Grading protocol

A Taekwon-Do grading is an official event where an examiner (sometimes external) tests all participating students to see if they are eligible and possess sufficient skill and knowledge to be promoted to the next grade. The steps below outline what happens before, during and after the grading, and the protocol that should be followed.

Before the grading begins

• All doboks must be cleaned and pressed and the correct colour belt must be worn.
• All students must present themselves in a clean and neat manner (including personal hygiene).
• Students must arrive at the grading location on time.

Part 1 — Lining up

1. Before the examiner arrives, the students form straight lines according to grade.
2. When the examiner enters the hall, the students are called to attention (usually by the assistant instructor).
3. After the examiner reaches the top of the class, the students are instructed to bow to the examiner and are dismissed to the back of the hall.
4. Each student is called to the floor to present for their grading. On hearing their name, the student should call “Yes Sir” and run to their position, standing with feet shoulder-width apart and hands behind their back.

Part 2 — Techniques

1. Fundamental movements: students perform a range of fundamental movements, including hand and foot techniques, to show correct stance, technique and control.
2. Patterns and step sparring: students perform the patterns and step sparring required for their grade.
3. Free sparring: students take part in free sparring, showing timing, distance and control.
4. Power tests: students complete the power (breaking) tests set out in the syllabus for their grade.

Part 3 — Theory and dismissal

1. The students are called to the table. They should stop before reaching the table and form an attention stance. The examiner asks the students to bow and then asks theory questions relating to any aspect of their grade.
2. The students at the table are then dismissed. They bow and take three steps back before turning their back on the examiner and returning to the end of the hall.
3. At the end, all students re-form the lines and bow to the examiner before being dismissed.