Toe Balk / Uniform

The Tang Soo Do uniform is called a "toe balk." Like everything else in Tang Soo Do, it is steeped in tradition and history. The toe balk consists of a jacket, trousers, and belt. It is derived from the traditional Korean clothing called "hanbok."

Students should keep their toe balks clean, ironed, and in good repair. They should wear it with pride, proper respect, and etiquette; for example: The Toe Balk (technically) is not complete without the club patch on the left lapel. (The association patch and flags on the sleeves are optional.) The belt (“dee”) should be worn snugly around the waist, not loosely around the hips, as the purpose of the belt is to keep the uniform top from coming loose during rigorous training (it is not a fashion statement). Students should not show disrespect to their belts by throwing it on the floor, twirling it around or snapping it at someone else. Other than the White Belt, a practitioner must earn the belt that is worn; ALWAYS treat the belt and uniform with reverence.

Uniform and Belt Requirements
 

Rank     Belt                                    Uniform

10th Gup   White Belt                                       White
9th Gup    White Belt                                       White

8th Gup   Purple Belt - One black stripe              White - No lapel trim
7th Gup   Purple Belt - Two black stripes             White - No lapel trim

6th Gup   Green Belt - One black stripe               White - green lapel trim
5th Gup   Green Belt - Two black stripes             White - green lapel trim
4th Gup   Green Belt - Three black stripes           White - green lapel trim

3rd Gup   Red Belt - One black stripe                  White - red lapel trim
2nd Gup   Red Belt - Two black stripes                 White - red lapel trim
1st Gup   Red Belt - Three black stripes               White - red lapel trim

1st Dan   Midnight Blue or Black w/1 stripe        White - lapel, sleeves & borders trimmed

2nd Dan   Midnight Blue or Black w/2 stripes      White - lapel, sleeves & borders trimmed

3rd Dan   Midnight Blue or Black w/3 stripes      White - lapel, sleeves & borders trimmed

4th Dan   Midnight Blue or Black w/red stripe     White - lapel, sleeves & borders trimmed

Patch locations: The “club patch” (“Floyd Soo Korean Karate”) is placed on the left lapel (over the heart). The “association patch” (“USKKA”) is placed on the outside of the right sleeve just below the shoulder seam. Again, the Toe Balk is not complete without the club patch on the left lapel. As an option, the Korean and American flags can be sewn on the left sleeve, just below the shoulder seam.

During formal class time, testing and demonstrations, students must dress in the full uniform jacket, pants, and belt. During summer classes (Memorial Day to Thanksgiving), a FSKK Official Club t-shirt is acceptable with karate pants and belt. The t-shirt must be tucked in the uniform pant and the belt (“dee”) is worn outside of the pant.

If you need a seamstress to sew the lapel trim (or patches) on your uniform jacket, please check the “Members Only” section of this web site or contact Master Soo, he can put you in touch with a local seamstress who can take care of you.

Reasons for Wearing the Toe Balk:
-It instills pride in the student as a practitioner of Tang Soo Do.
-It identifies the degree of skill that the wearer has attained.
-The style of the toe balk is symbolic of Tang Soo Do's heritage and tradition.
-Rank levels indicated by belt color create incentive while preserving humility.
-It is very practical and healthy.
-It distinguishes Tang Soo Do practitioners from other martial arts.

Colors
Traditional toe balks were all white in color to symbolize oneness with the universe "han." The toe balks have an open jacket that overlaps in the front from left to right. Some Korean Karate organizations have adopted a V-neck, pull-over style jacket. Some organizations have adopted different color schemes to differentiate between the color belt ranks, dan ranks, and instructor status. The toe balk is not only for wear during Tang Soo Do training, it is the required uniform for competition in tournaments.

Competition Uniforms
Higher rank students (mostly Black Belts) often prefer to wear heavier uniforms which are made of heavy drill cotton or canvas. These uniforms last longer, often look better, and also provide more of a "snap" sound when executing punches and kicks. It is also a common practice is to starch the uniform, in particular the sleeves from the elbow down and the pants from the knee down.

Many tournament competitors also favor longer jackets and belts to further their chances of impressing the judges. The idea is that when they are performing low stances, the longer belt and jacket give the appearance of being lower to the ground.