Earning a black belt in Taekwondo is the culmination of years of training. First-degree black belts generally take between three and four years to earn.
People who claim that they can get to this level in two years are usually overambitious. They are not stretching themselves sufficiently, or training for long enough to earn a black belt.
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Earning A Black Belt In Taekwondo
Earning a black belt in Taekwondo requires years of training and dedication. Depending on the style you choose, it can take anywhere from two to four and a half years to earn your black belt.
To ensure that you achieve your goal, find a martial arts school with a standard testing system and stick to it. You should not try to speed up the process by trying to learn as many techniques as possible. Instead, focus on learning new skills and acquiring more knowledge.
Once you have gained sufficient skills, you can start testing for the first degree black belt. Some schools require at least three to five years of training, but others do not require this minimum.
The first black belt test is very important, and although the majority of students that are tested pass, there are some that fail. Below I walk you through the steps you should take if you fail your Taekwondo black belt test. Don’t be discouraged, just follow my tips below in that section.
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The first step in earning a black belt in Taekwondo is to advance beyond the white belt. Below is the full list of the belt ranking system in Taekwondo.
Taekwondo Belt Ranking System (Taekwondo Belt Order)
- 10th Geup – White Belt
- 9th Geup – White Belt with Yellow Tip
- 8th Geup – Yellow Belt
- 7th Geup – Yellow Belt with Green Tip
- 6th Geup – Green Belt
- 5th Geup -Green Belt with Blue Tip
- 4th Geup – Blue Belt
- 3rd Geup – Blue Belt with Red Tip
- 2nd Geup – Red Belt
- 1st Geup – Red Belt with Black Tip
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Taekwondo Black Belt Test (Video) 12 mins
What You’ll Be Tested On
A black belt test consists of a number of things. Firstly, students should show courtesy, discipline, and respect when they attend their gradings.
When their name is called to begin their test, they should raise their right hand and say in a clear voice, ‘Here Sir,’ and move quickly to their assigned spot. Students who do not follow grading etiquette will have a mark against their name from minute one.
You will be tested on a variety of things. The test will consist of ten stages and will take about three hours. It is important to know all the kicks, forms, blocks and stances required to pass this test. Students must also demonstrate skills in defending against knife attacks and holds. There will also be a small theory part.
Always ask your instructor prior to your test what theory questions you should practice answering that may be on the test. That way you can adequately prepare for the test.
You will also need to know how to perform your technique alone and how to perform them against different opponents – there will be a sparring session. Your instructor can provide you with valuable tips and tricks in order to achieve passing this section.
For the demonstration and sparring session, your partner will be selected for you by the examiners during the grading, and will usually be another student attempting the same or similar grade.
It is important to remember that you are being assessed on your own technique but also on your respect and control when working with a partner.
While the process differs between styles, the basic principles remain the same: proper technique, power, and focus. The more advanced you train, the more likely you are to achieve your goal. If you’re serious about learning a martial art, you’ll progress faster than someone who’s just trying to stay fit.
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Passing Gradings In Taekwondo
Passing gradings in Tae Kwon Do involves presenting your best performance. You can receive an A pass or a fail grade.
If you fail, your instructor will explain what went wrong and help you improve your performance for the next grading.
If you perform exceptionally well in the grading, you may even receive an ‘A pass’ which will allow you to take the next grading one month later. In order to receive an A pass, you need to achieve high marks in every area of the grading.
To pass a grading, you need to demonstrate consistency in your training and make sure that you have the level of fitness needed. As mentioned before a black belt grading can be over three hours long and requires lots of movement, so make sure you have the energy and physical strength to be successful.
Passing a black belt test requires months of practice and effort.
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When Will I Get My Black Belt Test Results?
If you’re completed your black belt test congratulations. Job well done. Sit back and relax. Your grading results will usually be given out in normal lessons in the following week.
If you have passed you will receive your new grade certificate along with your new belt or tags. This is a great accomplishment that you should be very proud of.
What Happens If I Fail My Black Belt Test?
There are many reasons why students fail Taekwondo gradings. These reasons may include forgetting forms, performing techniques incorrectly, and not understanding the syllabus. Some students may also not have enough time to train properly.
Others may have a full schedule and can’t make it to class. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to study the syllabus and make sure you’re prepared for a grading.
Before taking a grading, students should practice the techniques they will be tested on at full speed. I find more times than not that your instructor will not give you a black belt test unless he really thought you were ready.
And even then, he would give you a few weeks to practice what will be on the test. So this will give you enough time to prepare and give you an advantage to pass. instructors want you to pass in order for you to advance within Taekwondo.
If you fail you will be allowed to retest within one month (30 days). If you failed look at your marks to see what you got wrong. Also have a conversation with the instructor conducting the test, he’ll tell you want you need to work on.
This will give you enough information on what you need to practice on in order to be successful the second time around.
How Long Is The Taekwondo Black Belt Test
As mentioned earlier the Taekwondo black belt test can be over 3 hours. Please be sure that you have worked on your stamina and conditioning before attempting this test, or you will fail due to exhaustion.
Earning A Black Belt In ITF
Earning a black belt in ITF Taekwondo is not an overnight process. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. The process usually takes six to nine months.
To begin the process, it is advisable to join a school that offers quality training. This will enable you to learn the ancient techniques and develop enhanced awareness.
After you’ve trained for several years, taken your black belt test, and have passed that grading – you can now become an instructor’s assistant.
You can assist with teaching a class and inspire those in the class to become the best martial artists they can be. Help them achieve their goals in Taekwondo as your instructors have helped you. Each one teach one.
If you feel like you are ready for another challenge and want to achieve another milestone in Taekwondo, I suggest you go for your 2nd Dan.
There are 10 degrees you can achieve in Taekwondo and it will take you many years to accomplish them all, if that’s your goal. Just remember on your journey to have fun and help others on your way.
That is the most important part of the journey because it is the most fulfilling.
Sponsor: International Taekwondo Federation
