Gradings

Syllabus

We teach a carefully structured training programme, designed to introduce new techniques at regular intervals. Students then practice techniques, before taking a grading examination to demonstrate their skills. After successfully demonstrating skills at the appropriate level, students are awarded a coloured belt to show their grade.

The definition of the belt colours are as follows :

White Belt
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon Do.

Yellow Belt
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Tae Kwon Do is being laid.

Green Belt
Signifies the plant’s growth as Tae Kwon Do skills begin to develop.

Blue Belt
Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon Do progresses.

Red Belt
Signifies Danger, cautioning the the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Black Belt
Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do, also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.

Theory

At each grading you will be asked some theory questions. All of the theory you need can be found in your Blue Handbook, so please make sure you read these.

What is a pattern?

A  pattern is a set of fundamental moves, mainly defence and attack, set in a logical sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents. Patterns are an indication of a students progress, a barometer in evaluating an individual’s technique.

Why do we preform patterns?

We practice patterns to improve our Tae Kwon Do techniques, to develop sparring techniques, to improve flexibility of movement, master body shifting, develop muscles, balance and breath control. They also enable us to acquire techniques which cannot be obtained from other forms of training.

Set sparring, Free sparring & Self defence

As well as the traditional patterns and line work, we also practice set sparring and free sparring. These allow students to develop self defence techniques and also introduce the sport side of Tae Kwon-Do, allowing students to take part in the many tournaments and competitions around the country.