GRADING
GRADING
Who can grade and what to expect
Grading put simply is the ability for a student to earn a new belt colour by showing Master Bush and Master Julie that they are capable of reciting and performing certain patterns that make up that and previous belts.
Every 3/6 months, our masters will invite those students that they feel have achieved enough knowledge to progress to the next belt. If a student has been invited, they don’t have to accept the grading if they are truly not confident but if Master Bush or Master Julie feel they are ready then it is advised to trust their judgement. If the team feel you are not ready then they will be happy to discuss the reasons with you.
There are 5 main belts in Taekwondo and 4 tag belts. These are
- White –
- Yellow –
- Green –
- Blue –
- Red –
- Black –
The tag belts are yellow tag, green tag, blue tag, red tag and black tag.
When a student achieves their 1st Dan (black belt), this is the beginning of a deeper understanding of Taekwondo where the student will take on more responsibility of sharing their knowledge with junior members helping them to cement their knowledge.
Leading up to grading
Some students find grading a little stressful. The only way to overcome this is by practicing their patterns and learning the Korean words that come with their patterns. Taking time to practice is the only way.
The day of grading
Please turn up early for grading. Be prepared by ensuring your dobok is fresh and you are relaxed. Turning up late or being under prepared will make you feel stressed.
Each member will be asked to perform certain patterns that they have been doing in class. They will also be asked to recite some Korean words associated with Taekwondo.
Parents are asked to leave their children for the session. We always have safe guarding in place so they will be cared for and kept safe. Parents are invited back for the presentation of belts and certificates. As you can see, photos are mandatory (unless you really don’t want them).
Every student should bring enough water for the session.
What if I don’t pass?
Every student will feel different pressure on the day. It is an exam of their skills and knowledge and sometimes they don’t show enough progress to pass the grade. If this happens, it can be very upsetting but they will be given another opportunity to pass at a future class. Use this as an indication to work harder. Being invited to grade doesn’t give the student the right to the belt, they have to show they are competent in the session with their peers.
Passing your grading
Congratulations!! You will be awarded your next belt and a fantastic certificate to keep. It is by no means automatic that a student will pass. When you pass, rest assured, you’ve earnt it!
Whether you pass or not, you will get feedback (even if that is 10/10). Please use this feedback to help build your resilience going forwards.
If you or your parents have any questions, anybody from the Unity team are here to help and guide you.
Black Belt
The black belt is just the beginning. With a black belt comes huge responsibility and as such, each student is asked to write an essay of what Taekwondo means to them. Please discuss this with the Unity team if you need guidance.
After the black belt comes 2nd Dan, 3rd Dan, 4th Dan etc. Taekwondo doesn’t end at Black. It’s just the start.