should focus on practicing the techniques used in the form Dan-Gun (Walking Stance High Punch, “L” stance knifehand chop), as well as reinforce and refine strikes and punches learned as a White Belt.
Terminology
This audio track provides the basic terminology for Yellow Belts to learn for consideration of promotion to Green Belt.
- Counting from 10 to 20 in Korean
- Basic vocabulary
Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Indomitable Spirit
Tae Kwon Do Oath
- I shall observe the tenets of Tae Kwon Do
- I shall respect my instructors and seniors
- I shall never misuse Tae Kwon Do
- I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
- I shall help to build a more peaceful world
Self Defense
When testing for the next belt level, students are required to demonstrate three self defense techniques in a row. For Yellow Belts, it’s recommended to practice defense against bear hug from behind, wrist holds, and hand shakes. Master Penny Duggan demonstrates Street Smart Self Defense in the following video.
One Step Sparring
One-step sparring is a controlled martial arts drill where two students (or a student and instructor) perform a pre-arranged attack and a single defensive counter. Each movement is practiced step-by-step, focusing on precision, timing, and proper technique rather than free sparring. The “attacker” steps forward and executes a middle punch. The “defender” then executes their defensive block and attack sequence. For promotion testing, yellow belts will need to execute six different techniques.
Benefits:
- Builds strong fundamentals and correct technique
- Improves timing, distance, and coordination
- Develops confidence in self-defense situations
- Enhances focus, discipline, and reaction speed
- Provides a safe way to practice realistic scenarios
No-Contact Free Sparring
No-contact free sparring is a martial arts practice where two participants move and spar freely, using realistic attacks and defenses, but without making physical contact. Techniques are controlled and stopped just short of the target, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and control.
Benefits:
- Improves reaction time and decision-making under pressure
- Develops control, precision, and targeting skills
- Enhances footwork, timing, and distancing in a dynamic setting
- Builds confidence without risk of injury
- Encourages creativity and adaptability in sparring situations
Additional Training Tips
These videos and more are found on the Kim’s Tae Kwon Do Center’s YouTube Channel.