In addition to standard International Tae-Kwon-Do Federation (ITF) training, students learn techniques drawn from Combat Hapkido, techniques learned from other disciplines by their fellow students, and from the curriculum of Unified Tae-Kwon-Do International, a system founded by Master McLinden's own instructor, Grand Master Scott Kopperud.

Ranks, Belts, and Significance
As students train, their progress is represented at different intervals by the awarding of colored belts to mark the journey from beginner to advanced student and onwards.  Listed below are the ranks and belts that students will earn along their journey.

• (10^th geup) White symbolizes innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae-Kwon-Do.
   
• (9^th geup) Yellow symbolizes the earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae-Kwon-Do foundation is being laid.
   
• (8^th geup) Green symbolizes the plant's growth as Tae-Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.
   
• (7^th-6^th geup) Blue symbolizes the heavens, towards which the plant reaches as it matures into a towering tree as training in Tae-Kwon-Do continues.
   
• (5^th-3^rd geup) Brown represents the seasoned mature student. It pays recognition to other martial arts systems that the student should be incorporating into his/her Tae-Kwon-Do.
   
• (2^nd-1^st geup) Red represents danger, cautioning the student to exercise self-control.  It is at this point that the student must persevere and develop confidence in themselves to make their next progressive steps.
   
• (1^st-9^th dan) Black is the opposite of white, therefore, signifying maturity and proficiency in Tae-Kwon-Do.  It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.  It signifies "coming into the light". The student now begins serious training.

Junior Stripe System
The following system has been instituted for young students with white, yellow, and green belts. The requirements for rank advancement at these levels have been broken down into four separate components. Each component is represented by a different color stripe, as follows:

• Basic Techniques–Blocks & Strikes — BLUE stripe
• Form & Kick Drill — BROWN stripe
• One-Step Sparring & Self-Defense — RED stripe
• Terminology — BLACK stripe

When a student has demonstrated proficiency in one of these areas, he/she will receive the corresponding colored stripe on his/her belt. Once the student has earned all four stripes, he/she will be invited to test for full rank advancement. When a student reaches green belt with all four stripes, he/she will be invited to test for blue belt at a regular test, and afterwards will follow the standard rank advancement system.

Our Students Aim To Achieve

• Modesty
• Perseverance
• Self-Control
• Indomitable Spirit

The NETKD Pledge

• To train both mind and body through Tae-Kwon-Do
• To be a courageous opponent against untruth
• To promote a friendly relationship amongst all people
• To obey the rules of Tae-Kwon-Do and the instructor