1. Regular, Weekly attendance of a minimum of one �A� day class (Mon. /Tues.), and one �B� day class (Thurs. /Fri.). The required curriculum is split accordingly.
2. Demonstrating an understanding of a good example in one�s best effort in class and a serious attitude towards training.
3. Demonstrating a proficiency in all required material pertaining to one�s Belt level during the Pre-test week of a scheduled Belt Level test.
4. Earning the Required number of classes pertaining to one�s Belt level.
Yellow belt level test (9th Gup) will be conducted in class, along with all Stripe tests below the rank of Blue belt. Upon reaching Blue belt level (6th Gup), all Belt and Stripe advancement tests will be conducted on an official Belt promotional day, scheduled for Saturday afternoons, app. 5 times per year (see yearly schedule of events).
FOR STUDENTS AGE 12 AND UNDER:
5. The signing of a Belt test candidate sheet by a student�s parent/caregiver, as well as one�s school teacher, attesting to a student�s best effort and conduct outside of the Taekwondo academy.
6. Completion of three (3) Self discipline sheets per year. These sheets list routine activities/chores performed by the student before being asked.
7. For Red belt level and above: Additional attendance of a minimum of one (1) Wednesday Advanced youth Olympic sparring class per month. This class is scheduled a minimum of twice monthly (see calendar).
CANDIDATE STRIPES:
These are interim level stripes added, in class, to the Blue stripe and Brown stripe level to better indicate where a student is in their advancement requirements. Candidate-striped students are re-evaluated twice per year in March and September.
Blue Stripe (5th Gup/Advanced Blue belt): A red stripe is placed over the Black stripe to indicate that a student has the required number of classes to advance to Red belt, as well as the ability to demonstrate both Blue belt forms. At this point, a student is ready to review/re-learn all previous belt forms up to his/her Belt level (white belt forms, yellow belt forms, green etc.) These 10 forms will be pre-tested on the Wednesday of the Pre-test week of the desired Belt test date. Also pre-tested will be the ability to demonstrate a basic counter-attack with a partner in a sparring situation. It is generally agreed that if a student can make it to the advanced level of Red belt, then he/she has shown the ability to achieve the future Black belt rank.
Brown Stripe (1st Gup/Advanced Brown belt): A second, double width Black stripe is placed on the belt to indicate that a student has earned the required number of classes to advance to Black belt, as well as the demonstration of all forms up to that level, for a total of 14 forms (poomsae). It is at this point that a student will begin the final phase of his/her preparation, including all that is both physically and mentally expected of a Black belt at this Academy.
Candidate-striped students will be offered additional, in-depth, belt specific classes for advancement.
FOR THE 1st DEGREE BLACK BELT LEVEL
(See �Belt level rank requirements� for complete listing):
8. Completion of a six-month probationary period upon testing, thereby demonstrating an understanding of the attitude, example, and motivation, expected of the Black belt rank. This in-class training as a Black belt is a pre-requisite to official 1st degree Ranking and certification. Any and all classes earned up to this point will be credited toward the 2nd degree Black belt level requirement.
If a student fails to complete the six-month probationary requirement within a year of testing, he/she will be required to re-test in order to receive official Ranking and certification.
9. Black belt test fee, which includes embroidered uniform and belt, certificates, frames and test materials. There are no Belt test fees below the rank of black belt. Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) international registration and certification will be offered in-house with no additional requirements, but with a separate fee (fee set by Kukkiwon).
FOR STUDENTS AGE 18 YEARS AND UNDER:
10. Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) in school, absent of failing any classes.
Due to the time needed to conduct these testings, all Black belt tests will be conducted at Teen & Adult Belt Promotionals. These are held 4 times per year in January, April, July, and October (see "Yearly Schedule of Events").
It will take a diligent student a minimum of 3 1\2 to 4 years to attain Black belt rank. Students under 15 years old reaching the "degree" level receive "Poom" (junior or children's degree). This is noted by a belt which is half red and half black. Upon reaching the age of 15, a ceremonial presentation will be held to award the Sr. degree "Dan" rank (solid black belt), with no additional requirements.
BLACK BELT QUALIFIERS:
Held yearly in April and August, these qualifiers are for technique evaluation and feedback, and to keep Black belts abreast of any new changes/additions in our curriculum and Kukkiwon standards. A minimum of two (2) are required for Black belt degree advancement.
