Grading Syllabus | Taekwondo4Fitness | Martial Arts
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Grading Syllabus - Examination program for the student grades
As with any sport, there are different levels or “grades” of proficiency that you must reach before you can test for your degree. This is the case in Taekwondo, too. For this reason, Taekwondo4Fitness also have a grading syllabus or examination program for student grades.
In principle, the responsible trainer decides on the suitability, qualification and admission to an examination. The waiting times for the exams (table below) are suggested values. The waiting time can also double if a student does not meet specific criteria. This is often also dependent on age. Some athletes train 1 x per week, and others 2 or 3 times – whichever, Of course, makes it noticeable for approval.
The cost of the exams is not included in the membership fee. A student can be admitted to a belt test for the first time after three months. Student grades must be acquired consecutively; admission to an examination for a higher grade than the next is the only possible exemption. The following sections of the individual performance levels regulate the minimum training intervals or waiting times between the respective graduations.
There is no obligation to take part in a belt test.
The breaking test material should consist of spruce wood 30 x 30 cm (not glued) with a thickness of 1.0 – 1.5 cm for children, 2.0 cm for young people and 3.0 cm for adults (in the lower weight class, women are allowed to use 2.0 cm fall back). Break test up to 14 years is voluntary.
Mandatory Attire – (White Dobok)
Please refer to my Taekwondo Basics page for all Taegeuk and Master Poomsae. Please check out my YouTube channel and Pinterest boards for additional resources to help you prepare for your belt promotion exam.
Grading Policy Syllabus
A taekwondo grading policy syllabus outlines the requirements and standards for advancing in rank within the art of taekwondo. A grading policy syllabus typically includes information on the different belt ranks (such as white, yellow, green, blue, and red) and the requirements for advancing from one grade to the next.
The syllabus may include information on the techniques, forms (pre-arranged patterns of movements), principles that practitioners are expected to demonstrate at each rank, and any additional requirements, such as written or practical examinations.
The grading policy syllabus serves as a guide for practitioners and instructors. It helps ensure that standards for advancement are consistently applied and that practitioners can progress through the ranks in a structured and systematic manner. It is typically developed and maintained by the governing body or organization for taekwondo in a particular region or country.
Program 10th to 5th Kup (beginners)
Earning a new belt in taekwondo is a significant achievement, and it is a great opportunity to showcase your hard work and progress in the martial art. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your next belt promotion exam:
Review the taekwondo curriculum: Familiarize yourself with the techniques and skills that are expected of you at your current belt level. This may include basic strikes, kicks, and blocks, as well as forms (also known as poomsae or hyeong).
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better prepared you will be for your promotion exam. Try to fit in extra training sessions, either on your own or with a partner, to hone your skills and increase your confidence.
Pay attention to your taekwondo etiquette: Remember to show respect to your instructor and other students by bowing and using proper terms of address. Proper etiquette is an important aspect of taekwondo, and it will be taken into consideration during your promotion exam.
Stay focused and stay calm: During your promotion exam, it is important to stay focused and stay calm, even if things don’t go exactly as planned. Take a deep breath and try to stay relaxed, and remember to give it your best effort.
Have fun: While it is important to take your promotion exam seriously, it is also important to remember to enjoy the experience. Taekwondo is a fun and rewarding martial art, and earning a new belt is a great accomplishment.
By following these tips and putting in the necessary work and preparation, you will be well on your way to successfully passing your 9th kup belt promotion exam in taekwondo. Good luck!
10th Kup (white belt)
Without examination, rules of conduct in the dojang and during training
In Taekwondo, a 10th kup (also spelt geup or group) is a rank that is typically held by beginner practitioners who are just starting to learn the art. The kup system is used to indicate the rank of a practitioner in taekwondo, with the lower kup ranks (such as 10th kup) indicating a lower level of proficiency and the higher kup ranks (such as 1st kup) indicating a higher level.
The specific requirements for attaining the rank of 10th kup may vary depending on the governing body or organization for taekwondo in a particular region or country. However, generally, practitioners at the 10th kup level are expected to have a basic understanding of taekwondo techniques and terminology and to be able to demonstrate a few basic techniques and forms.
As practitioners progress through the kup ranks and demonstrate increased proficiency in taekwondo, they will typically be promoted to higher kup ranks. They may be eligible to earn a higher-coloured belt. In many taekwondo organizations, the rank of 10th kup is represented by a white belt with a colored stripe or tag, which practitioners usually wear until they are ready to test for the next rank.
9th Kup (white belt with yellow stripes)
Preparation time three months or at least 20 TE
- Elementary school
- Tap exercises with or without a partner
- Pad exercises
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- Theory (Korean and German names of the techniques shown)
8th Kup (yellow belt)
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Preparation time three months, at least 25 TE
- Elementary school
- Tap exercises with or without a partner
- Pad exercises
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- Free-fighting exercises
- 1 x 1 with different techniques
- Self-defence (dodging hand attacks, grabbing yourself and holding on
- Theory (Korean and German names for the techniques and exercises shown, the right to self-defence and the intellectual background of TKD
7th Kup (yellow-green belt)
Preparation time three months, at least 25 TE
- Elementary school
- 1st Form – Taeguk Il-Jang
- Pad exercises
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- Free-fighting exercises
- 1×1 with different techniques, late
- Self-defence (simple exercises from the fall school for injury prevention)
- Theory (Korean and German names of the techniques and exercises shown)
6th Kup (green belt)
Preparation time four months, at least 25 TE
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including 2nd Form – Taeguk I-Jang
- Pad exercises
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- Free-fighting exercises
- Close-range self-defence (without weapons)
- Theory (Korean and German names of the techniques and exercises shown, the right to self-defence and the intellectual background of TKD)
5th Kup (green-blue belt)
Preparation time six months, at least 30 TE
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including 3rd Form – Taeguk Sam-Jang
- Pad exercises
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- Free-fighting exercises
- Self-defence (without weapons)
- Defence against combined attacks from close and medium range
- Theory (Korean and German names of the techniques and exercises shown, the right to self-defence and the intellectual background of TKD)
Program 4th to 1st Kup (advanced)
4th Kup (blue belt)
Preparation time six months, at least 45 TE
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including 4th Form – Taeguk Sa-Jang
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- Free-fighting exercises
- Self-defence (free defence against attacks from long, medium and close range)
- A breaking test; the candidate is free to choose (note age)
- Theory (Korean and German names of the techniques and exercises shown, competition rules (full contact and forms) and technical principles)
3rd Kup (blue-red belt)
Preparation time six months, at least 45 TE
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including 5th Form – Taeguk Oh-Jang
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- free-fighting exercises
- Self Defense
- Free blocking of attacks from long, medium and close range. Defence against coordinated attacks in the ground position. Defence against agreed stick attacks (note age)
- Two breaking tests; the candidate has a free choice (note age) different techniques must be shown.
- theory; Theory (Korean and German names of the techniques and exercises shown, competition rules (full contact and forms) and technical principles)
2nd Kup (red or brown belt)
Preparation time six months, at least 45 TE
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including 6th Form – Taeguk Yuk-Jang
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- free-fighting exercises
- Self-defence (note age) Free defence against attacks from different distances. Free defence against stick attacks. Defence against collusive knife attacks
- Two breaking tests; the candidate has a free choice (note age) different techniques must be shown.
- Theory (training theory; otherwise see 3rd Kup)
1st Kup (red-black or brown-black belt)
Preparation time six months (1 year recommended), at least 45 TE
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including 7th Form – Taeguk Chil-Jang
- Partner exercises – 1-step fight
- free-fighting exercises
- Self-defence (note age) Free defence against unarmed and armed attacks. Self-defence under the aspect of space shortage. Defence against surprise attacks
- Two breaking tests; the candidate has a free choice (note age) different techniques must be shown.
- Theory (training theory; otherwise see 2nd Kup)
DAN exams
Black Belt 1st Dan / Poom
Earning a black belt in taekwondo is a significant achievement, and passing the belt promotion exam to 1st dan (1st-degree black belt) is a significant milestone in your taekwondo journey. To help you prepare for your 1st dan promotion exam, here are a few tips:
Review the taekwondo curriculum: Familiarize yourself with the techniques and skills expected of you at the black belt level. Pay particular attention to the techniques and skills specific to the 1st-dan level. This may include advanced strikes, kicks, and blocks, as well as more complex forms (also known as poomsae or hyeong).
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better prepared you will be for your promotion exam. Try to fit in extra training sessions on your own or with a partner to hone your skills and increase your confidence.
Pay attention to your taekwondo etiquette: Remember to respect your instructor and other students by bowing and using proper terms of address. Proper etiquette is an essential aspect of taekwondo and will be considered during your promotion exam.
Stay focused and calm: During your promotion exam, it is essential to stay focused and stay calm, even if things don’t go exactly as planned. Please take a deep breath, stay relaxed, and remember to give it your best effort.
Have fun: While taking your promotion exam seriously is essential, it is also important to remember to enjoy the experience. Taekwondo is a fun and rewarding martial art, and earning a black belt is a great accomplishment.
By following these tips and putting in the necessary work and preparation, you will be well on your way to successfully passing your 1st dan belt promotion exam in taekwondo. Good luck!
Requirements for Dan-Gradings
To qualify for a Dan grading, specific requirements must be met. These include:
Attend the Pre-Grading Seminar
If being offered or available, attend the Pre-Grading / blackbelt Seminar. If you cannot participate, please attend regular classes and follow the seminar to meet all the examiners.
Attend Regular Classes
Attend as many classes at your club as possible before the grading.
Complete the Application Form
Complete the application form and include the following:
- 2 Passport photos
- Proof of residency (for the last six months) such as a utility bill, school letter, residency permit, etc.
- Photocopy of your most recent 1st Kup Certificate or Kukkiwon Certificate
- Grading fee
Bring Protective Equipment
Bring all protective equipment to the seminar and grading.
Get Permission for External Clubs
External clubs should get permission from their club instructor for the seminar and grading.
Submit Medical Issues/Certificates in Writing
If you have any medical issues or certificates, they must be submitted in writing.
The preparation time of at least one year
Examination board: One Dan holder (at least A license, from 3rd DAN )
Assessors: at least two Dan holders
Evidence of further education and master’s degree courses Poom exams are age-adjusted
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including Taeguk Pal-Jang
- Partner exercises
- 1-step Sparring with higher difficulty
- Free fight
- Free sparring, optionally with tasks
- Self-defence (note age), free defence against unarmed and armed attacks by a partner from different distances
- Three breaking tests with different techniques – a combination of two must be shown.
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Poomsae | Up to and including T8 |
| 1 Step | Show a variety of techniques, correct distance, control |
| 1 for 1 | No contact, exhibition of range of kicks |
| Self-defence | Variety of defence against grabs, show technical understanding of locks and releases |
| Sparring | Controlled contact, appropriate to opponent’s size/age |
| Destruction | 1 board free-choice power break, 1 board free-choice skill break |
Black Belt 2nd Dan / Poom
Preparation time 1.5 to 2 years
Examination Board: A Dan carrier (at least A license, from 3. DAN)
Assessors: at least 1 Dan carrier (with license) and 1 Dan carrier Proof of further education and master’s degree courses
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including Poomsae-Koryo
- Partner exercises
- 1-step battle with higher difficulty
- free fight
- Free sparring, optionally with tasks
- Self-defence (note age) Free defence against unarmed and armed attacks by a partner from different distances
- Four breaking tests with different techniques – a combination of two and at least one jumping technique must be shown.
Black belt 3rd Dan
Preparation time two years
Examination board: A Dan bearer (A license from 3rd Dan)
Assessors: at least two other Dan holders (with license) or one Dan
holder (A license from 4th Dan) Assessors: at least two other Dan
holders. Admission requirement: Dan preparatory course
- Review of the pre-program
- Up to and including Poomsae Keumgang
- Partner exercises
- 1-step battle with higher difficulty
- Free fight (free sparring, optionally with tasks)
- Self-defence (note age) Free defence against unarmed and armed attacks by multiple attackers
- Five breaking tests with different techniques (a combination of three and at least two jumping techniques must be shown)
Black belt 4th Dan
Preparation time three years
Minimum age 25 years
Examination board: A Dan holder (A license, at least 4th Dan)
Assessors: at least two other Dan holders (2 licenses) or one Dan bearer
(A license from 5th Dan) Assessors: at least two other Dan bearers.
- Partner exercises (with your partner)
- 1-Step Battle (Free Program)
- Self Defense
- Own program with up to 3 own partners
- Special break test
Black belt 5th Dan
Preparation time four years
Minimum age 30 years
Examination board: A Dan holder (A license, min. 5th Dan) Assessors: at least two other Dan holders (with license) or a Dan holder (A license, from 6th Dan) Assessors: at least two other Dan -Carrier.
Evidence of further education and master’s degree courses
- Partner exercises (with your partner)
- 1-Step Battle (Free Program)
- Self Defense
- Own program with up to 3 own partners
- Special break test
Black belt 6th Dan
Preparation time five years
Minimum age 36 Years
Examination board: One Dan holder (A license, from 6th Dan) Assessors:
At least two other Dan holders (with license) or one Dan
Carrier (A license from 7th Dan)
Assessors: at least two other Dan holders.
Evidence of further education and master’s degree courses
- Partner exercises (with your partner)
- 1-Step Battle (Free Program)
- Self Defense
- Own program with up to 3 own partners
- Special break test
Black belt 7th Dan
Black belt 8th Dan
Black belt 9th Dan
