The Do-bok (Uniform) History
Taekwondo UniformThe Taekwondo do-bok comes from the ancient roots of civilization. It was originally just a way to cover the body (a loose, wrap around a piece of clothing that had little significance or design) and “one size fits all”. However, in early Asian history, this clothing took shape and evolved into what is now traditionally the do-bok for practicing Taekwondo students. In Songahm Taekwondo, the do-bok is always white to represent purity and sacrifice (to stay pure, one must sacrifice). It also comes from the idea of the Roman toga. The toga was worn by officials to show they were not greedy for money or power.
ATA Shield Patch
The ATA Shield is worn on the student’s right side of the uniform. The uniform top should be put on, and then the patch should be pinned for placement.
Victory Patch
The victory patch is worn on the students left chest. The uniform top should be put on, and then the patch should be pinned for placement. **If you lay the top out and then place the patches squarely on, they will look crooked when worn, avoid this!**
A-Team/SWAT/DELTA Patches
These patches are worn on the student’s left sleeve under the Leadership Program or Master Club Patch (approximately 1/2 inch with 1/4 inch between each one arranged as shown below).
Leadership Program/Master Club Patch
The Leadership Program (LP) or Master Club (MC) patch is worn on the top of the left sleeve. The LP and MC patches are in the shape of a circle with the Songahm star stitched into the center. These patches are worn by all members of the respective program. This patch is worn on the student’s left sleeve above the A-Team patch (approximately 1/2 inch below the shoulder seam). Black Belt students wear the Leadership Program patch on both the left and right shoulders 1/2 inch below the shoulder seam.
Instructor Collars
Instructor Collar – Instructor Program Students may wear a one inch red ribbon on the entire length of the collar of the uniform jacket. Junior Instructor Collar – Once earned, juniors in the instructor program may wear the Red, White, and Blue ribbon on the entire length of the collar of his/her uniform jacket. Leadership Stars – These stars will be sewn around the student’s collar starting at where the right lapel folds under the left and going around to where the collar meets the belt. Careful spacing must be used as there will be a total of 20 earned.
Black Belt Ribbons
Black Belt students not enrolled in our instructor program may wear a one inch black ribbon along the edge of the uniform jacket from the bottom of the jacket to the level of the belt to signify the knowledge of their Black Belt material. In addition, a 1 inch black stripe is added down the sides of the pant legs after a student or instructor has reached 4th degree Black Belt. Any individual attaining 4th degree Black Belt wears this pant leg stripe regardless of instructor level or school ownership.
Chevrons
These are only worn on the right sleeve, placement as shown below. 