True gold does not fear the test of fire |
Black Belt Gradings The Pioneer Tae Kwon Do Association recognise that black belt is possibly one of
the most important examinations a student undertakes in Tae Kwon Do. Not only does
it represent the acquisition of required basic knowledge, but an understanding
that you are crossing the threshold of martial arts training and as such a
black belt attitude and mindset are vitally important. New Black Belts are also
the future of our art and thus carry the torch for the art itself! Being a good black belt is more than simply knowing your techniques! Refining and understanding what you know is imperative, the correct attitude towards training, teaching and behaviour are very important. Black belt represents a lot, especially a black belt graded via the Pioneer Tae Kwon Do Association. Black belt gradings within the Association are tough.. we won't lie to you, they are! However, the implimentation of the key stages of training, coupled with regular group training sessions are the key to success. We are not in the business of just making black belts as all dan grades awarded are earned through hard work, sweat and sometimes a little blood.. check the videos at the bottom of this page if you dont believe me! Within the Association, in front of instructors that will judge you soley on your performance, either good or bad! Dan gradings really are a 'Rite of Passage' for students.. a grade that is respected worldwide simply for the in-depth and tough nature of it. Black belt gradings last between 3 to 8 hours (depending on numbers), are very physically and mentally intensive. They are designed not only to test knowledge, but spirit and fortitude also. They are usually small and focused on just a few candidates and all students are graded in front of a board of examiners which consist of many outside examiners, as well as Full Association Instructors; usually between 3 and 6 examiners will be present. They do not run in order ie. patterns, sparring, breaking etc. things swap and change quickly to keep the students on the edge and test their knowledge, as opposed to just their memory! The full grading syllabus can vary depending on what the individual clubs require and is based around current syllabuses, but all gradings utilize the 'key stages' within them. Examples This is an example of a Ch'ang Hon Dan grading from Rayners Lane Taekwon-do Academy: Prior to the grading, each student will under-go a 3 to 4 hour pre-grading and a 2 to 3 hour written theory paper. A couple of weeks later the actual grading will take place. A student ready to take a grading will usually have trained consistently for 5 to 6 years in their respective schools. All gradings take in the 5 main elements of Taekwon-do: Theory, Patterns, Sparring, Self Defence and Destruction. The physical components of a 1st kup to 1st degree exam breaks down like this: Theory: A 2-3 Hour written theory exam Patterns: All Ch'ang hon patterns for Ch'ang Hon/ITF stylists (including Saju Makgi & Saju Jirugi). All Taegueks poomse or Plagwe poomse (or a mixture depending on what you club teaches) for WTF stylists. Sparring and Self Defence: 3 Step Sparring, 2 Step Sparring (if appropriate on a club by club basis), 1 Step Sparring (Traditional), 1 Step Sparring (Advanced), Relaxed 1 Step with knife (2 rounds), Hosinsul with frontal attacks (2 rounds), Hosinsul with rear attacks (2 rounds), Unpadded Free Sparring, Padded 'Competition Style' Free Sparring (ITF or WTF type), Traditional Sparring** (2 rounds), Free Sparring with knife (2 rounds), Idale Matsogi (2 v 1 Sparring x 2 rounds), Choke Sparring. All sparring & hosinsul demonstrated over a minimum of 2 rounds each, against fellow gradees of 1st kup level and black belts Destruction: Twimyo Yop Cha Jirugi (2 boards/both legs), Fore Fist Punch (2 boards), Hand technique (weak side - 1 board)***, Non-measured break**** x 2, Technical Break Demonstration Notes: * chosen by examiners / ** meaning they can kick, strike, sweep, take down and throw / *** 2 boards is 1 black board and 1 cream board, whilst single board breaks are required through a black board / **** no measuring or distance taking, the student simply walks up to the holder and strikes, with a basic kicking technique chosen at random for each leg. 1 board for 1st kups, 2 boards for 1st dans. Below is a video clip of a black belt grading held at Rayners Lane Taekwon-do Academy, following the above format. |
