What was your first taekwondo belt test like?

After Tae Kwon Do I switched to jiu-jitsu with cross training in aikido, judo, and sambo. That was all a bit new because of the close quarters interaction so I found it really exciting. read more

Then I broke a board with a palm heel. We were not quizzed on the information my first test, but that is typically part of gup exams at our school. Answering up is probably the most important thing for a white belt to do at their test- it shows focus and respect. Learn your material, answer up, and you should be fine. read more

While not in TKD I have done martial arts for almost forty years and competed for more than half of that so here are some things that I recommend to all my students. First, get a good night's sleep. The night before testing or a tournament is not a good night to go out and party or to a friends house for an all night slumber party. read more

As for time in grade and rank promotions, it should be understood that the first time a minimum time requirement is listed for Taekwondo promotions is from 1st Dan to 2nd Dan Black Belt (or 1st Poom to 2nd Poom for Junior Black Belts under age 15), which is 1 year minimum. read more