BLACK BELT APPLICANT GUIDELINES

FIRST DEGREE: REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum of one year consistent training & senior belt class attendance since 1ST gup / Black stripe test.  

  • Has consistently demonstrated commitment and leadership. 

  • Completed an evaluation test with positive feedback.  

  • Will have a twice a week training schedule 6 months before the test.

  • Assistant taught for at least one semester and judged at one Promotion Test.

FIRST DEGREE: DEMONSTRATION

  • Lead a large group in basic techniques with confidence.

  • Perform all patterns with confidence and effective techniques.

  • Be able to tell the judges the name of each pattern, the meaning and number of moves.

  • Lead a junior through a lower pattern “show and tell” style, naming the stance and appropriate technique while demonstrating.

  • One step sparring & free sparring demonstrating “Ki – Kum – Chae” (Full power, targeting and control)

  • Ho shin Sul – 15 wrist techniques & 10 semi-free demonstrating a variety of other common self-defense situations.

  • Ki Ban Soo #1-5, Self-defense from fighting stance

  • Breaking –

    • 1 speed break

    • 1 power break

    • a 3 station break with all kicks

FIRST DEGREE: RESEARCH PAPER

  • Please address all topics listed below.

  • Draft due 1 month before the test date for revisions.

1. The history of Taekwon-do ancient origins up to modern day.  Use many sources, compare and contrast different versions (ITF vs. WTF vs. UTF vs. ATF etc.) of TKD. Which Federation do we come from? Which Federation do we belong to today?

2. Your personal history in TKD, including your personal experiences and self-discoveries; teaching experiences (including students with disabilities, uncoordinated students, etc.) and any other noteworthy experiences that have contributed to your growth as a Taekwon-Do leader. 

3. Discuss the 7 Tenets of TKD listed in the Study Center. Give personal examples of how you apply the Tenets in Taekwon-Do as well as in your daily life.

4. Discuss the Junior-Senior relationship principle, with personal examples. 

5. What are your goals for after you are promoted? (Retire? Accept additional responsibilities, training goals?)

SUGGESTED PAPER SOURCES

Choi, Hong-Hi. 1995. Taekwon-Do, the Korean art of self-defense, 4th edition. International Taekwon-Do Federation, Missuaga.

- This is the fundamental TKD reference, which summarizes the 15-volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. I think the latest edition is the 5th, but it doesn't really matter which one you use (unless Master Eisenstein says otherwise). You can borrow Master Eisenstein’s copy if you'd like.

Corcoran, J., and E. Farkas, with S. Sobel. 1993. The original martial arts encyclopedia: tradition, history, pioneers. Pro-Action Publishing, Los Angeles. 

- This provides an excellent overview of 20th century martial arts history and personalities, although their research on Taekwon-Do is poor compared to their presentation of Japanese martial arts.

Howe, R.W. 1988. The Koreans. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, San Diego.

- a pretty good, light introduction to the history and culture

Shim, S.-K. 1974. Promise and fulfillment in the art of Tae Kwon Do. (self-published)

Shim, S.-K. 1980. The making of a martial artist. (self-published)

- Both of Shim's books are excellent. He was one of the main "thinkers" in Taekwon-Do and these books are worth owning and studying carefully.

Winchester, S. 1988. Korea. Prentice Hall Press, New York.

- another "for the westerner" introduction to the culture and history of Korea