Two of my favorite times to be a Master and Instructor are when I get to invite someone to test, and when I get to award someone their belt after a promotion test. The smiles make all the hard work, tears, frustration, and long hours worth it.
There is a common myth/legend within the Taekwondo and martial art community of the origins of the transition of a student's belt from white to black. In ancient times, when a student began training, he was given a brand new uniform and belt. A white belt. In reality, the belt was probably used only to hold up his pants! Over time, after years of training, kicking, punching, rolling, sweating, bleeding. That white belt would become weathered, dirty, worn, and eventually soiled. From white, to brown, to black.
At ATLU TKD, there are 10 steps between white belt (Beginner) and Black Belt (Advanced). Color belts are known as GUP in Korean, and are numbered in reverse order. So when you start out as a white belt, you are a 10th GUP. Yellow stripe, 9th GUP, Yellow Belt, 8th GUP and so on. 1st GUP is red belt with a black stripe. And what is the BO-DAN? This half red-half black belt is a preparatory black belt. During this time a color belt prepares for his or her black belt test. Black belts are known as DAN in Korean and are number in ascending sequential order, 1-9.
There are two types of promotion testing in Taekwondo. Color belt tests known as GUP tests. And Black belt tests, know as DAN tests. At our ATLU, GUP tests happen once or twice a month, DAN testing happen twice a year.
Our system of testing is slightly different from many others in that testing is by invitation only by the Master Instructor. Not automatic because a certain number of classes have been attended. Not automatic because a certain period of time has passed. But a global assessment and review of the student based on technique, experience, maturity, and readiness to move up and on. For our junior students (those under 18), parental consent, approval and recommendation must be given based on demonstration by the student of the tenets of Taekwondo at home and school.
Promotion tests are an opportunity to bring together the community of our school. All ages. All belts. Parents, friends, supporters. For many students and families, it is the first time they get to see the entire spectrum of the school, and Taekwondo practitioners other than the specific class they attend.
There is no set agenda for a test. Yes, there is an order of events. Basics, Poomse, One-Steps, Free Sparring and Breaking. But the details are hidden. Saved until the last moment by the Master or Grandmaster based on the student, the events, the moment. Each test an opportunity for discovery and discussion. To investigate and explore the depth, breadth and volume of a student's physical and educational knowledge of Taekwondo. This is also different than many other schools. In many schools, you are given an outline of what you have to know for your next test. Do this combination of kicks; this form; this one-step; and, "ta-da"...you're promoted.
There are a couple unwritten rules when it come to promotion testing that I should probably finally commit to paper (or the blogosphere). The first is that students and parents should not not ask if they or their child are ready to test or when they will test. This display of self-control and humility is part of the growth of a student in Taekwondo. Second, a student must not ask when they will get their belt after a test either. This is an exercise in patience. This second rule is especially important in this instant gratification world we live in today.
Many times I have a parent come to me before a test and say, "Johnny is scared to test". My response is always the same. He should be. This is a TEST. And he will be fine! He knows what's required. That's why he was invited to test. All he has to do is step on the mat, take a deep breath, and show what he knows.
I've mentioned several times before that the dojang is a microcosm of our larger lives. A laboratory. A test space. If we can conquer feelings, emotions, impulses in the dojang. If we can learn to deal with them in a positive way, then the hope is that it becomes easier to deal with them in the "real-world". Where else does a child, or adult for that matter, get to practice these things?
Until next time, train hard and good luck on your next test!
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