Our next belt test is this Saturday, Sept 14!

Belt Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Tests?

The first, most important thing to know is that not all students test each time.

Many students will remain at a given belt for some time as they find that specific curriculum particularly challenging. There is nothing wrong with this and it can be turned into a very positive experience!

Some of the more challenging belts include Orange, Purple, Advanced Blue and Red.

With our new 8 week test cycle, we will no longer enforce a mandatory waiting period. Instead, we will consider several factors including total amount of training time, hours, age and readiness for new curriculum. World Taekwondo requires a minimum of 36 months or 400 hours of training prior to Black Belt.

How Does Testing Work?

Students that are ready for their promotion test will be given a Testing Form in class. This form must be filled out by a parent and a teacher and returned to Master Meggie with the testing fee. You may also pay online via http://newbelt.coretkd.com

If the teacher is unable to fill it out, please include a copy of the students' most recent report card.

Testing forms are to be turned in at least 1 week prior to the test. If you are unable to return your test form on time, you must email Master Meggie to inform her that you are planning on testing. Late notice will require students to wait until the next period to test.

The test is administered on a Saturday, and typically begins at 10:00am and finishes around 1pm. Generally, testing takes place on Central Park Stage, however this is subject to change.

During the test, students will demonstrate all technique they have learned in class and all tests are cumulative.

Some sections of the test include, endurance, forms, breaking, self defense, sparring (for every other belt starting from Yellow), falling and knowledge.

After the test, families will enjoy a potluck lunch. CoreTKD will provide pizza, families will provide the rest! During lunch, the Black Belt Panel will grade the tests. As soon as the grades are complete, we will have our Belt and Award Ceremony.

What should I bring for the Potluck lunch?

  • If you/your student is an orange belt, advanced blue or higher please bring dessert.
  • If you/your student is a yellow belt or blue belt, please bring drinks.
  • If you/your student is a white belt, please bring a side dish.
  • If you/your student is a green belt or purple belt please bring salad.
  • If you have students at multiple ranks, please pick one.

What knowledge do I need for the test?

White Belt

  • "The 4 Focuses" (eye focus, ear focus, mouth focus and body focus)
  • Name and phone number of parent/significant other

Yellow Belt

  • The 5 tenants of Taekwondo (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control & Indomitable Spirit)
  • Be able to tie your own belt

Orange Belt

  • Know the meaning of the words "Dojang" (discipline center) "Dobok" (discipline uniform) "Taekwondo" (the discipline of hands and feet)
  • Count to 10 in Korean (hana, dul, set, net, dasot, yasot, ilgulp, yadol, ahope, yul)

Green Belt

  • Be able to salute the flags and instructors in Korean
  • Know your parents/significant other birthday

Purple Belt

  • Know your address
  • Explain what Taekwondo is

Blue Belt

  • Explain why you train Taekwondo
  • Teach a previous form to another student

Advanced Blue Belt

  • Explain what it means to be a leader
  • Share your goals for this year

Brown Belt

  • Explain what it means to "be where the attack is not" and how you use this principle
  • Assist in teaching a lower level class

Red Belt

  • List 3 strategies for calming the body
  • Assist in 4 hours of teaching lower belt classes

What about Little Kickers?

Little Kickers can participate in testing in one of the following 3 ways:

  1. Be at the testing location by 11am in uniform and join the Little Kickers that are testing for moral support. Students will show off their forms, kicks, blocks, self defense and build confidence from performing in front of a crowd. This option is FREE!
  2. Be at the testing location by 11am and participate in the test. Students will do all of the above and be invited back up later to break a board and receive a special stripe belt and patches. This option will incur the belt testing fee.
  3. Be at the testing location any time between 10am and 1pm and watch fellow students test. You may also choose to partake in the pot luck lunch.

What happens if I can't make the final Saturday of testing?

With our new system, we offer a belt test every 8 weeks. If you are unable to join us this time, we will look forward seeing your skills at the next test. We publish our test dates 6 months in advance on our schedule. Please mark your calendar for the upcoming test dates.

Testimonials

We have been so happy at Core Taekwondo. My 3 and 5 year old both love taking classes with Master Meggie and her staff, and have learned so much in the past 8 months.

- Crystal, parent of students in Children and Little Kicker programs

The camp was filled with fun-packed activities such as swimming and playtime at the park. When summer ended, she asked us to sign her up again for the next summer.

- Galen, parent of student from Summer Camp

My son embraced Core Learning's fun, afterschool learning program from Day 1. He comes home talking about oceans, animals and all the facts that he has learned. Core has ignited his curiosity and love for learning, and the fact that he also gets all the taekwondo training that he can handle is icing on the cake!

- Rod, parent of student in Afterschool Program

Core Taekwondo just brings out the best in our son. He's become more physically coordinated, as well as more confident in his approach to everything from school work to hitting a baseball. We credit Core with playing a pivotal role in his overall development. It’s the one activity that seems to have the greatest positive effect on all the others. And above all our son loves being there.

- Eugene, parent of student in Afterschool Program

I have noticed that when my children are irritable, going to class settles them down. My son especially benefits, because he is a very physical kid. The combination of physical exercise and self-awareness is a big win for both kids. These skills will serve them well into their adult years.

- Elizabeth, parent of teenage students

As a beginner adult, it’s been difficult to find a martial arts class where I’m not surrounded by children. After all, one doesn’t need to be a kid to want to try something new. I’m learning self-defense strategies, memorizing forms, strengthening, varying my boring elliptical routine, and having fun with like-minded adults!

- Geri, Adult program

Jumping into a martial arts program as an adult can be incredibly daunting. Core Taekwondo took me back to the basics, working at a pace that is individualized, and pushes me to grow and do better in a safe and fun way. The classes give you a fantastic cardio workout, in addition to focusing on self control, self esteem, and safety in self defense. Amazing, dedicated instructors, that treat each student like family!

- Daniel, Adult program

I come from a background in Olympic lifting and have always felt like I had a good base level of strength and fitness. What I was missing was flexibility and confidence in my skills to defend myself. The adult program has been tremendously beneficial in improving my flexibility and educating me on how best to get out of a difficult situation.

- Craig, Adult program
info@coretkd.com
(650) 918-7853
Core Taekwondo
86 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
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