Ranks and Skills

To rise in rank students have to test. Testing is an opportunity to demonstrate in front of a panel of judges and family mastery of specific skills, in addition to commitment to the sport and to the five tenets of taekwondo.

Each rank requires students to spend a minimum amount of time at rank. Even if the suggested amount of time at rank is completed, eligibility to test is determined by the instructor. This determination can be based on consistency of attendance and dedication to the process of learning and evidence of practice at home. 

As students move up through the ranks, they learn different techniques that they will have to demonstrate at each testing. These include strikes, blocks, stances, and kicks. 

Students also learn specific Poomsae--or forms--each rank. These are patterns of movements that combine technique, coordination, focus, perseverance, control, and style. We work on them as a group to test coordination or individually to test focus. You can find useful information regarding forms here.

Our sport also includes sparring. We begin working on one-step sparring at yellow belts and add new one-steps to demonstrate at testing each rank. For red and black belt testing it is expected that students will be able to spar as if in tournaments (1 minute rounds) to demonstrate application of skill.

Some might argue the most fun part of testing is board breaks. Each rank test has a new skill to break a board with. It is the ultimate mental challenge.

PREPARATION FOR TESTING:

More detailed information about each rank can be found following the links in the drop down menu in Ranks and Skills Tab. The Testing Committee will hand out a checklist and confirm whether a student is ready to test. Once that is completed and signed by two instructors, the testing application can be turned in.