Gradings are tests for promotion to your next belt.

• 10th kup to 5th kup:  minimum three months between gradings.
• 4th kup to 1st kup: minimum six months between gradings.
• 1st kup to black belt: a minimum of six months. You must be aged 12 or over before you will be considered for promotion to black belt.

You must be invited to grade by your Instructor – it is not an automatic right. All students develop differently, and some require a longer training period before they are ready to grade. It is vital to ensure that the correct standard has been achieved before you can grade, in order to preserve the integrity of TaekwonDo. It is not a race to get to black belt!

Gradings are formal and you should conduct yourself appropriately.  The Examiner will be a senior Instructor or Master and therefore should be treated with utmost respect.  However, you should also enjoy the occasion! Everyone gets nervous, but you should trust your Taekwondo ability and do your best.  You would not have been invited to grade if you were not ready.  You will not be asked to do anything you have not already done in class.

Grading Preparation

To be invited to grade you must have achieved the minimum attendance requirements – this is set in stone.  You will then be invited to a ‘pre-grading’ which will normally be held in class before the grading.  Afterwards, you may be invited to grade if your Instructor judges you are ready.  Once you have been invited to grade, you will need to pay the grading fee and pass your online theory test. You cannot grade otherwise.

You should prepare thoroughly for your grading by practicing away from the Dojang whenever possible and by learning your theory.  This is most important.

Grading Day

• You will be told in advance the venue and timings.  You should arrive early in a full pristine dobok and your belt.  Your belt must be tied properly. No jewellery/rings/watches are allowed (see Rules of the Dojang)
• 7th Kup (Yellow/Green Stripe Belt) and above will need sparring equipment which MUST be complete (helmet, gum shield, gloves, forearm guards (children only), groin protector, shin pads and boots) provided and approved by DMAA.  You will not be allowed to grade without proper equipment.  All students should be able to put on their sparring equipment (and take it off) without assistance, taking no longer than 2 minutes.
• You will warm up in a separate room near the grading hall.  Refreshments are available but we suggest you bring water. You may not eat or drink during your grading.
• You will be asked to line up outside the grading hall.  Your name will be called and you should answer “Here Sir/Ma’am” and run to your mark.  You should then bow and stand still with your arms behind your back.
• You will be asked to identify yourself. Come to attention stance, raise your right hand and say your name and grade, followed by ‘Sir or Ma’am’. Return to a relaxed position with arms behind your back.
• You may be asked to recite the Taekwondo Oath before starting.
• The grading Examiner controls proceedings. A senior Instructor will usually stand to the side of the Examiner and call out instructions.  For juniors, the Instructor will usually demonstrate.  If you do not hear or understand the instructions, raise your hand.
• You may be asked to perform any technique, pattern or exercise relevant to your grade.  This, of course, includes anything from previous gradings.  It is likely you will be asked to perform all patterns relevant to your grade.
• The Examiner will continue until he/she is satisfied.
• If you make a mistake, carry on.  If you completely forget your pattern, return to Narani Chunbi Sogi on your mark and wait to be asked to try again, if that is what the Examiner wants you to do.
• Whilst your theory test is carried out on-line, you may still be asked questions by the Examiner.  You may be asked ANY theory question relevant to your grade, which includes all theory from previous gradings. PLEASE learn your theory!

Important note for parents/guests:

• Taking photographs or video is NOT PERMITTED (for safeguarding reasons)
• Please remain quiet in your seat; please do not distract those who are grading or the Examiner
• Young children must remain quiet and well behaved at all times, and must not be allowed to run around.
• Failure to observe these rules may result in you being asked to leave the grading hall.