Tae Kwon Do Testing

Information for intermediate students

Low and High Blue Belt

Note: For basic Tae Kwon Do History, terminology, and Dojang rules, refer to your

Earlier packets.

Hyung Practice

At the blue belt rank, your forms will require an increased number of training sessions, especially as they link advanced techniques in difficult combinations. Both blue belt forms, specifically focus on the difference between front and back stances, so make sure that you pay critical attention to your stances at this rank.

Yul Gook

At age 13, Yul Gook (1536-1584) passed the national examination for public service and began an outstanding career in government. He wrote many books on philosophy, Confucianism, and public administration. Yul Gook’s writings had a significant impact on social policy and government during the Yi Dynasty, including his support of developing a strong Korean Army to repel invasion.

Joong Gun

Joong Goon Ahn (1879-1910) fought bravely for Korean independence during the time of Japanese rule of Korea. On October 26, 1905, Joong Gun penetrated heavy security to assassinate an important military official. At age 32, he died in prison and is thought of today as a brave Korean patriot.

One Step Sparring

Low Blue Belt (1-4)

  1. R side kick, R knife hand, (ribs) – R knife hand, (neck) – L knife hand, (stomach) – L step back and R grab forearm – R round kick, (face)
  2. (do twice, both sides)

R side kick, (stomach) – L spin crescent, (wrist) – R round kick, (face)

(repeat with opposite legs)

  1. L side kick, (face or stomach) – L knife hand, (neck) – turn and R elbow, (stomach)
  2. (do twice, both sides)

R outside crescent block, (wrist) – without putting foot down, chamber and R side kick, (face or stomach) – L spin side kick, (face or stomach)

(repeat with opposite legs).

High Blue Belt (1-7)

  1. L side kick, (stomach) – R spinning front kick, (ribs) – fighting stance – R round kick, (face)
  2. (do twice, both sides)

L crescent block, (wrist) – R round kick, (face) – L spin crescent, (face) – L round kick, (face) (repeat with opposite legs)

  1. R jump outside crescent kick block, (wrist) – L jump spin crescent, (face) – R jump side

kick, (face or stomach). (do both sides)

Ho-Sin-Sul

Take down defenses: double leg take down

  1. sprawl (both legs out, pulling the head down, put one arm in front of shoulder, one down their armpit), L elbow spike, R arm figure four choke
  2. over and under defense, side mount, elbow lift
  3. push head to side, into armpit, fall into guard, guillotine choke, or modified guillotine choke (with your hand clasping their trachea), finish by scissor locking their legs and straightening out.

Target Practice

As an intermediate student, you will soon be required to demonstrate correct technique, power, and speed, by breaking boards. In order to prepare for board breaking practice, you should practice your basic techniques outside of class in the following manners.

Aiming Practice

Simply by putting a piece of tape or a small mark on a wall, or a hanging bag, you can create a small target for practicing your kicking and striking techniques with good aim. After placing the target, kick or strike full power a few inches in front of the target. You should be able to kick or punch full power, placing the correct part of your foot or hand in front of the target without actually striking the wall or bag.

Striking Practice (heavy bag)

Using a hanging or standing punching bag, or a partner with a heavy kicking shield, you should practice striking your target with correct aim, the right part of the foot, and full power. In addition to hitting the precise target area consistently, concentrate on increasing your kicking or punching power and pushing all the way through your target. The heavy bag works best for kicks like front kick and side kick, and for your hand strikes. For round kick, especially, practice the kick (hitting with the instep) on the heavy bag or on the hand held target pads, and then occasionally use the makiwara boards for striking practice with the ball of the foot.

Striking Practice (makiwara boards)

With the makiwara boards, or a partner holding Muy Thai pads, you can practice striking, especially to concentrate on hitting with the right part of the hand or foot. This is especially useful for punch and knife hand strikes, round kicks and front kicks.

Speed and Power Practice

During basic exercises, forms, etc. (anytime you practice) you should concentrate on putting complete power into each kick or strike, just as if that technique was the one used to strike a board, and look carefully at your chamber (how you twist your body or position your knee before the kick or strike) as well as your hand and foot position at the end of the strike, every time.

Testing and Class Attendance Requirements By Rank

Low Blue Belt testing for High Blue Belt

Testing Fee: $70

Minimum Number of Classes: 18

Form: Yol Gook Hyung

One Steps: 1-4 green

Ho-Sin-Sul: 1-3 green

Free Sparring:

High Blue Belt testing for Low Brown Belt

Testing Fee: $70

Minimum Number of Classes: 18

Form: Joon Goon Hyung

One Steps: 1-7 blue

Ho-Sin-Sul: 1-3 blue

Free Sparring:

Make Up Classes

Please remember that the Class Attendance Requirements listed here are for the Minimum number of classes you must attend in order to be eligible to test; it is recommended, that in order for you to achieve your best, you do more than the minimum. Make sure you check off a box on the attendance sheet in the academy each time you go to class so you can accurately track your attendance. If you are close to meeting your minimum class attendance requirements, but need to get in a few extra classes, or workouts, you can substitute a few “Private Classes” for each rank. The number of substitutions allowed for each rank is listed on the minimum class attendance requirements. The following are allowable substitutions:

  1. A 30 minute private lesson with Master Lewis. This single session counts for 3 classes, and costs $30.
  2. A 30 minute private lesson or workout session with a Sun Yi’s Academy Black Belt; This single session counts for 1 class.
  3. A 45-60 minute workout session with another student your rank or higher. This single workout session counts for 1 class.