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Songahm
Taekwondo Belt System |
In
order to develop the skills, discipline, and self-control necessary
for the proper use of Taekwondo techniques, ATA uses a rank
system. Such a system serves several purposes, including:
Chain of Command: The ascending order of rank carries an increasing
level of authority and responsibility.The student learns to
assume responsibility gradually as he moves up the ranks. He
also learns to accept and properly use authority that accompanies
the higher ranks.
Measurement of Progress: The most obvious
advantage of the rank system is that it provides a visible
measurement of the student's progress. As he learns the basic
techniques of Taekwondo and tests successfully, he is awarded
the colored belts that signify the rise in rank. He feels
accomplished; and he is encouraged to learn the next set of
new material with renewed enthusiasm.
There are nine ranks, called "grades"
in the colored belt series, and nine ranks, called "degrees"
in the Black Belt series. Because it is the highest number
in a single digit, the number nine, in Oriental culture, represents
the highest attainable goal of any measurable endeavor.
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ATA
Promotional Testings |
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The schools
of the American Taekwondo Association conduct promotional
testings approximately every seven to ten weeks to evaluate
the progress of the students. The testing is judged by a minimum
of two Certified ATA instructors, one of whom is a guest judge
from another ATA school. Each instructor in the judging panel
scores each student individually, according to the standards
of the ATA. The judges meet after the testing to tally the
scores and to discuss the progress of the students. An instructor
from another ATA school is invited to participate in the judging
as an effective monitor for the local school, supplying a
more objective observation of the student's performance.
The testing begins similarly to a class session. The students
line up according to rank, and recite the Songahm Spirit of
Taekwondo. After opening remarks and introduction of the judging
panel, the students are asked to be seated around the perimeter
of the workout area. The students are then called to execute
their techniques (individually or in very small groups). The
lowest ranks are tested first to spare them additional tension
and anxiety generated by waiting. Most schools, however test
orange belts before the white belts, giving the newest students
an opportunity to witness the procedure before they are called.
"An
important idea to remember is that testing is not just a time
to show your skills, it is also a class that teaches you how
to perform under pressure, stand in front of people, and develop
many important attributes in your personality," said
Grand Master H.U. Lee
Each student
performs certain techniques and requirements, according to
his rank: Below is a list of different requirements throughout
the ranks.
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