BELT TESTING
What is Testing?
In order for students to advance to the next belt rank they must take a belt test. These are every 3 months and are done as a group, at our school, organized by belt rank. Belt testing teaches students to set and reach goals, a valuable skill in everyday life. Belt testing also teaches that with intense effort, training and practicing students are rewarded with being able to demonstrate their techniques with their best effort and ability enabling them to progress forward with their goals. New belts are earned and confidence is built. There are fees for each belt level test.
When can a student test?
There are several criteria for testing eligibility. First they must attend a minimum number of classes, 16. Also the student must show proficiency and their best effort while practicing in class. All children must complete at minimum two (2) monthly home chore charts. Lastly, students must have good behavior reports both in Taekwondo class and from parents reflecting good behavior both at school and home - good behavior can be achieved by following our Home Rules, students are required to turn in Educator Evaluations prior to each belt test (see Testing Requirements page). There are 3 stripes given to students in class prior to testing which are required to be earned in order to test. Students lacking in any criteria will not be able to test.
Belt Stripes:
Yellow- Educator Evaluation from your school teacher (17 and under) - Not for September test since no school during Summer
Black - Completion of Chore Charts (1 per month children 14 and under)
Green-Pass of Pre-test in Class
What are students tested on?
Students are testing on several techniques which are taught in class. That is Poomsae (form), kicking combinations, self defense techniques as well as a breaking technique. Additionally there is a vocabulary study sheet associated with each level as well as the Home Rules for verbal testing, it is extremely important that students be proficient in all areas. Additionally each student completes the Power Word vocabulary page associated with their belt level to be turned in prior to testing. Lastly, during the school year there is an Educator Evaluation sheet filled out by the students academic school teacher - this form is in reference to attitude and behavior. The vocabulary study sheet as well as the Power Word worksheets are located on our website for download by the students on page "Testing Requirements". This page does require a login, if you have not received it, please see Mrs. Yoo.
What are Power Words?
These are words which were selected by Master and Mrs. Yoo for their significance in life and in developing quality character traits for a successful future. Some of those words are: Respect, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit, Trust.
Testing Expectations
When Master Yoo is judging a belt test he is looking for specific techniques and abilities based on a students current belt level. Master Yoo is checking to see that students are proficient in what they have learned in class. Have they learned their curriculum properly? How are they applying what they have learned in earlier teachings to their current techniques. Master Yoo is also checking their hand movements, power, balance, stance, yelling and curriculum knowledge. As students advance in rank, testing expectations also increase. Techniques should be more accurate, powerful and aesthetically pleasing to observe. It is expected of students to compound their previous knowledge and training with their new techniques. Students should only bring their best to the test!