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The Nine Steps to Becoming a Paragon Black Belt
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STEP 1: LEADERSHIP:
Students must demonstrate to the students of the school their proficiency of colored belt material: The proper execution of these forms will constitute a large portion of the Black Belt candidates testing grade. Judges will be looking for "Black Belt" chambers, stances and execution of each move.
Song Ahm 1 - Song Ahm 2 - Song Ahm 3 - Song Ahm 4 - Song Ahm 5 - In Wha 1 - In Wha 2
This is the first level where students can 'earn' and 'lose' stripes on their belt. This has been a tradition in our schools for over 10 years. Do not view 'losing' as stripe as a failure - but as an opportunity to progress and learn. Remember that even if you perform your best and lose a stripe - that means your instructor believes you can do it even better. You can receive no higher compliment!
"The sense of achievement in Taekwondo is not about getting the next belt -- it's about earning it!"
Master Bill Hauptman |
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STEP 2: ALL OR NOTHING TEST
After achieving two or three stripes, the student will be asked to perform a poomse of the instructors choice. If the student does not perform that form at a Black Belt level, he/she will lose all of his/her stripes earned. Within the following week, the student will have the opportunity to earn them all back either in another 'all or nothing test' or individually.
Be bold with your stripes. Enjoy, and ask to be challenged. When your instructor asks who wants to 'defend their stripes' be the first to volunteer. If you truly earned your stripes the first time -- it should be easy to get them back.
in the words of President Theodore Roosevelt ...
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
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STEP 3: RED BELT FORM:
Choong Jung EE-Janhng (#2)
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STEP 4: AMBASSADORSHIP:
When a student becomes a Black Belt, we feel that they should represent the Black Belt beyond the walls of the dojang. It is important that these new Black Belts represent their school and their instructor in the community. The Black Belt candidate must find a community venue and put together a demonstration (solo, with other students or with the demo team) and perform a demonstration to represent Taekwondo, the ATA and their instructor. The demo should include physical skills and a presentation designed to inform the group about Taekwondo.
Some venues for ambassadorship:
Chamber of Commerce, Church groups, Summer Festivals Boy/Girl Scouts Other martial arts organizations Members of the school's demonstration team are always available to help with this part of your requirements. |
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STEP 5: VOLUNTEERISM:
It is important for Black Belts to be a positive influence in their community. We ask that you donate 6 - 8 hours to a local non-profit organization. Pick an organization that has meaning for you! Document your service. An example would be to donate time to the Board of the Pilsung Foundation helping organize their next fundraiser or auction. Following are a few other nonprofit organizations in the mountain area:
The Pilsung Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, People Comforters, Friends of Park County Animals, Human Society, Wilderness on Wheels Your local church. Your volunteerism can be done at any time during your Red/Black Belt training. Documentation need only consist of a note or some other form of verification of your participation. Provide the documentation to your instructor to put in your file. |
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STEP 6: KOREAN LANGUAGE:
A Black Belt should have knowledge of the culture that developed our art. The following are some basic Korean words that will be asked on your testing day. Please be prepared to interpret the following to Korean:
Count to ten in Korean
Ready
Master Instructor
Thank You , Instructor
Yell
Punch
Fist
Front Kick
Side Kick
Round Kick
Stop
Form
Sparring
Taekwondo facility
Victory
1st Degree Black Belt
Uniform
Degree (rank)
Start
At Ease
Grade (rank)
Strike
Block
Attention Stance
Testing
You may want to ad to the list or learn a series of sentences or phrases in Korean. If you choose to do this, please give a list to your instructor for testing day. |
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STEP 7: MARTIAL ARTS / KOREAN PHILOSOPHY:
The following are questions that a new Black Belt should be ready to answer at his/her testing. The questions are designed to help the BlackBelt better understand his/her martial art and to provide an avenue for the new Black Belt to educate the lower ranking students on some areas of history and philosophy. Under each questions are some resources to help you best answer the questions.
KARATE FOR KIDS
Recite the Wha Rang Code of Chivalry.
Be prepared to explain who the Wha Rang were and what their role in Korean history was.
The Way Volume A: History and Philosophy
Explain the various symbols on the Korean flag.
The Way Volume A: History and Philosophy
Explain what the various colored belts symbolize. Explain what the Black Belt symbolizes.
The Way Volume A: History and Philosophy
Explain the elements and sybolism of the Paragon patch!
ADULTS
Explain the various symbols on the Korean flag.
The Way Volume A: History and Philosophy
Explain what the various colored belts symbolize. Explain what the Black Belt symbolizes.
The Way Volume A: History and Philosophy
Explain how a black belt achieves power.
Begin by explaining how Power-1/2Mass x Velocity 2.
Knowing others is wisdom
knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others requires force
mastering the self needs strength.
A good Taekwondo technician measures his technique not only by whom he defeats,
but rather by his defeat of his own imperfections in technique and training.
How does this proverb differentiate an athlete from a martial artist?
Explain the elements and sybolism of the Paragon patch!
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STEP 8: FREE SPARRING:
Black Belt candidates will usually sparr a high ranking instructor or Black Belt at his/her testing. This will allow the new Black Belt to relax and demonstate advanced level material at the testing. |
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STEP 9: BOARD BREAKING:
1. Elbow strike, jump reverse side kick
2, Jump side kick (1 obstacle)
NOTE: The board breaks above are those required by the American Taekwondo Association. Your instructor may give you a variation for your testing.
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"The journey is far more important than the destination"
Enjoy your journey. There are many who have gone before you and many who will follow, but no one will follow your same path. When you put on your Black Belt, it is our desire that you, your family and your instructors have no hesitation that this part of your journey is truly behind you.
At your Black Belt testing you will have the option to choose who will tie your "Black Belt" for the first time. From that day forward, everyone will know that you have earned the right to be called a "Black Belt" Share that moment with someone in your life who you feel has inspired you and made a difference in your life.
If you have any questions about the path to Black Belt, please ask any of the staff -- they are dedicated and anxious to share your journey.
Master Bill Hauptman
6th Degree Black Belt
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