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Advancment in rank is done under and subject to the requirements of 8th Degree Black Belt Doon Hoon Kim of Tucson AZ. Master Kim usually comes up at least once a year for testing.
We have strict guidelines on testing. This leads to quality training and makes rank a prized achievement that you can be proud of. Some organizations have shallow requirements that promote fast advancement without the development of ability. Advancement is done to: recognize ability, help people to perform better, and to give better instruction to individuals as they advance. By adhering to strict requirements we ensure that these goals are met, giving people the best possible quality martial arts training.
Emphasis is on practical self defense training. We practice striking and kicking techniques as well as self defense training for defense against grappling, choking, grabbing, and throwing techniques. We also practice self defence disarming techniques against knives and guns. Weapons aren't practiced because of their limited utility. Most self defence is against an unarmed opponent, and most of us don't carry esoteric martial arts weapons with us, so would be unable to use them. However, we have begun work with limited practical weapons training begining with the walking cane. However, weapons techniques are not tested. The emphasis is again on practical unarmed self defense methods. Testing requirements emphasize this fact.
Testing occurs in 4 parts: Forms, Kicking, Sparring, and a Written and oral test on Korean terms. We use the traditional, Pyong-On, Kuk-Mu, Chul-gi, Ship-Soo, Yoon-Bee, and Ja-On set of forms for testing. They are the original forms taught at the Chung Do Kwan institute in Korea, since it originally opended in Korea in 1945. These are similar to the forms used in several Japanese and Okinawan styles of Karate (Shotokan, Shorin Ryu etc.). The Kuk-Mu and Pyong-On series are relativly new (going back to early 1900's), but the other forms go back as early as 13th Century Shaolin temples. In addition to learning the traditional forms (which teach speed, flow, power, focus, balance, accuracy, dealing with multiple opponents, and specific self defense technique) Master D.H. Kim developed a set of 4 Sparring forms. The sparring forms develop combinations and techniques for use in sparring as well as a greater emphasis on kicking than in the traditional forms. Generally before one is allowed to test the instructor ensures that the student is ready for the level to be tested for. One requirement that helps ensure this is advancement to the next rank always includes a certain number of lessons to complete and a time period to wait for the next test. This is a another way of ensuring quality in the training regimen. People who test must test in the traditional white Do-Bok. Ranking belts (people with an advanced rank) must purchase a Do-Bok to train, but beginners or those who do not wish to advance can train in sweats and a Tee-Shirt.
Membership dues for yellow belts and above are $40.00 per year (due at the end of each January). The USU Tae Kwon Do Club uses club dues to pay for the yearly membership dues for all the club ranking belts.
We use membership dues/test fee's to fund travel of the masters for testing and training.