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The orange belt is the third belt of our system. This is where the student's techniques begin to take form. This is the point in the student's journey through martial arts that good and bad habits begin to become concrete. Instructors should realize this and begin to positively criticize the students mistakes. This type of reinforcement will help the student to realize what needs to be improved, and what needs to be developed. Just as the sun becomes orange and begins to set, the seeds utilize energy from the sun and grow. The student takes what an instructor teaches, and begins to mature.
Do San is the form, or hyung, that is required for an orange belt's testing. Do San was a name used by a reknowned educator and advocate of Korea's independence. Chan Ho Ahn was born in 1878 as the son of a farmer, and in 1896, at the age of 18, he became a member of the "Independence Association". In 1910 the Yi Dynasty unwillingly became a part of the Japanese Empire. This drove Chang Ho Ahn, otherwise known as Do San, to begin underground activities to regain Korea's independence. Do San was finally apprehended by the Japanese, and later died in Jail. Do San was 60 years old, and a crucial instrument in the movement of Korea's independence when he passed away.
This form contains 24 movements. This form also is the first form in which you throw a kick. The front kick is thrown after a defensive technique which imitates an attacker grabbing you and you break the hold. This form also has a spinning back fist which can be somewhat difficult if good footwork is not present.
The orange belt testing consists of the form, one step sparring, and free sparring. The free sparring that an orange belt will preform during his or her testing will not contain contact. Free sparring without contact will help prevent injuries ( although accidents do happen ) and help develop a students sense of control. Anybody can punch or kick something. Being able to punch or kick at something and stop 1 or 2 inches away from a target is what is impressive. This is the goal a student should hope to reach by black belt level. Then at the black belt level, a student begins to make light contact while throwing techniques at full force. This can only be done if a good sense of control is present. Knowing when to pull a punch or kick at the last second is something that takes years of practice.