Dewart and Wong said there is a specific self-defense technique that was created by the club called “tiger defeats the bull.” Dewart said this idea is derived from a tiger-like stance and grab, and bull is conceptualized from bully. This concept was designed to be a practical, street-oriented defense mechanism that can be used by students.

Wong, also an eighth-degree black belt, hopes to inspire his students to teach others these kind of self-defense mechanisms along with Taekwondo values. Wong said he volunteers to persuade his students to challenge the world.

“I want the next generation to have the tools to make a difference,” Wong said.

Club president Jihong Oh, a junior at SF State, has been a part of the club for two years and said that being on the team has helped him to be more courageous. His role as president has taught him to be a leader and take care of his fellow members.

“The (club) has taught me self-defense and self-discipline,” said Oh, an international business major. “(Taekwondo) gives me courage to do things and I hope it helps me in the future. I want to teach.”

Oh said the sport has also helped to cultivate his relationships, a value taught to him by Dewart and Wong.

The club is also preparing for their annual Friendship Tournament set for Nov. 19. The tournament is arranged by Dewart, who is the regional director for Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo programs for California and Nevada. It will invite Taekwondo participants from surrounding areas to fight in what Dewart calls a “friendly and competitive” environment.

Each contestant will compete according to age, gender, weight and skill.

Dewart continues to teach many levels of Taekwondo, but he enjoys his volunteer work at SF State because the students give him energy and he said he loves working with people who want to expand their horizons.

“It’s not just setting goals, but breaking those goals down to achievable steps,” Dewart said.

The members of the Taekwondo club meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 12 p.m. in Gym 149 for one hour.  Students who want to pursue the sport can join the club any time by stopping by during practice time.