EXAMS & REGISTRATION FORMS
Please read everything on this webpage
as some information has changed.
(Registration forms will be distributed by the Masters in Class)
GENERAL EXAM INFORMATION
1. The Purpose of Promotion Exams:
While expressing your knowledge, you will gain a better understanding of the details of TaeKwonDo. Through the exam, you will gain further knowledge by the qualified examiner’s personal help and by observing other students’ performances. The exam is the time to measure your progress and demonstrate what you have learned, while improving friendship, cooperation, and organization. At the exam, you will be encouraged to set higher goals.
2. Who is invited to the Exam?
All students: Even if you are not taking the exam, we strongly recommend that you attend. By observing others perform, you will increase your knowledge. Also, we all learn better teamwork by encouraging others to do better.
All family and friends: We recommend that you "bring" two or more witnesses for your exam. This is the time to share with family and friends about the benefits that you’ve received from your training and how much improvement you’ve made. When you invite them to be part of this event, you also help them by giving them the opportunity to understand more about TaeKwonDo and our Academy.
3. How Do I Know If I May Take The Exam?
You are eligible to take the exam when you receive all qualification stripes (Poomsae/Sparring/Self-Defense/Kicks/LifeSkills) on your belt, only with permission from Master Thomas, Master Chris, & Master Janelle. ‘No-Belts’ receive a White Belt in order to have a belt to hold their curriculum stripes but still must take the exam to obtain certification for 9th Kub High White Belt)
4. When Do Qualifications Start?
Qualifications will begin about 3.5 weeks before the exam. We are qualifying students to take the exam in class until two Saturdays before the exam for Black Belts and the Wednesday before the exam for all other ranks.
5. When Must I Register for the Exam?
The Saturday 2 weeks before the exam for Black Belts and the Wednesday before the exam for all other ranks. These are also the last dates to register for the exam without a late fee of $10.00 ($50.00 for Black Belt Finals).
If you qualify after the registration date, you must register the same day to avoid late fees.
6. Do I Need Sparring Equipment?
All students, yellow belt & higher must bring their own sparring equipment.
7. Graduation:
Takes place immediately following the exam. Reserve 2-3 hours for exam and graduation. (Black Belt Preliminary graduations will take place after the candidate completes their exam leadership during the color belt exam graduation).
8. Can I Be Promoted More Than One Rank?
During the exam, some students who perform extremely well mentally, physically, and philosophically may become eligible for a “special achievement” award. Special achievement may result in a promotion of more than one Kub (rank) forward. For example, an exceptional Non-Kub student may be promoted directly to 8th Kub (Yellow Belt). Students who are 3rd Kub (High Blue Belt) and higher, or anyone who has not taken an exam within the last two months cannot qualify for special achievement. Also, no matter how well a student performs, he or she will not qualify for “special achievement” if he or she has not improved according to his or her own ability.
Special Note to All Students:
If you have not yet qualified to take the exam, you may still receive permission. Persevere to the last minute - always do your best. If you have questions or need special assistance, please ask Masters Morte & Master Janelle.
EXAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY (Main Exam)
6:00-10:00 AM - FINAL & PRELIMINARY Black Belt Exam
(Feb/Jun/Oct)
10:00 AM - White Belt through High Red Belt
11:30 PM (standby) - Graduation Ceremony for ALL Ranks
(Masters' Exam Tea & Candle Ceremony - Feb/Jun/Oct)
FRIDAY (After)
7:10 PM - Make-up Exam Only White Belt - High Red Belt
COLOR BELT (KUB) EXAMS
1. All TaeKwonDo classes two weeks before the Exam will be devoted to your curriculum for exam preparation (Including regular Sparring Classes)
2. Under Black Belt Registration forms must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to the exam. If you qualify on or after the last day, you must submit your registration that same day to avoid a late fee. Exam Registrations submitted after this day will be subject to a late fee ($10 and an additional $15 if submitted on the day of the exam.)
3. MAKE-UP EXAM: (Under Deputy Black-Belt Only) If you have an UNAVOIDABLE CONFLICT with the Main Exam time, we will try to help you schedule a make-up exam time, IF you submit your Make-Up Request Form, with a valid reason why you are required to miss the Exam, together with your Exam Registration Form and fee, BEFORE the Main Exam. An additional $10.00 fee will be applied to registrations for a Make-up Exam, unless required by a Master
4. In the event the Masters do not feel you are ready for the exam, we will advise. Please make sure you are attending classes regularly to keep up with your curriculum review.
5. Note: If your current rank is 8th Kub Yellow Belt or Higher, you must bring your sparring equipment.
BLACK BELT (DAN/POOM) EXAMS
* There are no make-up exams for Black Belts
* All TaeKwonDo Classes between Exams should be treated as Exam preparation Please attend appropriate class days to prepare for your exam as noted in the schedule.
* All Black Belt Registrations must be submitted on the Saturday TWO weeks prior to the exam. Exam Registrations submitted after this day will be subject to a late fee ($10 for Preliminaries, $50 for Finals)
Qualifications for All Black Belt Exams will be a 3 step process:
Step 1: Leadership Fulfillment for ALL Black Belt Exams (must complete 2):
- Completion of weekly Leadership responsibilities
(Approximately 18 hours over a 4-month period-Tracked via MyStudio)
- Leadership during color belt exams or at either Make-up Exam. At this point the student will receive 1 silver stripe for completing their Leadership responsibilities.
- Community Project – Organize a community project either at the dojang, in your school, or in your community. Share details in preferred format. (Due 1 week before Exam date.)
Step 2: In class qualifications starting a minimum of 3 weeks before the exam, Students will receive their curriculum stripes indicating that they have demonstrated that they are prepared to move forward to their level Black Belt Exam
Step 3: A 200+ word essay on why you believe you are prepared to take your final Black Belt exam. (Due the day of the Exam)
ALSO:
· Attend a min of 2 Black Belt classes the week prior to the exam
· SaBooNim & the Masters will review your submission and you will receive notice if there are any qualification issues by that Thursday
· All Black Belts are required to bring your sparring equipment to your exam.
· Submit a Dojang Gift – All gifts should be a display of personal ownership to the school and offer a lasting impact. (FINALS ONLY)
· (Please note: all other Black Belt Rank specific requirements apply, i.e., Black belts going from deputy to 1st Dan/Poom will need to complete their packet & egg journal)
IMPORTANT SCHEDULING NOTE
(in addition to scheduling your Black Belt Exam)
Final & Preliminary Black Belt Exams
1. Exam take place at 6am on the schedule exam day
2. Black Belt Participants must be present on time. Prompt arrival is part of your exam (Recommended standby time is 5:55am)
3. Physical exam will be a maximum of 4 hours.
Physical portion of exam will include.
0.5-1 Hour of Endurance training
0.5-1 Hour of Sparring Technique, Rolling, and Falling Training
2-3 Hours of Curriculum Review (Including Self Defense & Poomsae)
4. Leadership portion of exam will be approximately 2-3 hours
5. Graduation will take place at the completion of participants exam leadership during that color belts exam graduation.