Student Handbook

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Our Commitment to You

Everything we do here is focused on helping students grow, not just as martial artists, but as people.

We’re committed to creating an environment that is encouraging, structured, and supportive for students of all ages and experience levels.

You belong here, and we are in your corner every step of the way.

A Living Document

This handbook reflects our current policies and practices, but things can be updated from time to time. If you ever have a question about something you read here, or something that is not covered, just ask one of our instructors. We are always happy to help.

 Class Schedule & Policies

Our Programs

Tarrant Elite Taekwondo offers classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Here is a quick overview of our programs:

For the full weekly schedule and class times, visit tarrantelite.com/schedule.

Arrival Expectations

Students should arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class begins. This gives you time to put your shoes away, use the restroom, and get settled before class starts. Arriving a few minutes early helps class start smoothly for everyone.

Lateness Policy

Students must be on the workout floor within the first 10 minutes of class.

After that point, students will not be permitted to join.

This keeps the training environment safe, consistent, and respectful of everyone’s time. If you arrive late, plan to attend the next available class instead.

Class Etiquette

Respect and focus are at the heart of what we do at Tarrant Elite. Students are expected to listen attentively, follow instructor directions, and treat fellow students with courtesy at all times.

Students, parents, and anyone visiting our school are all expected to follow the tenets of Taekwondo.

Tenets of Taekwondo

Courtesy

Integrity

Perseverance

Self Control

Indomitable Spirit

Dress Code

Students should arrive in their proper Tarrant Elite uniform, clean and ready to train. If you are brand new and still waiting on your uniform, your instructor will let you know what to wear in the meantime. Full uniform details are covered in the Uniform Guidelines section of this handbook.

Acceptable class uniform includes:

– Taekwondo Pants, whether red, blue, black, or white

– Tarrant Elite T-Shirt or Taekwondo America event T-shirt

– Plain T-shirt with no writing or logos

– Taekwondo Uniform Jacket

– Taekwondo Belt

All T-Shirts worn to class should be tucked into your Taekwondo pants.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Parents are not required to stay during class, but are always welcome to watch from the lobby. If you choose to drop off and return, please pick up your child within 10 minutes of class ending.

If you need to make other arrangements for a late pick-up, please speak with Mr. DeBerardinis in advance.

Any siblings, guests, or younger children in the lobby must be supervised at all times. Please do not leave anyone unattended in the lobby.

Master Class

Master Class is a special rotating series of focused Friday classes designed to help students sharpen specific skills and explore new areas of Taekwondo. Classes are announced via email, listed on the school calendar and posted in the lobby each week.

Master Class is generally open to students of all ages and ranks, but each class may have specific eligibility requirements based on age or belt level.

Always check the details for each class before attending.

Uniform Guidelines

What to Wear to Class

For regular classes, students have a few options:

• A Tarrant Elite Taekwondo t-shirt or a Taekwondo America event t-shirt, such as a tournament shirt, tucked into taekwondo pants and worn with their belt
• A plain t-shirt with no designs or graphics, if a taekwondo shirt is not available that day
• Their full white dobok (traditional uniform jacket and pants)

Taekwondo pants should be red, blue, white, or black.

When Full Uniform Is Required

The full white dobok is required for all special events, including:

• Belt testing
• Tournaments
• Award ceremonies

When in doubt, the full uniform is always the right choice.

Uniform Cleanliness & Condition

Your uniform represents you and your school. Uniforms should be cleaned regularly and kept in good condition. Torn, faded, or heavily worn uniforms should be replaced.

Taking care of your uniform is part of taking pride in your training.

Patches & Uniform Markings

Patches are sewn onto the uniform jacket only, not on t-shirts or pants. Every jacket should have two patches on the front chest area:

• Left chest (your left, as you are wearing it): Taekwondo America shield patch
• Right chest (your right, as you are wearing it): Tarrant Elite school patch

A diagram showing exact patch placement is available in this handbook for reference.

On the back of the jacket, students should have a Taekwondo America eagle patch sewn across the upper back. If your jacket does not have this patch, please see Mr. DeBerardinis to get one.

Some students may have the previous style of uniform featuring the school logo screen printed on the back. That style is still perfectly acceptable to wear. Eventually, as students replace old uniforms, all students will have the style featuring the TA eagle back patch.

Black Belt Uniforms

Students who reach black belt rank will receive a 10oz heavyweight uniform. Their name will be embroidered on the back of the jacket, just below the back patch.

ONLY BLACK BELT students will have emroidery on their uniform.

Purchasing Uniforms & Gear

All uniforms are purchased through Tarrant Elite Taekwondo. Students may order a new uniform, pants, shirts, or any other gear at any time by seeing Mr. DeBerardinis at the front desk. He can also help with sizing.

The Stripe System

How It Works

Stripes are pieces of colored tape added to the end of your belt. They represent your progress through the curriculum at your current rank and show that you are building toward your next belt. Once a student has earn all their required stripes, they are eligible to test for their next belt.

Curriculum Stripes

Each belt includes 4 curriculum stripes.

These represent specific techniques within your current rank, things like kicks, blocks, and form sections. There are two levels of achievement for each stripe:

• White stripe: You understand the technique and can demonstrate it at a passable level but it may still need some practice to fully master the skill.
• Black stripe: You have mastered the technique and can perform it with a high degree of skill

Starting with a white stripe is not a bad thing. It means you are on your way towards mastering that element of the curriculum. Students can come back and retest a specific element at any time to upgrade a white stripe to black.

This helps students continue to progress while giving them mini goals to work towards as they develop their skills.

Blue Stripes

At each belt you will need to earn 2 blue stripes.

These are your testing-ready stripes and are required before you can test for your next belt.

• First blue stripe: Earned by demonstrating your full form
• Second blue stripe: Depends on your level
  • Beginners: Combinations
  • Intermediate: Sparring
  • Advanced: Board breaking

Both blue stripes must be earned before a student is eligible for belt testing. Students at brown belt and above may test without the second blue stripe (for board breaking), though we strongly recommend earning it first.

Bonus Stripes

Each belt includes one bonus stripe. Bonus stripes cover additional skills or curriculum that go a step beyond the standard requirements.

They are a fun way to challenge yourself and show that you are putting in extra effort. Special bonus stripes may also be available through specific classes or events from time to time.

How to Test for a Stripe

Students can test for any stripe, curriculum or blue, in class or at the end of class with Mr. DeBerardinis. Most classes will include an opportunity to test, though not every class will.

The instructor will evaluate your technique and either award the stripe on the spot or give you specific feedback on what to work on before your next attempt.

When retesting to upgrade a white stripe to black, you only need to demonstrate that specific technique, not your entire curriculum.

If You Do Not Pass Belt Testing

If a student does not pass their belt test, both blue stripes will be removed from their belt. This is not a punishment. It is a way to make sure students continue demonstrating their readiness as they prepare to test again.

Students will have the opportunity to re-earn their blue stripes and retest at the next scheduled belt testing.

Belt Testing

When & Where

Belt testing is held regularly, every 8 weeks, typically on the second Saturday of every other month.

Testing takes place in Lewisville, Texas, where Tarrant Elite joins students from other Taekwondo schools across the DFW area for a combined regional testing event.

Occasionally, testing may be held at a different location if the usual venue is unavailable. All details will be communicated in advance.

Eligibility

To be eligible for belt testing, students must have earned both blue stripes at their current belt level. Students who are not yet stripe-eligible will need to continue working toward their stripes before registering.

for black belt students, they must have trained for the minimum required time at their current rank, learned their form, and received instructor approval.

How to Register

Registration opens in the two weeks leading up to each testing date. An email with all the details, including the sign-up link, will go out through our regular weekly email. Keep an eye on your inbox and register early.

There is a registration fee for testing.

Discounts are available for early registration, for third or more family members testing, and 100% off for students retesting after a previous failed attempt.

Testing Day

Students will receive their table number and start time on the Thursday before testing.

On Saturday morning, plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.

When you arrive, head to your assigned table and wait in the spectator chairs for the judges to check you in.

Students will be evaluated by instructors from schools across the Texas region. You will demonstrate your form, combinations or sparring depending on your level, and board breaking for brown belts and above.

Results

You will not receive your results at testing. Remember, no-news is good news.

If a student passes, they will not receive any notification.

If a student does not pass, they will receive an email by 2:00 PM on the Monday after testing. All testing results are final.

Students who do not pass are encouraged to keep their heads up. Failing a belt test is a natural and expected part of the Taekwondo journey. It builds resilience, teaches students that success takes time and hard work, and makes passing all the more rewarding when it comes.

Students who do not pass may register to retest at the next scheduled belt testing.

Friends & Family

Friends and family are encouraged to come out and support their students on testing day. This is not a tournament, so please hold the cheering during testing. Applause at the end is always welcome.

Spectators should never coach from the audience. Every student must pass their test on their own.

Award Ceremony

Belts are awarded at the Award Ceremony held on the following Tuesday.

Full uniform is required for the ceremony. Friends, family, and guests are welcome to attend and celebrate with their students.

More Coming Soon

This handbook is a living document and we are always adding to it.

More sections covering more details, policies, and everything in between are on the way. Check back regularly as we continue to build out your go-to guide for life at Tarrant Elite Taekwondo.

If you ever have a question that is not covered here yet, just ask any of our instructors or staff.

We are always happy to help.