Black Belt Techniques Handbook 2002

NOTE: THESE REGULATIONS MAY HAVE NOW BEEN SUPERCEDED. Check the latest updates here

Highlights of the new syllabus

The general theme of the new syllabus has been to simplify, and to encourage people to grade. We have done this by firstly including all the theory that needs to be learnt, in the handbook - similar to the gup handbook. This means everyone has access to the information.

We have greatly simplified the requirements for 1st dan. The idea is that grading for 1st dan is a test of all the coloured belt syllabus. In theory for example, it is now only necessary to know the contents of the gup syllabus plus the meaning of Choong Moo. All other theory previously required has been shifted up the ranks in a graduated fashion, with the more philosophical and instructor relevant material for 4th and 5th dans.

We have also simplified the certification requirements. We have found over the years that many people have found it very difficult to attend the necessary courses, given that there are only a certain number of them put on each year. We also know that there is a big drop-out rate after 1st dan, and we want to target this problem area and encourage people to stay on and continue their gradings. With this in mind, we have also dropped the requirement to write an essay to sit for 2nd dan.

There are many more minor tweaks - so here are the new features of the new syllabus

• The techniques listed include the new movements from the dan patterns, plus others we think apply to a particular level.
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• Breaking requires for 2nd dan and above changes, to come more into line with World Champs power and special techniques breaks.
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• Age for hand breaks has been decreased from 15 to 14, in line with the encyclopaedia.
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• Self defence has been simplified. When testing for 1st dan, applicants are expected to be able to perform all techniques from the coloured belt syllabus. For 2nd dan we have introduced Ground Self Defence and have also listed all the ground techniques in attack and defence sections. For 4th dan we have introduced throwing and falling techniques.
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• No essay required for 2nd dan. Essay for 3rd dan, thesis for 4th dan only (none for 5th)
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• No Umpires certification required for 2nd dan
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• No First Aid certificate or CNZ required at any level
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• ITF Course certification required for 4th dan and above - as per ITF rules
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• Fitness test scoring has been simplified
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• Theory for lower dans has been reduced and simplified. Theory for seniors has been increased and relates more to instructing and philosophy.
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• Syllabus and application forms are now separate. Samples of the forms are in the handbook, but the actual forms will be on the website. Fees will also be published on the website separately.
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• Credit points are now to be allocated by the Instructor or Regional Director, instead of the Examiners. The examiners will check it only.
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• Credit points have been increased for senior dans - now at a ration of 10 points per year
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• Bonus points can now be allocated by the examiners in any area of the grading (not just breaking and credits)