BELT TESTING

Discpline the mind, and the body will follow

WHAT DO I

NEED TO KNOW?

Each belt will need to demonstrate proficiency in hand and foot striking techniques, patterns (poomsae), self-defence routines (one step sparring), sparring (no-contact, with contact sparring at higher belts), terminology, and board-breaking. Only new techniques/patterns will be listed; students should continue to develop proficiency with every technique, new and old. Black belts have a written portion to their test, and will need to study an information package, attached to this document. For testing above 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan, please contact the instructors before signing up for testing.


DAY OF THE TESTING

Typically, belt-testing has started around noon or early afternoon on a weekend. UTTO members have the option of gathering at a central location (e.g. Hart House) and going as a group, or arrive individually. The testing takes place at Sport TKD, near Bloor and Christie. Upon arriving at Sport TKD (make sure to bow as you come through the door!), students will change (changerooms in the basement) and begin warming up and stretching.

Following warmup, Master Kim will call the testing to begin. Students will bow in to Master Kim, the instructors, and the national flags. Typically testing will follow belt order, with UTTO instructors proctoring. Black belts will write their written examination during the colour belts’ technique and poomsae examination. The order of testing is subject to Master Kim; the listed procedure here is a depiction of a more commonly seen testing session. There is usually also a short break part-way through for water; if anyone requires a small snack to refuel, this would be the time.

Kicking techniques will be tested via combinations. Master Kim will ask each group of students to demonstrate, with kihaps on each kick. An example combination might be: front snap kick (left leg) –> front snap kick (right leg) –> roundhouse kick (left leg) –> slide back three steps. Poomsae will be tested several times. Master Kim may ask students to perform their poomsae on his count, then on their own time, then with one or more challenges in effect. Examples include: with eyes closed, with one or both hands behind their back, without moving their feet, facing opposite directions, within 30 seconds (as fast as 5-10 seconds), in sequence with other students (one person does the first move, the other person does the second move, a third person does the third move, the first person does the fourth move, and so on). 

Depending on the size of the testing session, self-defence may be tested with all students in one large group, or in several

groups divided mainly into belts. Confident students may study the self-defence routines starting from the left side also (typically the tests only examine starting from the right side). Sparring and board breaking are left for the end. The specific order is Master Kim’s decision. For sparring, there will be multiple matches for each student. If a higher belt (who is expected to be familiar with contact sparring) is matched up with a lower belt (who is not expected to be familiar with contact sparring) then the higher belt will spar no-contact. Students are expected to give each other a chance to show their techniques.

For board breaking, students may have to use any of the techniques they are expected to know. Usually lower level colour belt students (up to, roughly, green belt) will perform two board breaks (1 hand and 1 foot technique). Higher level colour belt students (up to red belt) will perform up to four board breaks (2 hand and 2 foot techniques). Black belt students will perform 8 board breaks (4 hand and 4 foot techniques). Board breaking might sound scary, but this is usually one of the easiest sections of the test. Perform your technique as accurately as you can, strike all the way through the board (it might be easier to aim just above or below the middle of the board), and kihap loudly! Students who do not break a board on the first try are given multiple attempts, with no penalty for requiring multiple attempts.

After all the sections of the test have concluded, the instructors will finish grading each student. Once this is done, the belt promotion ceremony takes place. Students will line up according to belt level, and be called up one at a time to receive their next belt, along with comments on their testing. After each student has their new belt, the students will bow out (to Master Kim, the instructors, and the national flags), and the testing session is concluded. On average, tests run for about two to three hours, depending on the amount of students.

FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

Signing up is done through an online form, released 2-3 weeks in advance of the day of the belt test. You will need to indicate which belt you’re testing for. Make sure to pay the testing fee after you sign up! Either pay through e-transfer or by cash, to a club executive.

Fees for colour belt tests are $30, but subject to change.

Fees for black belt tests start at $250 for first dan, and each successive dan will be an additional $50 ($300 for 2nd dan, $350 for 3rd dan, and so on). This may be subject to change. Black belt tests are more expensive due to requiring certification from World Taekwondo headquarters (Kukkiwon), and additional testing requirements.

UTTO belt tests once per semester, through Master Kim at Sport TKD. Typically colour belt tests run both semesters, with black belt testing being run during the winter semester testing session.

Attending as many of the regular classes as possible is the best idea to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Each of the classes focus on slightly different aspects; if you feel you need more preparation on any of their focuses, make sure to attend!

    • Beginners: basic technique, poomsae
    • Intermediate: more advanced techniques, fitness
    • Competitive: fitness, sparring

In addition to the regular classes, there are extra sessions booked for self-defence and poomsae practices. These are booked per the instructor’s availability, and will be announced a week in advance in the Facebook group and Messenger group chat.

You should bring the following with you:

  • Make sure to have your uniform and belt!
  • Bring your own water bottle, and a small snack.
  • If you are required to be familiar with contact sparring, bring at least your groin guard, arm and shin guards, and foot and hand protectors.
  • Black belt candidates should bring their own pen or pencil for the written portion.
  • A nice, loud kihap!

USEFUL VIDEOS

We have linked a highlights video of a previous belt testing session. Note that this video does not have footage of all aspects of testing (sparring and board breaking are not shown).