Taekwondo Rank Testing Guide

Rank testing is an essential part of a student's Taekwondo journey, symbolizing growth, dedication, and skill mastery. Each test assesses a student's ability to perform techniques, demonstrate discipline, and understand the principles of Taekwondo. Below is a guide to the different levels of testing and the requirements students should meet before advancing to the next rank.

Testing Tips for All Levels

1. Prepare Thoroughly: Regular practice and review of all required techniques and forms.

2. Understand Expectations: Speak with your instructor to clarify testing criteria.

3. Show Respect: Demonstrate discipline, focus, and respect to your instructors and peers during testing.

4. Stay Calm: Testing can be nerve-wracking, but maintaining composure shows maturity and readiness.

Testing is an opportunity to showcase your progress and dedication. Embrace the process, challenge yourself, and take pride in your achievements. Good luck on your Taekwondo journey!

Yellow Stripe Test

Focus: Fundamentals of Taekwondo
What Students Should Know:
-Basic stances (e.g. attention, ready, forward, at ease, walking, riding, sitting, back stance)
-Proper bowing and respect etiquette
-Basic blocks, punches, and kicks (e.g., low block, high block, inner to outer, outer to inner; single hand punch, double punch, triple punch, twin punch; high rise, axe, crescent (in to put Ana out to in), round house, and front snap kick)
-Understanding the principles of Taekwondo (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control)
-Push-ups
-No-contact sparring

Yellow Belt Test

Focus: Building Strength and Coordination
What Students Should Know:
-Mastery of White Belt techniques
-Basic forms (e.g., Taegeuk 1 for yellow)
-Basic no-contact sparring techniques
-Pushups
-Proper execution of additional kicks (e.g., side kick, jump front snap kick)
-Knowledge of Taekwondo terminology related to techniques and commands

-No-contact sparring

Green Stripe/ Green Belt Test

Focus: Enhanced Techniques and Forms
What Students Should Know:
-Mastery of Yellow Belt skills and forms
-Strikes (knife hand, reverse knife hand, arch, hammer fist, back fist, etc.
-Intermediate forms (e.g., Taegeuk 2 for green stripe & Taegeuk 3 for green belt)
-Advanced no-contact sparring combinations
-Kicking combinations and introduction to spinning techniques
-Board breaking

-Demonstrating confidence, focus, and discipline

Blue Stripe/ Blue Belt Test

Focus: Precision and Power
What Students Should Know:
-Mastery of Green Belt skills and forms
-Advanced forms (e.g., Taegeuk 4 for Blue stripe & Taegeuk 5 for Blue belt)
-Advanced sparring (light contact) and defense strategies
-Proper breaking board technique using hand and foot techniques
-Deeper understanding of Taekwondo history and philosophy

Red Stripe/ Red Belt/Black Stripe Test

Focus: Leadership and Mastery
What Students Should Know:
Proficiency in all previous forms and techniques
Advanced forms (e.g., Taegeuk 6 for red stripe & Taegeuk 7 red belt, Taegeuk 8 for black stripe)
Advanced light contact sparring strategies and footwork
Complex combinations involving spinning or jumping kicks
Board Breaking techniques requiring precision and power
Red belt +: Leadership skills and assisting with lower-belt students
Knowledge of Taekwondo’s origins and key figures

Black Belt Test

Focus: Becoming a Well-Rounded Practitioner
What Students Should Know:
Comprehensive mastery of all prior techniques and forms
Black belt forms (Taegeuk 1-8 & Koryo )
Advanced sparring, including full contact sparring
Board Breaking techniques requiring precision and power
Strong demonstration of mental discipline and Taekwondo principles
Ability to teach and guide others effectively