Grading Questions

[Feb 2004]

When I am able too, I would like to grade for my black belt. The problem is that I have a severe disability to my right leg and arm. The leg injury prohibits me from running and doing jumping and flying kicks. Being over 40 yrs of age I can choose not to do the jumping techniques but is there an alternative option for the run?

Tim Murray
Levin, NZ

ITFNZ now has a Medical Dispensation Policy for gradings which means situations such as yours can be taken into consideration. This means it is still possible to pas the grading even though you may be down on marks having not done the run for example. You would need to supply a medical certificate with your grading application.

Paul M

[14 June 2002]

Dear Sir
I am looking at going for my black belt at the end of 2002 and was wondering if you could give me any tips about the black belt grading?

Tony
Blenheim

Tony

Firstly talk to others who have done the grading so you can get a good idea of what happens. It is important to be very fit, and able to cope with a hard day's training on the Saturday, and then have enough energy left to do well on the Sunday. Work to a training schedule and be organised and fully prepared. Be focussed on your goals throughout the weekend - and enjoy it.

Paul M

Dear Sir,
I was wondering if for my grading I would be allowed to use an elbow
technique similar to the one used in hwarang tul for breaking. Is this okay or is it an act of blasphemy??

Cheers,

Joshua Zugai
Howick, New Zealand

The syllabus requires a front elbow strike, not side elbow thrust.

Greetings Sir!

At grading what do you look for in free sparring? How is it marked?

Sincerely

Cilla Brown

Here is what is written in the ITFNZ Grading Information sheet:
"Free sparring is required for those who are green belts and above. The student will usually have one or two spars with a partner of similar grade for about a minute or so. The more senior the exponent, the higher skill level is expected, utilising a good range of techniques and combinations. There should be good reflexes - demonstrating they can defend by dodging or blocking the opponent. The student should be able to counter-attack with good distance and show a good level of fitness.

Free sparring is also a test of courage for many, and will be a test of control for others. The examiner will take note of how the different personalities conduct themselves, again watching for good attitudes. Each spar will score an A Pass, Pass or Fail."

Dear Sir
As part of my one step sparring I am supposed to perform a vertical kick. The encyclopedia indicates it is an attack but some of the seniors at my club say it is a defence. I was wondering if to use it as an attack should I block turning sideways to my opponent then attack him in the solar plexus with the vertical kick? Or is there a better way to use this kick?

Yours sincerely

Michael Edmonds

It is an attack and can be performed as you mention, but probably
easier to attack the head from front on.

My friend was wondering what age can you start breaking boards
and if you aren't that age on the grading do you have to break the board.
carissa doig
christchurch

The only restriction we have is for juniors doing hand breaks. Officially
once someone turns 14, then they are not a junior any more, but it can depend on the size of the person. The main thing is we don't want to risk injury to bones on younger people.

For my next grading, I think I'm supposed to do a break. Will I still grade if I don't break it?

Mitch Kenny
Tauranga

Only some people below green belt will have to do breaks - and it
won't have a major effect on the result.

Paul M

[26 Aug 97]
I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT INSTRUCTORS LOOK FOR IN
TESTING FOR A GREEN STRIPE

BUDECMF, PHILA PA, USA
YELLOW BELT, RED TIGER TKD

That depends on the syllabus in your organisation. Good stances, correct crossing and good power would be some of the important things to work on. Give it your best effort and best of luck for your grading.

Paul M

[22 5 97]
Dear Sir,

I would like to know the procedure of grading to black belt. And also some advice, please. Thanks for the time to read my letter.

Yours sincerely,
Chung Chuan Wei
1st kup,
MITF(MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO FEDERATION)

Sir

The black belt grading procedure varies from country to country. Here in New Zealand we have a two day grading, where applicants must train and undergo tests including theory, self defence and fitness as well as the usual patterns, sparring and destructions. You can check out our black belt grading information for more details.

Also can I suggest reading the essay "How do gradings Measure Up" by Christine Young in our essay library. This will give you plenty of ideas and advice for your grading. Best of luck!

Paul M

[30 Jan 1997]
Mr McPhail

This is not a 'technical' question so to speak, but it is grading related. I have two separate students who used to train under Dave Hastie (ie did chon ji patterns) and have restarted training. They made it to 3rd and 5th kup respectively, and are wondering if they regain all or part
of their rank. I realise that normally this would not be considered, but when the Mosgiel and Dunedin clubs originally joined ITFNZ, I believe members kept their rank. What should I tell them?

Thank you,

Jake Pearson
Dunedin

Yes they can keep their rank. Often when people return to training after a time away, they will realise they have some catching up to do and choose to go back a grade or two - which is okay if that's what they want to do. I suggest you tell them that they can keep their grade.

If it becomes obvious they are not up to grading for their next belt, then you could suggest they go for a lower grade.You have to be able to access their standard and tell them honestly where they fit in to the ranking system. If you think they would struggle going for their next belt, it may be better to say "lets consolidate your technique and put you up to re-grade your current rank, that will give you a chance
to experience the grading system etc etc..."

Hope that helps

Paul M

[19 September 1996]
Dear Sir
Just one question regarding the Fitness test in the Black Belt Grading.
At one of the gradings held last year, the fitness test was held at
the start of the grading, but in May this year the fitness test was
held at the end of the first day. Is there a standard for this?
I think it would be important to the way the student trains to know
when it is going to be.

Thanks
Andrew N

Andrew

We have now settled into a routine of doing the fitness test at the end of the first day - the run being last. As you say, it would be advantageous for people to run through the fitness tests AFTER a TKD session to get use to that.

Thanks for the question

Paul M