This question comes from Vuk Jovanovic of Serbia. I should become a black belt in few weeks, so I would appreciate if you could write about the basic requirements for a black belt.
Vuk,
Black Belt requirements vary greatly across the world. There are martial art schools that can complete a Black Belt test in 1 hour, and others that will take a whole week to complete. What one school would require for basic techniques will also vary from another school.
A traditional Taekwondo school would typically require the following:
1. Poomse (forms)
2. 3 Step, 2 Step, or 1 Step Sparring
3. Free Sparring
4. Board Breaking
5. Self Defense techniques (if different than Step Sparring above)
6. Demonstration of techniques
Our school does not have a traditional Taekwondo curriculum. I do not disclose the elements to our Black Belt Test, but I can give you the basic outline:
1. Physical Testing
2. Speech and Report
3. Poomse (forms)
4. Weapons Form
5. Taekwondo Sparring
6. Breaking
7. Demonstration of Techniques
9. Bag Drills
10. Paddle Drills
11. Sport Taekwondo
12. Boxing
13. Grappling
14. Self Defense
15. Written Test
The test takes approximately 8 hours to complete, and beginning this summer, it will become a 2 day test. To attempt to answer your question more precisely, I would recommend falling back on the Tenents of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control & Indomitable Spirit.
Courtesy & Integrity should be a core value and hopefully it's taken care of if you're testing for Black Belt. Train with Perseverance in every single technique you execute. Be committed to making every technique one that would safe your life or a family members. By that, I mean with power and focus.
During your Black Belt Test, demonstrate absolute control in your techniques and more importantly, in your emotions. If you make a mistake, or experience a set back in the test, demonstrate that you do not allow anger or frustrastion to take control of you.
Show Indomitable Spirit by not ever giving up, no matter how tired or discouraged you may become. If you never feel slightly defeated during your test, encourage other students who may be testing with you. Share your indomitable spirit with those that may be struggling during their Black Belt Test.
To me, these are the core qualities of a Black Belt. Without these core qualities, you simply have a regular person who knows how to kick and punch. With Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit, you have a Black Belt.
Good luck with your training!
Respectfully,
Master Richardson
