NB. Receiving This Booklet Does Not Entitle You to Grade

BLACK BELT GRADING

STUDENT PACK

NB. Receiving this booklet does not entitle you to grade.

You will need to pass the pre-grade

to determine if you can grade

CONGRATULATIONS………….

• You have been recommended by your instructor to prepare for the next Black Belt grading. There will also be a Seminar directly before the grading.

• This booklet is to help you prepare in the best possible way and should therefore be read thoroughly.

• Included is your training agreement, which must be signed and returned, a list of frequently asked questions and some helpful hints.

• What do I need to do from this point on?

• The importance of your pre-grading and what will happen at the session.

• Fortitude Grading Fee.

Student Training Agreement

When preparing for the black belt grading nothing can replace consistent and determined training. It is therefore a requirement for all Fortitude students to agree to train as many times as possible (min of twice per week), and to make themselves available for any additional sessions at the weekend (including the pre-grade).

Failure to make the minimum may result in the forfeiting of the right to grade. As well as training in class it is recommended that you practise at home. You will also be required to take a pre-grade test approximately one month before the Black Belt grading, this will determine whether you are ready to grade or would benefit from more training time.

(Please read the above agreement thoroughly and sign below. If you are under 18 years please get you parent/guardian to also sign before returning this portion only).

I agree to train at least twice per week and practise at home in my preparation to grade and to take on board any suggestions, regarding my training by my instructor. I also understand that I must attend a pre-grade approximately one month before the scheduled grading date.

Students name and signature:Date:

Parents’ signature:Date:

(parent/guardian to also sign if under 18 years)

Instructors’ signature:Date:

Frequently asked questions

Q : / What should I focus on in my preparation?
A : / Everything you have learnt up to now. Particular emphasis should be placed upon the fundamentals and patterns, you may not be able to do a Flying Reverse Turning kick above your own head height, but you can perform Chon-ji Tul with proficient stances, power and sine wave.
Also nobody passes without passing the multiple choice paper and questions at the table, so begin learning your theory now. A NEW Student Handbook is now available at a reduced price of £3. This handbook has a section specifically to support you studying toward black belt. Please contact the office on 01342 302 192 if you are interested.
Q : / What should I talk about in my thesis and how long should it be?
A : / Your 1st degree thesis should be titled ‘Why Taekwon-Do’, speak to your instructor if you need some guidance. Your 2nd degree thesis should be titled ‘What my Black Belt means to me’. Your 3rd degree and above thesis should be dedicated to a subject of Taekwon-Do. It is very important that you show that you have invested a significant amount of time in its creation and you must bring your first draft to your pre-grade.
As a guide, juniors should do 500 words minimum and adults 1000 words minimum.
Q : / What do I need to show in my sparring?
A : / Hand and Foot accuracy, movement, blocking and counter attacking. Make sure that when you counter you use speed, power, and aim close to a vital spot. You will be expected to maintain the formal guarding block and show varying attacking tools. In 2 v 1 avoid sparring one opponent as there are two opponents who you are expected to keep in a line with foot movements left & right and forwards & backwards. Try and move with speed and agility utilising blocks and refrain from too many kicks and punches, which will slow you down making you an easier target for two opponents.
Q : / What other things can I do to help with my preparation?
A : / Fortitude offers private lessons with Master Hodson, Mr Simmonds, Mrs Hodson & Mr Miles and you can book either a one-hour or half hour session.
We can also get hold of the Condensed Taekwon-Do encyclopaedia, which costs around £100.00. There are also YouTube clips available to watch from out website
We can’t stress how important it is for you to video yourself performing patterns and study them with honesty. Show them to your instructor and senior students in class and ask questions…
Q : / How long will the grading last?
A : / The grading will be preceded by a seminar starting at 10.00 am and we start with the Theory Test Paper at 9.00am. Then the grading will usually start at 12.00noon. It could finish as late as 5.00pm - 6.00pm, this very much depends on the number of students grading.
We would suggest that you bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids to drink, as there may not be anywhere close by to buy lunch and it would not be advisable either to leave at any time.
Q : / Can I bring family and friends with me to watch?
A : / This is a closedevent; however Juniors can bring their parents along to watch. Other Black Belts can also attend, but need to clarify this with Mrs Hodson.
Q : / Do I need to complete any other paperwork?
A : / Four weeks before grading date you will be given an ITF Grading form; Jpeg Photos are required and Personal History, both need to be completed and returned via email within 2 weeks along with final draft of thesis, your licence booklet and the appropriate grading fee.
Q : / What is the minimum amount of time that needs to elapse since my last grading before I can grade again?
A : / When grading from 1st Kup to 1st Degree a period of 6 months continuous training of at least twice per week needs to have elapsed for adults and at least 1 year for juniors. When grading from 1st Degree to 2nd Degree a period of 18 months continuous training of at least twice per week needs to have elapsed for adults and at least 2 years for juniors. Any breaks in training should not be included in this calculation; you can check your grading date with the office.

What do I need to do from this point on?

• Focus on everything that you have learnt up to now. Particular emphasis should be placed on the basic fundementals and patterns; understanding each move and the reason behind them.

• Over the forthcoming months ask your instructor(s) what you can pay particular attention to and write them down:

• Start your thesis if you haven’t already done so. The preparation of this document should not be a last minute thing as we will be able to tell!! You will need to bring the first or even the final draft of your thesis to the pre-grade; failure to do so may forfeit your right to grade.

• Consider booking a private lesson with one of the instructors. Or alternatively contact the office on 01342 302192 where Mrs Hodson is available between 10.30am and 2.30pm to answer any immediate queries.

• Attend the pre-grade; you cannot grade to Black Belt otherwise. The Pre-Grade will be conducted in three parts, Part One is the first three patterns, Part Two the next three and Part Three are the last three patterns which will be thoroughly explained and adjusted where necessary. If you require more time you will be held back after each part. This will place in you in Groups; Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3.If you are held back after one part you will be in Group 1, two parts = Group 2 and three = parts Group 3. It is the hope that being placed in a Group will give you a clear indication of where you stand for the grading going forward. It may mean that you chose to delay your grading or you are on target for a positive outcome. Either way we encourage you to work hard in class and ask questions. The majority of students will be in Group 2. Master Hodson will pre-grade you for the last part of the seminar and you will be told shortly after this session if you can continue towards the next Black Belt grading or if you would benefit from more preparation time.

Helpful hints!

• It is not what happens to us that can make the difference it is our chosen response to what happens to us that makes the difference.

• Use the tenets of Taekwon-Do to help you.

• There is no such thing as failure there are only results.

• Self-honesty is required, make a video of your patterns and study them intently.

• If you pass the grading congratulations you have achieved the required level.

• If you are not successful then you have had a vital learning experience that will make you a better student of Taekwon-Do.

• Preparation is the key.

Fortitude Grading Fee

Pre-grade / £18.00
1st Kup to 1st Degree (includes Seminar and Grading) / £170.00
1st to 2nd Degree (includes Seminar and Grading) / £180.00
2nd to 3rd Degree (includes Seminar and Grading) / £210.00
Re-tests / No Charge
Black Belt Dobok (with FORTITUDE on the back flap) and Black Belt (with your name embroidered on belt). An order form is provided post grading and you can order online. / From £75

Application form, with a jpeg photograph ‘passport style’(which you should email to ), Personal History, Licence, Final Thesis and appropriate payment are required at least two weeks before grading date. Forms will be given to you approx four weeks before grading.

Please make cheques payable to Fortitude Academy or you can pay by cash or by Credit/Debit card.