One may ask why there is a need to test at all. Here are some thoughts to consider.
The Park’s Martial Arts Kwan Jang Nim (President), along with the Masters and Branch Instructors have the time tested experience and wisdom to determine who is ready to advance in rank prior to actual testing. Everything that they observe they have had to do themselves under the scrutiny of their Master, etc. This is one of the values in lineage.
The student should be aware that one of the determining factors in learning to defend themselves is psychological. They are learning the ability to perform in uncomfortable situations and to ideally do so with excellence. Thus the pressures and challenges in testing are not just physical but psychological as this is one of the main barriers to dealing with any stressful situation.
In addition, the public environment of testing continually and progressively influences the student to reflect upon his technical abilities in a social accountable medium. It becomes immediately obvious in testing that this is no game of politics. There is no way to cheat or manipulate the way others see you. Your efforts, techniques and strength of mind are there for all to see.
Testing is also a way by which the Kwan Jang Nim can maintain quality control in the martial arts. Since the Kwan Jang Nim does not always have the ability or time to teach every single student, testing is a special time where he can witness each student’s progression at key intervals in their training.
Testing Requirements
1. Student must attend a minimum of two classes a week (leniency can occur with legitimate excused absences as long as student can perform the required materials with competency upon request).
Legitimate excuses are things like:
· Doctor signed medical/ injury absence
· Personal or family emergencies/ accidents
· Job related
· Inclement weather
Non-Legitimate excuses are things such as:
· Doesn’t feel like training
· Want’s to go to a party
· Laziness
· Procrastination
· Etc…
Note: Grand Master Park use to say that a person who has too many absences with or without excuses should reevaluate their life and habits. He said everyone is busy so inevitably it is up to the individual to determine their proper choices and act on them.
2. Student will complete the following MINIMUM required numbers of months per grade
· Taekwondo
Geup 0-10 White Belts = 1 month per grade
Geup 9-7 Yellow Belts = 1 month per grade
Geup 6-4 Blue Belts = 2 months per grade
Geup 3-1 Red Belts = 3 months per grade
Geup 1-Black Belt = 6–9 months
· Hapkido
Geup 0-10 White Belts = 2 months per grade
Geup 9-7 Yellow Belts = 2 months per grade
Geup 6-4 Blue Belts = 3 months per grade
Geup 3-1 Red Belts = 4 months per grade
Geup 1-Black Belt = 6–9 months
· Gumdo
Geup 0-10 White Belts = 1 month per grade
Geup 9-7 Yellow Belts = 1 month per grade
Geup 6-4 Blue Belts = 2 months per grade
Geup 3-1 Red Belts = 3 months per grade
Geup 1-Black Belt = 6–9 months
3. Student will be approved by their Instructor after demonstrating, on a consistent bases, their required grade curricula with satisfactory skill and knowledge. No last minute approvals of testing are allowed (unless student has a legitimate excuse). This means that students cannot be approved for testing in the same week of a test (refer below to “Instructor’s Check-List”).
4. Student must register and pay both their testing fee and belt fee (if applicable) prior to testing.
5. During the test student must perform the required curricula with a passing score of 70% or higher in each of the testing categories.
6. A failing score in any one or two categories will result in a probationary pass. The probationary student then has two weeks to practice and refine their failed curricula. At the end of the two week period they must perform an informal pre-arranged re-test with either the testing Kwan Jang Nim or an approved Master/Branch Instructor. If the student performs with satisfactory results they will be given their passing testing certificate at that time. However, whether they pass or fail they are not allowed to test at the next months schedule exam (even if their skill level is sufficient) and must wait at minimum for the following months’ exam.
7. A failing score in 3 categories will result in an overall test failure. The failed student will be required to re-test and re-pay, (excepting belt fee which will be returned to the student), and can re-tests at the next scheduled test.
Student Procedures for Testing
1. On testing days/nights the student must register and pay their testing fee prior to testing.
2. All testing students (regardless of age or class) line up together for normal bow-in and warm-up drills prior to testing
3. At testing time the testing students will be seated according to rank. When a students name is called they must stand up quickly in a ready stance saying “Yes Sir/Yes Ma’am” in a STRONG voice.
4. The testing assisting Master/Instructor will direct the student to their position.
5. Testing student should be familiar with the various commands and curricula and must perform them to their best ability upon request.
6. At the end of the physical testing period the student will be asked to recite the correct answers to their grades question(s). They should respond in a STRONG voice and confident manner.
7. The testing Master will then makes comments, suggestions, etc, to the testing student and announce whether or not they have:
a) Passed
b) Become probationary
c) Failed the test
8. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that once a student is approved for testing that they will pass the test. (Note: A student may be physically capable of passing a test, even demonstrating satisfactorily the required curricula during regular class periods, and yet lack the mental/emotional strength, etc, to succeed at testing time. Such a condition can result in failure.)
After Testing
1. If a student passes their test the testing Master will announce it only after they have prformed their test in its entirety.
2. Student will receive their new grade (geup) testing certificate in their next scheduled class which will be presented by that classes Head Instructor. (Note: the reason testing certificates cannot be presented on testing day is because there is no way to know in advance who will pass)
3. Branch schools have the option to:
a) Present new belts at the same time they present the new geup certificates which will be at the next scheduled class
b) Have the testing Master present and place the new belt onto the student immediately after the test.
4. At the next scheduled class after Bow-In the Head Instructor will announce the student’s new rank and name. Immediately after which the student should say “Yes Sir/Yes Ma’am” in a SRONG voice and proceed to their immediate right and behind their senior students and proceed in a brisk pace to the front of class facing the Head Instructor.
5. Once the student is face to face with the Head Instructor they should bow first and then wait for the Head Instructor to give them their certificate while he/she also shakes the student’s hand. (Note: Generally, the certificate will be placed in the student’s left hand so the right hand is free for the Head Instructor to shake. The student usually bows again while receiving the certificate.)
6. If there is a belt change the student will approach the Head Instructor and bow. Then the student will turn to face the rear of the classroom and remove their belt handing it to the assistant instructor. Then the Head Instructor will tie the new belt onto the student while the student remains facing the rear of the classroom. Once this is done the student turns to face the Head Instructor in the original direction and repeats the procedures in #5.
7. After the student has complete the preceding they will return to their original class position in the same way they came forward until all the certificates have been handed out. After which there will be a quick break so each student can put their certificate in a safe location until it is time for them to go home.
8. For passing students their new geup curricula will be introduced in this class.
Instructor’s Check-List
1. Make sure eligible testing students have been pre-tested and approved by a qualified instructor the week prior to testing. There should NEVER be any last minute considerations. Martial Arts skills and knowledge are not a last minute or cramming discipline.
2. Make sure all testing students register and pay their fees before the test.
3. If a student is testing for a new belt color they should pay for the belt at the same time
they register and give their test fee. Since there is no way to predict if they will pass their Instructor may have to return their belt fee after the test.
4. Testing fee’s are non-refundable. Even with the Instructors approval the final decision and responsibility to test is always up to the student and or parent.
5. All testing fees should be available in full and presented to the testing Master when He/She arrives. For branch schools any delinquent testing fees should be covered by the Branch Instructor as it is His/Her responsibility to makes sure all fees are paid and on time.
6. An appropriate testing table, table-cover, chair, clip board with testing sheet(s) and a
pen should be provided for the testing Master(s).
7. The testing Master should be called only after the class has had a brief warm up and all students are lined up properly and ready for testing.
8. Once the Master is called the Instructor and students follow the above mentioned “Student Procedures for Testing”.
PMA President
Master Brian Alexander
